Ammunition for revolver

Gentlemen, and ladies. I have moments in which I am able to fire a fairly decent group from a handgun. Sometimes, two or three groups in a short period of time. I have been shooting the DR matches without any significant luck. I have a standard S&W 586 with a 6" barrel. From a Ransom Rest, the groups at 50 yards from my hand loaded 148 grain swaged LWC bullet ammunition is largely less than impressive. I tried 158 grain LSWC swaged bullets in .38 cases as well as in .357 cases. Winchester 231 and Bullseye powder have been used so far for propellant. I am making no significant improvements in group size. I purchased the pistol second hand, so I do not have the pedigree from day one. I looked at factory ammunition and there is largely nothing in my area that suits me. I would appreciate any advice on this issue. Thanks in advance. DennyMac

Try Remington 158 ball. Target if you can find it. Their 158 SWC is also good.

Here is a pretty good read. I use the 158gr Magtech 100% lead hollow base round nose.

https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t2221-distinguished-revolver-loads-that-don-t-suck?highlight=suck

I found that my groups tightened up by reducing the load.  I ended up with 2.8 b.e. with 158 lrn as the best groups from 3.7 down to 2.6.  Still not impressive groups though  ~9 ring size from sand bags with open sights.

The only way to tell if a revolver favors or disfavor a particular chamber is to shoot it a LOT.  You'll need to shoot individual chambers multiple times to determine if one is more accurate and you'll need to shoot cylinders of ammo to determine if one or more cylinders increase your dispersion.  You'll also need to do this multiple times.

One advantage is you'll learn to shoot a revolver very well.  After that you may find that it doesn't make as much difference after all.