Torquemada
New member
I have a Dan Wesson model 14-2 with 2.5" barrel. I've used a variety of .357 and .38spl ammo from different manufacturers. Since it has fixed sights, a short barrel, and I'm pretty new to shooting I don't expect great accuracy right now.
What is the "ideal" load for a 2.5" barrel in both calibers? I mean from an accuracy (hitting where it's aimed) standpoint, NOT 1-shot stops or knockdown power or <1 MOA at 1000 yards as it is used for paper-punching only. I'd like to know how much of a factor is my off-hand (why is it called that anyway, I hold it with my hands ON ) aim and how much is the sight's fixed alignment. I've used:
158 LRN
130 FMJ
158 +P TMJ
125 +P JHP
110 JHP .357
158 JHP .357
Eventually, I'll either get a 4" barrel or acquire another revolver with a longer barrel and use this as an introductory revolver (a lot of my friends are now interested in shooting sports after they decided that I was the same guy they knew BEFORE, I didn't turn into a TV-militia wacko).
What kind of accuracy and groupings should I expect at 15/35/50/75 feet? (Indoor range markings). So far, I've killed four plastic and two conduit target holders, my wife has one plastic, and a fried has one conduit. If the SHTF and I'm attacked with a target holder, I'm VERY confident I can do one of those TV/movie shoot-the-weapon-out-of-the-attacker's-hand, but the person would be very safe
I do own other options for home defense (P95, P97, 10/22, SKS, Benelli Nova 12ga/28") that I'm competent with, so I'm not sweating this particular revolver too much...
What is the "ideal" load for a 2.5" barrel in both calibers? I mean from an accuracy (hitting where it's aimed) standpoint, NOT 1-shot stops or knockdown power or <1 MOA at 1000 yards as it is used for paper-punching only. I'd like to know how much of a factor is my off-hand (why is it called that anyway, I hold it with my hands ON ) aim and how much is the sight's fixed alignment. I've used:
158 LRN
130 FMJ
158 +P TMJ
125 +P JHP
110 JHP .357
158 JHP .357
Eventually, I'll either get a 4" barrel or acquire another revolver with a longer barrel and use this as an introductory revolver (a lot of my friends are now interested in shooting sports after they decided that I was the same guy they knew BEFORE, I didn't turn into a TV-militia wacko).
What kind of accuracy and groupings should I expect at 15/35/50/75 feet? (Indoor range markings). So far, I've killed four plastic and two conduit target holders, my wife has one plastic, and a fried has one conduit. If the SHTF and I'm attacked with a target holder, I'm VERY confident I can do one of those TV/movie shoot-the-weapon-out-of-the-attacker's-hand, but the person would be very safe
I do own other options for home defense (P95, P97, 10/22, SKS, Benelli Nova 12ga/28") that I'm competent with, so I'm not sweating this particular revolver too much...