Ammo for competition

[shooter177]

Hey guys if this is in the wrong forum let me know, do most competitors shoot handloads for IDPA/IPSC style competitions? Or is there a fair amount of people using factory loads?
Right now time is at a premium and it would be much more advantageous for me to shoot factory loads,Then to invest a pile of money and time into a full setup for pistols!
I’m not new to realoading for rifles and I know the cost savings and accuracy benefit of rifle hand loads is pretty huge, but the cost savings on pistol ammo is a lot less!
I am new to pistol shooting, and I assume that accuracy is a big factor in loading for pistols but is it necessary?

 

[silverfoxdj]

I believe you should run factory loads till you get more experience and figure out what events you like to concentrate on..

 

[adamg]

Yes probably more than half of IPSC competitors shoot their own reloads. It's partly to save money, partly to tune the ammo for the gun (recoil and accuracy and reliability).

 

[Northaways]

Most semi serious IPSC competitors do reload usually with a progressive press. Definitely cheaper and most important you are able to fine tune the loads to your gun.

Prior to reloading I found the FOC and Xmetal remanufactured 124 gr the best choice for my Shadow 2s in IPSC matches.

 

[pilgrim]

If the cost of the ammo is the factor - look around and with all those "black Friday" deals you could get yourself a great amount of ammo.
I personally reload for both 9mm and 40. But for me - reloading is a hobby....and a little bit of saving on ammo cost

 

[tomo333]

Contact Dean at Select shooting Supplies.
He has three levels of ammunition available that is designed for IPSC shooters.

 

[smelly pete]

Most competitors I know that reload are doing it to run the lowest power load they can get away with in their chosen game. Less recoil = faster times.

 

[jimbo14]

I reload, but I'm trying to find a nice load that is a balance of low power and accuracy for my 9mm. Just starting to use 147gr, and my initial test load wasn't as accurate as factory Geco 124gr 9mm. Geco is nice ammo, loaded to a PF of 133-134-ish for IPSC use. Very accurate out of my gun. I used it at the last couple Provincials matches.

 

[shadowflight]

Lots of people, especially in Production shoot factory. I'd say the other divisions are heavier for reloading, especially open.

 

[jlostracco]

check out canadian-sports.ca for atlanta arms ammo in Canada

 

[Dexter Morgan]

Making your own ammo is the same as making your own dinner.

It's cheaper. And it's made exactly how you want it.

Of course; Plenty of people shoot factory ammo, and eat in restaurants every day.

 

[tomo333]

Lots of people, especially in Production shoot factory. I'd say the other divisions are heavier for reloading, especially open.

Could you quote your source for this info?

 

[wasrupzuk]

Probably a stat pulled out of thin air.
That said he’s probably right.
-Production has the most new shooters (in my area).
-Production is mostly 9mm (again, in my area).
-Reloading 9mm has the least financial return if you shop the sales for factory ammo and buy in bulk.
-Many new IPSC shooters are new to firearms and have not dabbled in reloading yet (my experiences in my area).
-Many new pistol shooters view reloading soley from a financial viewpoint (again, IMO in my area).
-other divisions reward major power factor and factory ammo is either expensive or non existent (try finding 9x40 on the shelf...). The financial gain and functionality from reloading is undeniable with these other calibers
(note: there are exceptions such as classic minor and revolver minor).
So it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to come to his conclusion, however, perhaps, my area is unique...

 

[shadowflight]

Your summation is approximately exactly what I see.

Most new shooters end up in Production; and around here, most people here (Vancouver) live in apartments and don't want to dedicate space to reloading. Most 124gr chronos around 134, so it's easy to buy. There are some who reload, but there's plenty shooting factory.

Standard, most people are shooting .40, so it makes more financial sense to reload; we can buy 9mm here for 250/1000, when you go to 40 it's 350 and up.

And Open shooters are like crackheads searching the ground for .38 brass.

Source? Like opening my eyes and seeing who's pulling ammo from Federal boxes and who has clear plastic hundred round boxes? Or the results of the USPSA Nationals Equipment Survey? (Granted, these are probably skewed; both from sponsorships, and only the most invested are going to travel to nationals.)
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/uspsa/survey-production.pdf 25% factory production
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/uspsa/survey-optics.pdf 34% factory carry optics
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/uspsa/survey-revolver.pdf 4% revolver
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/uspsa/open_survey.pdf open 6%
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/uspsa/limited_survey.pdf limited 20%
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/uspsa/survey-single-stack.pdf 20%