Load Data for IDPA

B

Ben_Snow

New member
IDPA Revolver Shooters (that are also handloaders)... What is your preferred 38SP and/or .357M load for IDPA?


I am currently using a GP100 MC (4.2") shooting 38SP - Have two loads I'm using:

1. 3.5gr of Titegroup (or same weight of Bullseye) - 148gr Plated DEWC (Berrys)

2. 5.6gr AA#5 - 158gr plated Flat Nose (Berrys)

For competition favor the PFN, the wadcutters are tricky to reload quickly using my Comp-III speedloaders. Both loads use Federal Small Pistol primers

Would be interested in the handload preferred by other IDPA Revolver competitors that meet the current power floor requirements. Considered asking the question in the competition forum, but not all those guys handload

Thanks !
 
Last edited:
I shoot IDPA with my Smith Model 67, 4".

I shoot DEWC's with Comp III speedloaders in competition. My revolver has chamfered charge holes; so that helps a lot. When I first started IDPA, I was using my "box stock" 4" 686; and the reload times were awful on occasions. Not wanting to modify (chamfer charge holes) my very favorite gun, I bought the aforementioned M67 just for IDPA.

Even with the chamfered charge holes, the DEWC's profile still slows down my reload times by about one second on average. Fortunately, I'm not trying to win. I'm just out there having fun. I shoot DEWC's because they cut a large, sharp hole in the cardboard, and therefore I can see my shots better. The eyes are gettin' a bit old.

I use Missouri Bullet Co.'s 148 soft cast (PPC#2). I have also used hard cast and coated - charge weights seem to yield the same results. For plated, I use Rainier. I seat the plated to the same OAL (1.230"-ish), so the tip protudes a bit from the case mouth - like the lead DEWC's. Here's the charge weights and data I have collected over the last few years - and to finally answer the question you asked :D . . .

Cast Data:

2.8gn Bullseye - tac-driver accurate
2.7gn Nitro 100
2.8gn TiteGroup (leads the barrel)
2.7gn VV N-310
3.4gn W231

Plated Data:

2.9gn Bullseye
2.9gn Nitro 100
3.2gn TiteGroup - accurate
2.9gn VV N-310 - high Standard Deviatons
3.4gn AA#2 - partially spent propellant residue; but tac-driver accurate.

Since PF is 105; at 148 grains, PF is met at 710 f/s. All the above-mentioned recipes fall between 725 to 740 f/s; and none of them have less than 90% of the shots tested making the 710 f/s PF.
 
Nick:

as always, thanks for another comprehensive reply....

I had Ruger chamfer my charge holes during a recent warranty repair, this helped smooth out entry for my PFN, but not for the wadcutters. I'm still fairly new to the sport and tend to fumble with the WC's during the tactical reload, I've had several instances when I failed to get a positive release from the Comp-III springs. Nothing wrong with the DEWC or the Comp-III of course, I'm the guilty party, but until I can smooth out my Tactical Reload will have to stick with the Flat Nose.

I'm surprised that you are loading Bullseye @ 2.9gr. This is the classical cast WC load, wouldn't that be too low for plated?

Have decided to stick with 158gr PFN using AA#5 for IDPA, at least for now. Have you done any chrono work using plated at that weight? I've had good results with AA# 5 in the mid-5.0 range, but just guessing at the FPS. I've tried to calculate a theoretical velocity by using published load data and converting it for my 4.2" barrel, it should be well above the required PF but would be nice to know for sure.
 
Ben, you need to switch to a round nose bullet for no hang up reloads. Flat point and wad cutters will, as you are experiencing be problematic getting hung up on the chamber opening. As far as fps best bet is to chrono the rounds if you can. I currently load 3.6 grains of titegroup under a 160 grain lead coated bullet and federal primers. Chrono fps is 760
 
Don P wrote:
Ben, you need to switch to a round nose bullet for no hang up reloads. Flat point and wad cutters will, as you are experiencing be problematic getting hung up on the chamber opening. As far as fps best bet is to chrono the rounds if you can. I currently load 3.6 grains of titegroup under a 160 grain lead coated bullet and federal primers. Chrono fps is 760
Click to expand...


Don:

Haven't had too much problem with the PFN, but you are correct, round nose would be better/smoother. I've been reloading with PFN for quite a while, and those have been fine for practice, but it wont break the bank to purchase a box of PRN to use exclusively for competition.
 
I'm surprised that you are loading Bullseye @ 2.9gr. This is the classical cast WC load, wouldn't that be too low for plated?
Click to expand...

Well I worked down to it - as I did with all my plated recipes for IDPA. I was pretty careful that all my bullets were going downrange. I don't get too concerned until the velocities start getting into the low-600 f/s range. These are well above that.

Have decided to stick with 158gr PFN using AA#5 for IDPA, at least for now. Have you done any chrono work using plated at that weight?
Click to expand...

Yes, but only for ICORE; and they have a higher PF (120). And all my work-ups were still using all the above-mentioned fast powders. Nothing in the intermediate range, like AA#5.

Ben, you need to switch to a round nose bullet for no hang up reloads.
Click to expand...

I have used RN and FP in IDPA. To me, they both go in just as smooth and quickly - I notice no difference. The DEWC's however, take a one-second "quick little jiggle" to get 'em started. As mentioned, I'm not trying to win.

Take note, looking at bullet holes slows you down.
Click to expand...

Probably does. But I like to make sure I have my hits - I'm accurate, if nothing else (probably nothing else :D). As mentioned, I'm not trying to win.
 
Poor Nick.... He has a real tough team, one miss and its off to the work camp

U47P5029T2D574914F26DT20130325105237_zpsiijimdmk.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top