Best Bullseye Bullet for SW M586 Barrel

Hi All,

I am getting a new SW M586 and having a smith work it up for bullseye. I need to keep it stock on the exterior, and don't want to get a new barrel with a different twist rate because I will use it in DR matches.  But will also use it for conventional bullseye matches. I was wondering what the best bullet for this barrel is. Does the twist rate of a factory new M586 do better with target loaded 148 WC or 158 SWC ammo? Anyone have experience with this? I need accuracy out to 50 yards.

Best,

Joe

When I thought we were going to be able to use a 38 special bullet other then 158gr lead for DR I started testing other rounds in my 14 (same twist). I had really good results with Hornady 110gr XTP. I have determined that it produces nice results with a range of powders. None of the lead bullets I tried shot as well (for me) I found a little hotter bullet made the long revolver barrel more forgiving. I settled on 5.7 gr of BE for the long line and have been playing with 4.2 on the short line. I put a heavy roll crimp on the cannelure. But, if you must use lead then none of the above. The 158gr LRN has proven to be the better choice. See Rob's post about "DR loads that don't suck"  https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t2221-distinguished-revolver-loads-that-don-t-suck

The 586 has the same twist as the 14. I think you'd be well served with a fat 148gr HBWC. I load mine with 2.9gr of HP-38 (win 231), flush with the case mouth. Very accurate and mild recoil.

+1 on the 148gr HBWC.

Those Remingtons that were mentioned in another thread are really amazing--that's why they are so hard to get, but the Zeros work really well for my k38 14.

I load 2.5gr bullseye and it still works well for my buddy's 42. Bullseye is not the best powder for .38spl, but I'm to lazy/busy to change the powder.

"I settled on 5.7 gr of BE for the long line"

Is that a typo? Alliant data shows 5.2 as max for 38spl +p with 110 jhp.

rreid,   No, that wasn't a typo. But you did make me look. Hornady Edition 7.