First time shooting SW 686 with serious loads

[Univibe]

First range trip was Blazer .38s in six inch 686.     They were all I had at the time.

Today we shot it with some real magnum loads.    13.0 grains AA9 under Speer 158 grain JSP bullets.   Published data is around 1250 fps but I didn't chrono.  These aren't mega-max grizzly loads, but they did have some authority.   

Weight of the L-frame and especially the six inch lugged barrel tamed 'em down to make them pleasant to shoot.   Accurate, too.

Oddly enough, that's the same load I've been shooting in my Sprg 10mm 1911.   13.0 grains AA9 under 180 grain FMJ, also published at around 1250 fps.

Both are good stout loads but nothing too hot for comfort.

[sqlbullet]

My son-in-law has a 686+ with a 4" barrel.  Solid shooter.

[Goetztalon]

I have a 686-5 6" and it shoots great also! I like 2400 for the hot stuff also because that's what Elmer Keith like for the .357 lol! have fun and be safe.

[Univibe]

Last week I upped the load to max published AA data:    13.8 grains AA9 under 158 grain JSP.     I didn't chrono, but AA published data suggests around 1370 fps.     It felt stout but not outlandish.  No signs of high pressure on the primers, no sticky extraction.    I did it just to try it;  I'll be loading mostly lighter target loads.