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BigJimP · November 5, 2012, 03:16 PM

I reload for .357 mag ( and .38 spl ) ....but the bullet I've shot for a long time in both calibers ...is the 158gr / the traditional bullet in that caliber. Its a good all around bullet ...and fine for Defense as well. I load a Montana Gold bullet - 158gr JSP...to about 1250 fps..../ for the grandkids, I load the same bullet in a .38 spl ...at about 750 fps for a nice soft shooting practice round. I practice with the full blown .357 mag loads...in all of my S&W K, L, N frame revolvers in .357 mag...

If I did not reload....I'd buy Magtech ammo ...158gr JSP .. Its about 1235 fps...but its a good all around cartridge / and I'd use it for Defense as well.

http://www.magtechammunition.com/sit...search=details

The model 686-2 is a fine gun / very strong gun ....you've made a good choice. The 686-2 was made in 1987 ( it was changed to a -3 in 1988).

Despite some reported issues with the no dash and -1 series between 1980 and 1987 / I have a dash 1 model in 6" with many thousands of rounds thru it - and the gun has never been a problem. Enjoy the new revolver !

November 5, 2012, 03:16 PM	#5
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I reload for .357 mag ( and .38 spl ) ....but the bullet I've shot for a long time in both calibers ...is the 158gr / the traditional bullet in that caliber. Its a good all around bullet ...and fine for Defense as well. I load a Montana Gold bullet - 158gr JSP...to about 1250 fps..../ for the grandkids, I load the same bullet in a .38 spl ...at about 750 fps for a nice soft shooting practice round. I practice with the full blown .357 mag loads...in all of my S&W K, L, N frame revolvers in .357 mag... If I did not reload....I'd buy Magtech ammo ...158gr JSP .. Its about 1235 fps...but its a good all around cartridge / and I'd use it for Defense as well. http://www.magtechammunition.com/sit...search=details The model 686-2 is a fine gun / very strong gun ....you've made a good choice. The 686-2 was made in 1987 ( it was changed to a -3 in 1988). Despite some reported issues with the no dash and -1 series between 1980 and 1987 / I have a dash 1 model in 6" with many thousands of rounds thru it - and the gun has never been a problem. Enjoy the new revolver !