First Magnum Rounds

[mbrown]

This past memorial day weekend I had my first chance to fire 357 magnum rounds through my S&W 686 4". I've only owned it for a few months and up till now had only fired 38+P. In summary, I didn't find the recoil of the magnum rounds to be all that different than the 38+P. After reading about it I expected the magnum to be more uncomfortable than it was and I'm a smaller guy. The ammo I shot was Blazer. Maybe it's due to the S&W L-frame and the 4 inch barrel?

[kurac]

Get some Federal American Eagle .357 Ammo and you will feel it. I don't think that Blazer stuff is loaded to true .357 Magnum performance levels.

[BaronW]

I got some older american eagle high-velocity stuff and it makes a difference out of my 4" GP-100. I don't shoot too much of it lest I develop a bad flinch.

[cactuspete]

The CCI Blazers are definitely on the light side. I've heard they are just a step up from .38+ specials. My first gun, a 4" 686 Plus, I started shooting .38 specials and CCI Blazer .357 mags - they were readily available and affordable from Big-5. Like you, I figured - the .357 mags aren't that big a deal. One day at the range I ran out of CCI Blazers. Bought a box of "real" .357 mags; forget what brand. Quite a difference! I've heard that the current standard .357 mag ammo is actually lighter then the original ammo when the round first came out back in the 1930s.

[BigRich]

Try some Remington or Federal 125 gr. JHP "old style" loads. They will make an impression. Recoil rises to the abrupt level but it is not painful in the least. If you want to try some original level 357 mag loads try some Buffalo Bore 158 gr. stuff. http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunitio...s/357_158..jpg

[mbrown]

Thanks for the info on the Blazer ammo. I was wondering if that might be a factor. Blazer: the sissy magnums?

[Pugster]

I shot a full box of the Remington .357 in my snub (Ruger SP101). That stuff wrecked havoc on my hand

[Black Majik]

Magtechs are also some pretty hot ammo.

[FlyingPen]

Magtechs are also some pretty hot ammo.

Really? I always thought they were cheapo ammo on the level of WWB and Blazer Brass.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

In summary, I didn't find the recoil of the magnum rounds to be all that different than the 38+P. After reading about it I expected the magnum to be more uncomfortable than it was and I'm a smaller guy.

The 686 has some decent heft to it.

Try .357 in a sub size wheel gun with wood grips, like a Smith and Wesson 640 or even Ruger SP101.

Without a glove it gets pretty punishing , one time, a long session broke the skin on the web of my shooting hand.

[Knauga]

I got some older american eagle high-velocity stuff and it makes a difference out of my 4" GP-100. I don't shoot too much of it lest I develop a bad flinch.

Get a set of these and all of your worries of flinch will go away

I've put some pretty hot loads through my GP100 and it is smooth as silk with the Tamer's on.

[1911su16b870]

Really? I always thought they were cheapo ammo on the level of WWB and Blazer Brass.

IMO Magtech are good rounds and hot in 357. I like their brass and find it good for reloading.

[Black Majik]

Really? I always thought they were cheapo ammo on the level of WWB and Blazer Brass.

Oh, I meant loaded hot.

[cactuspete]

Like Knauga said, the big Hogue, in S&W's case, X-frame, grips are the way to go to take the sting out of the big magnums. I have them on both my 686 Plus' and 629 Classic. They make a big difference.