Question for you experts?

[catkiller45]

Ok. I've got a 686 S&w
6 inch revolver. I would like
to try some 38/44 loads
for close range deer hunting. Is my
Revolver strong enough
to handle these loads
with no issues. Be safe
than sorry. Thanks

[lar45]

Nope, you should limit yourself to 38 S&W level loads.

[schutzen-jager]

the 686 is on an L frame which was designed for 357 magnum loads , so i don't believe 38/44 level loads would be excessive - call S&W + ask their tech support for a definitive answer -

[gwpercle]

38/44 loads are simply 38 Special +P loads . The 38/44 came out before the 357 magnum and were loaded in 38 Special cases for use in the N Frame S&W's revolvers chambered in 38 Special ... they were the Heavy Duty (fixed sights) and Outdoorsman (adjustible sights) ...
The N frame revolvers could handle the higher pressure of the 38/44 HD
The 686 is an L Frame but is designed to handle 357 Magnum ammo which develops more pressure than 38/44 . Your 686 can safely handle 357 Magnum or 38 Special +P or the old obsolete 38/44 HD pressures .
You will gain nothing by using any of the lessor powered rounds
... 357 Magnum ammo is still your best bet ... but if you wish to use 38 Special +P ( or +P+ ) ... go for it ... just make sure your load meets min. ft/lb requirements of local game regulations .
Gary

[catkiller45]

Appreciate the replies..

[Larry Gibson]

38/44 loads are not quite "simply" 38 SPL +P loads. 38/44 loads push the psi upwards of 28,000 psi whereas 38 SPL +P loads run upwards of only 20,000 psi.

As previously mentioned, the 686 is also chambered in 357 magnum and is an L frame S&W. I wouldn't have a problem easing up on 38/44 loads if it was my revolver but that is me. I don't recommend that to anyone else but what you do is up to you.

[Bazoo]

Is it a 38 special chambered 686?

[schutzen-jager]

the .38 special + .357 magnums are built from same materials + only variation is chamber depth - like i stated call S&W tech assistance for a definitive answer -

[Outpost75]

Larry has given you the straight dope. I use his tested loads in my Rugers, S&W N-frame heavy duty and Colt New Service .38 Specials. Very satisfactory.

[Sgt H]

Since you objective is deer hunting with a .357 revolver why limit yourself with 38/44 level loads which are like a 357 light. I would want all the power I could get with a 357 and would use full power loads. Your 686 will even handle the older hotter loads before the 357 was watered down for the newer small frame light weight revolvers. Personally, even with full power loads I would limit shots to 50 yards or less.

[Geezer in NH]

All 686 are 357 mag, Why use lower power for deer hunting?

I have killed deer with 357 mag in handgun and rifles. I prefer bigger in rifles as same weight but better stats. Handguns I used a pre M29 4" for years until my arthritis kept me from shooting it. I now carry the M19 4" and that is becoming hard to shoot.

Until I cannot handle that I am not going lower.

[catkiller45]

The 38/44 loads in my 686 are very accurate. 12.3 gr of 2400 plus a 158 swc with gas checks. A little over 1300 fps. Now I think I can gain 200 or more fps out of my Rossi 92. I see no reason it wouldn't work for 50/60 yd deer hunting.

[catkiller45]

I have the same revolver. It loves the 38/44 loads