Is this too much boom for a 686?

[FunYet]

I have a S&W 688 Plus, 4" that will be my going to the woods gun this summer. I've read a few recommendations for Double-Tap hard cast 180 gr or 200 gr ammo for this purpose. I mentioned this to the local gunshop jockey and he told me the 686 will not handle this load? I know I won't be plinking with Double-Tap but I want to at least practice with them without ripping my gun apart. Is something like a Ruger more up to the task of handling full house loads or is this gun shop salesmanship and mythology?

 

[SnWnMe]

The Ruger > Smith issue about hot loads does not apply to L frames.

 

[steveracer]

I shoot DT all the time. 125gn loads that are really nice.

I carry them in my 66 F-comp, but don't shoot more than 15 or 20 a week.
Steve

 

[ARTiger]

They work well in my 627PC. Have tried both the 180 and 200 gr. Cast Flat nosed solids. BTW, I would not recommend shooting many of these - they're beastly.

 

[Sundles]

Your L frame is very stong. Shoot the Double Tap in it--no problem.

 

[glockman19]

No problem with your 686

 

[countryrebel]

Typical gun shop guy that does not know what he's talking about.Your good to go on DTap's in your 686.

 

[SAWBONES]

DT isn't too "hot" for any modern gun.

No problem shooting any DT or Buffalo Bore .38 Special or .357 Magnum load in any 686.
I shoot the hottest possible factory .357 loads in my 2 1/2" barrel 686-5 with no trouble.

 

[DWARREN123]

Call or e-mail S&W and see what they say. If they say it's okay and something happens then it's on them to repair or replace.

 

[skeeter1]

Call or e-mail S&W and see what they say.

send an email to [email protected] and get the answer straight from the horse's mouth. They're really good folks about answering that sort of question.

 

[Jim March]

No problem. *Maybe* many thousands could loosen things but I doubt it, and the stuff is too pricey for that anyhow. I wouldn't hesitate for a second testing several boxes and doing some practice once in a while with a 686.

Even a K-frame 357 can take moderate amounts - and by that I mean "at least a thousand" and probably more.

 

[steveracer]

I love gunshop gurus

I have shot many, many thousands of 125grn .357MAG in my K-frames, and even my model 60. There isn't really a problem here, people. Guns marked ".357MAG" are capable of shooting that round. Do people caution one another about shooting .44MAG in an N-frame?
Shoot whatever you like. If it's commercial ammo, it will not hurt your gun. If it does, Smith and Wesson will fix it for you for free for life.

 

[PzGren]

The cost to tighten the gun up is a fraction of the ammo cost necessary to get there.

 

[AStone]

...my going to the woods gun this summer...
Double-Tap hard cast 180 gr or 200 gr ammo for this purpose.

Out of curiosity, why that load?

Your location is listed as OH.
Nothing in the woods there demands that load.

Are you planning to walk in Montana or Alaska?
If so, why not .454C or - better yet - .45/70 or 12 ga?

If not, why not a full house .357 rnd with a lighter projectile?

 

[Seven For Sure]

I've shot both of those loads through both of my 686's and even my 386PD (18oz). The 386PD hurt. I keep the 200 gr. in my 686 I use for a truck gun.