Are CCI Blazer 158 Grain JHP .357s not very

[Deer Hunter]

I took my 686+ (Christmas present) out for the first time today. The only ammo I had for it was come CCI Blazer .357 magnums that were under the tree. I bring my STG58 and my CZ75 9mm out to have fun with them as well.

I was a little apprehensive the first tim I loaded seven rounds into its cylinder, noting what I'd hear from THR about the .357. Well, when I squeezed off the first round, I almost checked the cylinder to see if the shot had really fired. After goin through that cylinder, I check the box to see if these were indeed .357 magnums I was shooting.

They were, but I was surprised at how little they kicked. I'm extremely impressed with the sights and handling of this handgun. I love it, and I'm glad to finally own a .357 magnum. But someone please tell me why my Fiocchi 9mm kicks harder!

 

[Rangie]

Pick up some of the 142gr fiochi load if you want to be a little more impressed with the flash and boom of the .357mag.

 

[Seven For Sure]

They are going 1150 from a 4". Not very impressive. I use these for practice in my 18oz. 386PD. They are clean and accurate though. What barrel length did you get? I have a 6" 686+. If you want some heavy loads look at DT.
www.doubletapammo.com

 

[22-rimfire]

If this is firstexperience with the 357, you have good ammunition to start out with. You have to learn to walk before you run. CCI Blasers are low powered practice ammo. You will have no problem finding more powerful 357 ammunition. Any gunshow will sell what you need.

 

[Deer Hunter]

I'm glad to know that the CCI Blazers arn't as hot as others out there. I'll try to grab up some Fiocchi loads for it. Those Italians know how to load them!

I have a 4" 686. I need to get some more ammo for it sooner or later, thanks for the help.

 

[go_bang]

The CCI .357 158gr JHP is both a defensive carry and a practice round for me. They're hot enough for defensive use, light enough that follow up shots are easy to make due to the low muzzle flip, and cheap enough to practice with.

Their previous bullet design, a semi-jacketed lead hollow point, performed very well in the gelatin tests that Gun Tests did some years back. Not sure about how the new design fares, though.

 

[.41Dave]

They were, but I was surprised at how little they kicked. I'm extremely impressed with the sights and handling of this handgun. I love it, and I'm glad to finally own a .357 magnum. But someone please tell me why my Fiocchi 9mm kicks harder!

As others have mentioned, the CCI Blazer ammo is relatively mild, and you should also consider that your 686+ has a substantial amount of steel in the form on a barrel underlug hanging right where it will soak up the most muzzle flip and dampen perceived recoil.

If you are looking for Hyperatomic Ammo of Doom in the .357 magnum, try some of these. (VERY pricey, though) http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#357