Load recommendation for 696

[mtnbkr]

I'm picking up a S&W 696 soon and would like some suggestions on loads that will not put undue stress on this gun. I'll mainly be using it as a woods loafing/fishing gun and range plinker with occasional use as an "in town" CCW.

My preference would be to use a Skeeter load of 7.5gr Unique with a 250gr Keith bullet, but I understand that's a bit much for the little gun. It seems lots of folks like lighter bullets at slightly faster velocities (200gr@900fps for example). I don't quite understand why though. I would think a heavier bullet at lower velocities would be gentler to the forcing cone than a lighter bullet moving faster (kind of like how the 125gr 357mags were rougher on M19 FCs than the 158gr loads).

What do you guys prefer? I don't want to turn this gun into a mini-magnum, I just want something adequate for 2-legged predators, feral dogs, and other aggressive non-bear/cougar/wolf animals.

Chris

[Chip]

I shoot a 240 gr. SWC over 6.5 gr. Unique in mine.

[serialsolver]

I think you will be ok with the 7.5 gr. unique load which is about 900fps. I would not go beyond that. It is what I use in my 696. I bought mine used and it came with all the paper work that states the 696 is rated for +p loads. I have read of folks shooting the Keith load which is about 1200fps but I think it is too much for the 696. I practice with 6 gr unique and carry 7.5 gr unique and I use a 240 grain swc. I prefer a heavy bullet. A 250 +- gr bullet at 900 to 1000 fps will do what you what and should work on small bears, cougars and wolfs also. Great little gun. Here is a photo of my 696.

[dave]

When I owned one I found the 250/7.5g loading a bit much. It's not a single action that you let roll in your hand. Shooting DA I found it just too much for rapid recovery on the sights/target. Speer's 200g Gold Dot HP is a pretty good factory carry load for the 3" barrel but I thought CorBon's 200g DPX load was even better. YMMV!

Dave

[mtnbkr]

Serialsolver, I like those grips. Who makes them?

Seems like there are two main camps when it comes to loading this gun: 200gr and 240/250. I guess I'm going to give both a try. I tend to err on the side of a heavier bullet. I guess it will come down to shootability.

Chris

[mbaneacp]

240/6 gr Unique for "puffball" loads...usually carry 200-gr Corbon DPXs.

Michael B

[wickerbill]

Your going to love this gun. I shoot 6.7 grs. of 231 with a 260gr keith. We need pictures, here's mine.

Bill

[boxhead]

While the cylinder is bull strong, they are known for having forcing cone problems when cranked up so I would stick to the 7.5 gr Unique load as maximum and likley shoot a bit less. I considered swapping my 3" M624 for one but realized that the difference in size/weight was not large and liked the comfort of the more robust gun. They are darn slick pieces though.

[Chip]

Here's mine. ;D

[serialsolver]

mtnbkr, I got those grips from Don Collins www.collinscraftgrips.com/

[Lee Martin]

My Charter Arms' usually get 6.0 of Green Dot under a 250 Keith. Mild on the gun, but still has plenty of punch.

-Lee
www.singleactions.com

[mtnbkr]

Serialsolver, I thought they looked like his work.

Lee, I'm not familiar with GD, what sort of numbers do you get?

Chris

[Fowler]

A Lyman 429215GC would be a great bullet for this gun I suspect, 220gr Keith type bullet with a gas check, run it at 900fps and it would be a good compromise while still being more manageable than at 255gr Keith. It has also been a very accurate bullet for me.

Something tells me recoil will limit you before the gun does for day to day shooting...

[Bowenbuilt]

I found the the Speer 200 grn Gold dot was the only bullet that expanded reliably out of my short barreled revolver. At 900 to 850 FPS it would fully mushroom every time in all kinds of test media.
For less perceived recoil with the heavier cast bullets I found that WST worked very well. With a starting load of 5 grns and a 240 CSWC. WST is not temperature sensitive, is clean burning, has a non existent muzzle flash and works well in a short barrel.

[mtnbkr]

What do you guys use for holsters with this gun? I've been considering a 120 style holster, but I'm concerned the weight of the gun might cause a bit more "flop" than I'd prefer. If not a 120, then a pancake of some sort.

Chris