Walt S

I currently shoot 158 gr RN with 4.7 gr W231 giving me a MINOR power factor. I have loaded 180 gr XTP and 180 gr JHP using Bullseye at 3.0 grs and 3.5 grs respectively. I HAVE NOT cronoed the loads and do not shoot them on a full time basis. They do not kick in my model 66 with a 4 barrel. You would probably have to go a little higher with the Bullseye load to make MAJOR. I DO NOT KNOW what long term effect that would have on your gun, but if it is truley a .38/.357 mag I don't see the problem as you wouldn't have a problem shooting magnum loads. Why not considere shooting magnum loads if you want major, I'm going to give it a try (even though I know they kick a lot more). Good luck, please let use know what you deside to do.

Glad to have you join us. WHAT are you shooting and from WHAT club ?

Personnaly, I take the hard approach. I'm now armed with my new GLOCK revolver, so no one messes with me.

The biggest thing for me is the people that represent the sport. I've been shooting for a year now. I was talked into puttig my bottom feeder in the drawer. Then the people from several clubs in Area 1 mentored me, or tormented me. All good natured fun but trying to help me help myself. The guns, gear, ammo, etc. were a follow-on to the personal help I received. I think I've improved faster because of the help, and really enjoy it more because of the people.

I just received my VCR tape from AGI (American GunSmith) on the S&W revolvers. It covers all revolvers starting with dissassembly, cleaning, TUNNING, and reassembly. The gun is taken all the way down so you can see each part. The video can be obtained through AGI 1325 Imola Ave, West #504 Napa, CA 94559 (707) 253-0462 Enjoy, Walt p.s. It also shows you how to handle those springs that want to jump out at you.

I shoot a S&W 357/38 loading 158 gr RN platted bullets. This is on a model 66-6 with 4" barrel. Very good results with both: 3.5 grs of Bullseye, Federal primers, -and- 4.7 grs W231 with Federal primers, resulting in a 128.93 power factor. Best wishes, there are MANY ideas out there. Walt OOOOOOPS !! Please IGNORE the above as I posted it in the wrong area. SORRY

Out of curiousity, you mentioned moving up to a 686 with moons, have you given any thought to the 625? If you're going to put money into a wheelgun for USPSA, the 625 is the place to do it. Plus the moons are real cheap and the gun comes from the factory ready to use them. Not to mention the faster reloads you'll have in a 625. And it makes Major real easy. There are several reasons why I was thinking of moving to the 686. Because I'm still learning I will probably change my mind and my bank balance several more times. I thought I'd stay with the 38/357 combination because I have all the reloading stuff and I can easily shot MAJOR or MINOR without much effort. I was introduced to the 610 with moon clips and liked it very much, but again, different dies, brass, powder, etc. THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK and questions. Will keep me thinking. THANKS EVERYONE. I sure didn't expect this much info in such a short time span. But then this group doesn't waste time in responding. GOOD INFO, thanks to you all.

Been shooting for almost a year now. Been following all the things the big boys are doing so I can improve. It's working slowly. I shot a SW model 10, bobbed the hammer, worked the springs. Then moved up to a model 66 with hammer bobbed, springs changed. Thinking of moving into a model 686 and have it portted for moon clips. But now I'm asking myself, why bob the hammer. Springs, polishing and moon clips makes seanse. WHAT VALUE DO I GET BY BOBBING THE HAMMER ? Thanks guys ....

This is crap. If you (the powers to be) don't shoot a wheel gun there is no reason to want to get ride of it. WHAT IS THE REAL PROBLEM if any with the revolver division. Is it hurting any one.. Is it costing the group any money. I just started shooting revolver this year to help the group grow. I'd hate to have all that investment trashed.

Jerry, I WILL take advantage of your outage. I plan on shooting twice a week until you get better. If I can't beat you by then well have to find some other reason for you to be out. JUST KIDDING, HOPE THE SURGERY GOES WELL. Your friend Walt

Saw the statement you guys made about pulling the old guns out to shoot them. That's great. TWIX, I just got beat (again) today by a 620. Most of the time Jerry V beats me with his 610. I'm impressed with the 610. And for the model 66 statement, I'm shooting an (old) 66 and love it.

I'm a new shooter and started my practice at 3' and moved out to 6' then 12'. It worked well for me. HOWEVER, your suggestion has caught my attention. Think I'll try it this week before I compete on Saturday. Will look forward to reporting something good from that practice. Thanks for the idea.

I'm going to kick Jerry V's butt. WELL I DID KICK HIS BUTT today at the Dundee shoot. Unfortunately I did it with my boot, not my shooting. HE GOT ME AGAIN. Feel like I'm improving all the time, but have a ways to go before being compettive. Another fun, educational day with alot of nice people.

I actually think you DQ'ed on purposed ..... the pressure was just way too much to handle ----- Jerry <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The kid is being to nice to the old guy, but you'll be happy to have some local competion. Watch your rear view mirror. Walt

Well I'm on my way, or so I though. Practice every day, speed loading looking good, accuracy getting better. LET THE GAMES BEGIN as I'm going to kick Jerry V's butt (or that's the short term goal). First stage at TRI-COUNTY, did very good. Second stage, DQed. Shoot up one side of the course, picked up a wagon in the weak hand and started shooting back the other side. Instead of backing up, keeping my shoulders square to the 180, I walked straight back taking the targets as I came to them. The second target I shoot at 185/190 degrees from the line (I'M OUT, PUT THE GUN IN THE CAR, AND WATCHED OTHERS THE REST OF THE DAY. Did I feel bad, NOOOOO I made a MISTAKE that I learned from. I found out later that day that at least two others DQed the same way. NOT AN EXCUSE, but a learning level. P.S. I know Paul, the RO felt bad about having to DQ me, BUT HE DID HIS JOB as I would hope. He kept the the sport SAFE and I learned a lesson.

WOW, I didn't expect some much feedback. What a great forum. Thanks one and all. Bubber, I got your second e-mail with clear pictures. As soon as I get a few more loadrs (in the event I screw up the ones I have) I'll cut one down and see how it works. I"LL PROVIDE FEED BACK TO THE FORUM ONCE I DO THAT. Walt

Someone wrote an arcticle (I believe) about modifying the COMP-III speed loaders to make for a faster load. Does anyone know how I can get a copy of that info, what web-site it might have been on, etc. Thanks

THANKS GUYS for the good words. I will stay dedicated, take suggestions and try to represent to group in a positive manner as I progress. Walt

I feel a little strange writing this as it doesn’t talk about the technical stuff you guys talk about. But I have been encouraged to share my start up experiences with the forum. Still the new guy, I think I’m learning many things fast with the help of my buddy Jerry and suggestions from Dan C. The bottom feeder has been put away and I am truly concentrating on my newly acquired model 66. Jerry has done some tuning and it works smoother and faster than my (late) model 620. The seven cylinders didn’t do me any good for IPSC, only speed steel. Yes, I will use one gun and concentrate on what will make me faster and more accurate. Saturday Jerry and I shot at Tri-county’s Speed Steel event. Both of us have been concentrating on the “weak hand reload” as suggested by Dan. The first week of dry fire and practice I didn’t like it, but Jerry encouraged me to stay with it. By Saturday muscle memory was beginning to work. This was the first time I actually “fired” and reloaded. By the end of the day I wasn’t thinking about what I had to do, I just did it. I must admit, it took two weeks of practice every night to get it down. Now I don’t think I’ll use any other technique. After shooting all stages Jerry and I went to an empty pit for more practice and some instruction for me. Nick Leonard timed us for verification of what we thought was good timing. The best way to say what I saw and felt was to say that Jerry shot 24 rounds with three speed loads. The time was great. Just listening to his shots and reloading time one would have thought he was shooting a bottom feeder. I’m impressed at how fast he was. Sooooo, I’m following along, practicing every night with the hopes of one day besting Jerry in at least one stage. My thanks go out to both Jerry and Dan C for their information, suggestions and mentoring. One day I hope to feel like I’m really part of the wheel gun group.

Learning fast. I had intended to use my Model 10 for IPSC and the 620 for Speed Steel. Now I know I should stick with one gun and concentrate on getting good with it. Now planning on using my tunned Model 10 for both, or maybe a 66. Tride Comp-III loaders today and what a difference. And NO, they don't make COMP-III for the 7 round 620. Shooting IPSC I'd have to load seven and shot 6 or load six and shoot six. Sooooooo, don't think I'll be concentration on the 620.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}> From Walt, sounds like there is a story behind the hole in the front. I'll be sure and ask Dan about that when I see him in person.

Thanks Dan for the helpful hints on speed loading and shooting techniques. Today Jerry and I went to the range to practice our (MY) speed loading. After correcting several things I was doing wrong, it became easy to speed load with the weak hand. Jerry is quite the TASK MASTER but that is what it takes if I'm going to improve. I like what I have learned and will practice several times a day now until it becomes muscel memory. Jerry gave me new rubber grips that fit great. I had the hammer on my Model 10 bobbed and a new cylinder installed. Practiced with both the Model 10 and the 620 today. Now must determine which I want to concentrate on. Thanks again for your instructions. I'll let you know more as I improve. pictured, Mod 10 before and after modifications.