Experimenting with a few loads, was wondering if anyone out there has any favorite pet loads for plinking. I'm not fond of shooting hot stuff all day long



686 Plus, with 6" barrel

http://www.keltec-pmr30.com/category/2803-Kel_Tec_PMR_30_Pistol.aspx
Our new plinker...2000 rounds in storage might not be enough...

One of my favorites was WW 231 and a Hornady 148 grain HBWC.
I can't remember it exactly but WW should have it in their data.
I used 38 Special brass for those loads....very, very accurate. Good for friendly range betting

Shoot your .357 stuff first and then the 38 Specials.
A carbon ridge forms in the chambers at the mouth of the cases.
Shoot the long stuff first.

Same gun. .38 Special loads, medium range. 4.7 grains of unique behind a 158gr lead SWC. Easy on the hands, but a bit dirty in the gun.

Twitch, I have a 686+ w/ the 4" bbl, it is a well made, accurate 7 shooter & they are built like a tank.

Have hot hunting loads, mid-range & target ammo.


I'll look up my mid-range data for you.


c/22

My first rifle handload was a 30-06 plinker load.
Unique with a 110 grain pill.
Yep, dirty.

A .45 auto competitor got me onto WW 231 for the pistol.
Clean.

I just have a few pounds of Unique and no longer load shotgun, so I use it in .44 special and other light pistol loads.

W231 for my .40 and .45.

Twich, here is the data on my mid-range loads for the 686+.

All loads built on Federal 38 spl +P nickle plated brass.

AA #5 @ 7.5 grains
Remington 125 grain JHP
CCI 500 (small pistol standard)
Muzzle velocity out of a 6" S&W @ 927 feet per second.
This load is rated as a 38 spl +P.

AA #5 @ 6.2 grains
Speer 158 grain LSWC HP
CCI 500
Muzzle velocity 6" S&W 922 fps
Also rated as a +P load (Note, Speer's high speed lube = no barrel leading to just over 1050 fps)

You can purchase both these bullets in bulk (500 pc.) to keep reloading costs down.

Your brass will last for many reloads, just keep them trimmed @ 1.145". Discard brass w/ case necks starts to split or primer pockets enlarge.

These loads are clean burning & accurate in my gun. The 158 LSWC HP is a good small game load

Any questions post ot PM.




c/22

Never hand loaded for .357 but I have the same pistol with 6" barrel. I used to shoot NRA silhouette matches and rock chucks with it. The best factory loads were .38 special +p's with 125 grain bullets. If you can match those velocities with that grain of bullet in either .357 or .38 special brass, I think youl be set. Sounds like Chrome/22's info will get you dialed in sooner.

I cant stand shooting the big loads for that pistol either. Kicks like a mule, powder blows back in your face, and cant hit sh!t with em' at a distance.

Thanks all for the replies. Now... if I could get some free time to get a few loads together.

I'll report back if I find something especially delicious.

Remember, Accurate Arms #5.

just sayin...


c/22

Have had several.

They are best served by midstream loads,or they'll be plagued with feed/function issues.

Enjoy a 'Smith,like a Colt...for it's smoooothtitude. Treat it like a Ruger and you'll be pissed and quickly. Easy to tie up a 'Smith,so don't.

They are generally timed well,with forcing cones in synch with their spout.