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From: hejl%ssdss4@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Hejl)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Target shooting: questions
Message-ID: <35473@mimsy.umd.edu>
Date: 11 Jun 91 21:14:47 GMT
Sender: magnum@mimsy.umd.edu
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Approved: gun-control@cs.umd.edu

Ok, with all of this discussion about target shooting, let me throw out
some initial questions. I have a 686 (6" barrel) with a trigger job (3.5# s.a.)
and a red dot sight (by LaserAim, I think: its not a Pro Point or Aim Point)
and want to get more involved with target shooting.  The gun has also had the
timing and tolerances checked and the cylinder chamfered.  It is a newer model
with the "floating" hand.

Currently, I go to the range once or twice a week and have consequently
started reloading.  Only one local range has informal competitions but I
haven't had a chance to attend one yet: I plan to as soon as time permits.

I also have several other guns but prefer the 686 at the range. However, I
find my 622 very accurate also. I *don't*, at this point, want a .45 et.al.
race gun (I *hate* to chase brass).  Primarily, I'm interested (at this
point) in a relaxing day at the range and not concerned about speed shooting.


Question 1: What else should I consider (as a next step) for my 686? How
about Mag-na-port (see loadings below; I'm not interested, aesthetically,
in slab comps or screw-on comps)?  How effective are crane locks and 11
degree forcing cones?  How much are replacement match barrels and where
can you get them?  Also, my eyesight is pretty poor and the Pro Point is
wonderous compared to the stock sights.  Would a, say, 2X or 3X scope be as
effective or better than the red dot for 25 yards?

Question 2: How about loads: I'm using Bull-X 158g SWC and some Speer 148g
HBWC loaded pretty mild to prevent leading.  Since I've just started reloading,
what are some preferred powders (Blue Dot?) and bullets?  Will 38 Special loads
perform as well (accuracy wise) as .357s?  (Of course, I'd verify any load
data).  Is seating the HBWC about 1/8" above the case mouth (in the top cannuler
(sp)) with a mild crimp acceptable or should I seat it even with the case mouth
and crimp separately?


Lots of questions but I hope this starts a related thread.  I'd like to see
followups posted, but try email also.  My email is kinda flaky: we're
changing from UUCP to internet and things don't work too well yet :-(

Boy, this is addicting!

Mike

-- 
+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=+
| Mike Hejl    NEC America, Inc.  Switching Systems Division  Irving, Texas |
| hejl@ssd.dl.nec.com  I don't even speek for mself, much less NEC...       |
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