I've just added a Smith & Wesson 686 (8 3/8" barrel) to my little collection and was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how they go with heavier loads? I want to use my Silhouette load through it. So far this load is 13.5gns of Win296 behind a 200gn cast projectile. Any thoughts or ideas will be greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone know if it is possible to buy replacement front sight inserts for this model as it turned up with out one?

In terms of .357s I use a 8" Colt Python for competition, but I have scores of friends here who use the 686 with a 8 3/8 barrel. The standard recipe here would be a 158gr XTP over 15.3gr VV N110 which is heavy for a 158-grainer but not heavy at all compared to a 200gr load. The 686 frame is very strong though so I would not hesitate at all shooting a heavy 200gr load with it.

On inserts: do you mean the plastic red insert? IMHO, that's completely useless for most purposes. Fill the space with plastic padding or the like and paint it black instead...

Thanks for your thoughts Mike.