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Thread: My new M66-8

  1. #1
    The Nostomaniac 03RN's Avatar
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    My new M66-8

    I don't have it yet. Just got it off GunBroker for just under $600 shipped, no transfer fee.

    I already have a meprolite night sight, lock plug, and pachmayer Compact pro grips.

    I plan on shooting this a ton. Primarily I'll be using Magnum loads. Mostly 6.5 gr unique 158 hardcast bullets plus a bunch of 13.5 2400. We'll see how tough these new guns are.

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by 03RN View Post
    I don't have it yet. Just got it off GunBroker for just under $600 shipped, no transfer fee.

    I already have a meprolite night sight, lock plug, and pachmayer Compact pro grips.

    I plan on shooting this a ton. Primarily I'll be using Magnum loads. Mostly 6.5 gr unique 158 hardcast bullets plus a bunch of 13.5 2400. We'll see how tough these new guns are.
    4.25”?

  3. #3
    The Nostomaniac 03RN's Avatar
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    2.75"

  4. #4
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    I look forward to reading your experiences with it. I go back and forth between one of these (4.25) and a GP100 Match Champion.

  5. #5
    Outstanding. This is on my list of "guns that fit the niche between my J-frame and GP100." I eagerly await your results.
    I was into 10mm Auto before it sold out and went mainstream, but these days I'm here for the revolver and epidemiology information.

  6. #6
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    May 2015
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    Montana

    Posted some of this in a previous thread.

    Standard Caution Applies to Handloads -- For Information Only, Use at Your Own Risk

    Labradar Muzzle Velocity (familiarization run)
    60 Deg F
    S&W M66-8 2.75" .357 Mag

    130gr Fed Hydra-Shok JHP "Personal Defense" PD357HS2 H …….. 1,416 fps avg (84 fps ES) -- two rounds
    140gr Underwood Xtreme Penetrator (Philips head mono metal).. 1,422 fps avg ( 5 fps ES) -- two rounds
    158gr Horn Xtp - 15.0gr A2400 Std small pistol, new Starline...… 1,316 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
    165gr CSWCGC (358156) - 13.0gr A2400 New Starline ...… 1,070 fps avg (49 fps ES) -- six rounds
    180gr Buff Bore …………………………………………………………………………….. 1,312 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds
    185gr LFNGC (Beartooth), 15.0gr Lil'Gun, CCI 400 New Starline.. 1,228 fps avg (14 fps ES) – two rounds
    200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 13.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,102 fps avg ( 4 fps ES) – two rounds
    200gr WLNGC (leadheads), 14.4gr H110, Fed 205, New Starline.. 1,155 fps avg ( 5 fps ES) – two rounds
    (purported to be the “Doubletap” load info)


    200gr WLNGC (leadheads) handload with Lil Gun ………………………. 1,266 fps avg ( 2 fps ES) -- two rounds
    Load data not given -- maybe too much of a good thing. Spent cases fell from chambers, and no obvious signs of over pressure. Recoil was heavy. Don't even know if this stabilizes.

    If even needed, I would vet for crimp jump, and limit useage of the 180, 185, and 200gr loads in J,K, & L Frame guns.

    Also ran two Buff Bore 180s thru 16" Rossi M92 carbine ……………. 1,894 fps avg ( 6 fps ES) -- two rounds

    Larger sample would change results but probably not a great deal.

    Note: reran 165gr/13.0gr A2400 with new components with the above results.

    Originally bought the 200gr LFNGC Leadheads to load in my Ruger Maximum. Got curious, so loaded some in the .357 mag. Haven’t put any on paper, but no problem hitting various shaped steel plates at 28 yds offhand with the 2 Ύ”.

    Was surprised at velocities from the 2 Ύ” bbl.


    Looking forward to 03RN's impressions.

    Paul
    Last edited by paul105; 05-08-2019 at 02:57 PM.

  7. #7
    The Nostomaniac 03RN's Avatar
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    @paul105
    Im really surprised how slow your 2400 load was. Thanks for the data. If you ever get a chance to chronograph some more post them up. Especially defensive ammo like the golden sabers or critical duty.

  8. #8
    Member Zeke38's Avatar
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    Sep 2015
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    Paul always enjoy your "activities" with gunpowder,. Your work with Buffalo Bore 180 tells me it is going to be going into my Ruger 77/357. Interested in how OP will carry his 66-8 as I have a 2.5" 19 I've stopped wearing as I can't find a holster that works for me at this stage of life. Shoulder mobility and all. Like the use of the Pachmayr Compac Pro. Great concealment grip.
    Last edited by Zeke38; 05-09-2019 at 10:28 AM.

  9. #9
    The Nostomaniac 03RN's Avatar
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    I currently use a jmcustom aiwb holster for my 4" m19. I'm tempted to cut an inch off the bottom but I'm concerned it won't tuck the grip in as much

  10. #10
    I'm very new to the revolver game but in my research it seems like 2.5" barrel 66s in the -1 range with pre-MIM parts and no lock are available in around the $700 range. Assuming that isn't just a fluke and I saw amazing deals, wouldn't the extra $100 be worth it to get the older model that has superior internals?

    I think the new ones have a replaceable front site which might be a benefit. Not sure about 2.5" versus 2.75". I do know the vintage 3" M66s go for crazy money due to being more rare, but I have seen 2.5" lately for around $700.

    My biggest concern with buying an older vintage one used is that you might spend the extra $100ish premium on it, have it break, send it back to S&W, and they warranty it by sending you a brand new gun that you could have gotten for $100 less from the beginning.

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