250g loads for a S&W 696

[Snapping Twig]

Using Lyman 429421 which drops at 250g from WW, I like 6.5g W231/HP38 for my N frame 44Spl's.

I believe it fits the category of safety for the 696 while being more than the weak factory stuff.

This load is @ 50fps less than a Skeeter.

Anyone have experience here?

[Clay M]

I run the milder target loads in my .44 Spl. I never try to make it into a magnum.
6.5 grains of HP38 is a good mild load.

[376Steyr]

I have a custom 4 inch "696". The Skeeter load of 7.5 Unique/250K, recoiled more than I liked, so I dropped down to 7.0 Unique. I think the Skeeter load was "safe", but I was concerned about the additional wear and tear on the L frame gun versus an N frame.

[Clay M]

I use 7.7 of Unique with the Lyman 429215 .It also has some recoil but is accurate.

[Snapping Twig]

So you guys think I'm in the right ballpark with this load?

Might also try it with the Lyman 429215. I haven't used that mould for years.

[Hickory]

The 696, 5 shot S&W 44 special is an "L" frame

[Clay M]

I would probably try 7 grains of Unique and the 429215.That bullet seems very accurate.

[bearbud]

My no dash 696 is one of my favorite revolvers, and with the few that were made I consider this gun irreplaceable. This and the fact that it is an L frame and the forcing cone is so thin, I am super gentle with it. My max load with the 429421 is 5.5g of 231. (It is also the max load for this combination in the Lyman cast bullet handbook, 4th edition). For my N frame 44 specials, I will go higher. Also, the throats on my 696 are 0.428", so I make sure to size my boolits accordingly not to spike the pressure to high.

[Snapping Twig]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a51/SnappingTwig1/P6280007_zps6329623f.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a51/SnappingTwig1/P6280004_zpsefeff5a0.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a51/SnappingTwig1/P6280002_zpsdc570ac9.jpg

Thanks for the load suggestions.

Haven't shot it yet, but soon.

[Snapping Twig]

I got out to the range today and used the 'Snapper' load - 250g SWC over 6.5g W231.

Excellent results!

Highly accurate, not too stout, hard hitting.

I'm leaning to this roscoe being a favorite.

I had to dial in the sights from the previous owner and the load used at that time, moved the POI right and up, then it was a drill!

[Lloyd Smale]

when i first got mine i ran a whole bunch of kieths load with that bullet and 18 grains of 2400 and my gun is no worse for wear. Anymore my go to load is 7.5 grains of power pistol, unique or universal clays. very accurate with those loads and ive taken wild bore with it without any problem. There not weak little guns. The only real weakness in them is the thin forcing cone they have. Im sure if a guy shot a bunch of stiff loads with ball powders and jacketed bullets it wouldnt last long. By the way the 696 is my choise for the all time best packing pistol!

[9.3X62AL]

While I've not had the pleasure of owning or firing one, the S&W 696 has always struck me as an ideal CCW revolver.