I can't find the old thread where all this started but I got the 686 back from Smith &Wesson repair. They re-cut the forcing cone and the pistol looks perfect in every way. the muzzle, crown ,barrel, forcing cone all look perfect. The cylinders are still 3 = .357 and 3= .3565. It does group better.
The load that was putting 3 in one hole and the other 3 shots 2 to 3 inches lower and 2 to 3 inches wide now contains them all in an 1.25 inch square. 3 shots are across the top and 3 are across the bottom at 12 yards with no part of the group outside the square.
I have a few more boolits to try before any mods to the gun. The first mod may be 25 shots with Flitz on the boolits or in the forcing cone. I have done this before with amazing results. I also have the tooling to open the cylinders to .358 but maybe that should be the last option. I could also roll some boolits in a grittier paste and shoot them. Another option is to shoot it a LOT and see what happens.
I would value all your opinions. Thanks in advance.
Dale