Power factors for Competition

[wlst101]

Are loads lighter for competiton than regular "over the counter ammo"? In shooting videos, looks like hardly any recoil and muzzle flip.

[Custom Glock Racing]

Sortof. The power factor may be the same or very close but you can custom load ammo that shoots softer. The other part is most competition shooters have more experience and have better recoil management than the casual shooter/\.

[Jim Watson]

Yeah, the guys in the movies practice.

Minor PF of 125 - 9mm economy ball is about PF 132 and I handload to this level for a little margin of error. But a heavy subsonic bullet is subjectively "softer." .38 Special takes a full old style service load to make Minor, the cheapmart 130 grain jacketed won't do it. Most .40 is way over Minor but a lot of factory loads wouldn't make the old Major PF of 175. I don't know if they rate the curren 165 or not, I don't shoot .40.

Major PF of 165 - .45 ACP hardball is PF 181 to 186; I load mine down to about 750 fps for PF 172. It has perceptably less recoil than factory.

[TimP]

Yeah what Matt said. Once you get a load and stick with it, you will learn what that load does in your gun.

[rhino465]

I shoot factory 230gr FMJ in my .45 in matches. I can see the gun move quite a bit from my perspective, but it doesn't move very much when I see myself on tape. It's technique.

Other factors are lighter recoil springs (I use 18.5#) and heavy guide rods, etc.

[Joe D]

Rhino try an 11 or 12 lb. spring. Gun will shoot a lot flatter.

[rhino465]

Originally posted by Joe D
Rhino try an 11 or 12 lb. spring. Gun will shoot a lot flatter.


I'm sure it would. I prefer to use an 18.5# to ensure positive function and to minimize the beating the frame takes. All of my guns are carry guns. I understand the compromize I'm making.

[TimP]

Originally posted by rhino465
Other factors are lighter recoil springs (I use 18.5#) and heavy guide rods, etc.

;P an 18.5lb spring. Wow, I would at least try a 14lb spring. Just for kicks and giggles.

[rhino465]

Heh ... 18.5# is "old school."

Don't forget that this is .45ACP ammo that made 197+ power factor at the last major match I shot. My carry ammo is well over 200PF (Speer 230gr Gold Dots) I think #14-16 would probably be ideal for minimizing muzzle flip, but lower than that and it's going to beat the crap out of the gun.

Of course, if I were using standard power mainsprings, I might go a little lower with the recoil spring, but I'm not, so I won't. ;f

[Flexmoney]

Rhino,

Don't feel lonely. I use a stock rod and spring in my Limited/Production Glocks.

I've been accused of shooting Minor with my Major loads a few times. ;)

[rhino465]

GAMER! ;f


We missed you over the weekend at Area 5. Manny beat Travis again!

[Flexmoney]

I heard that Manny went on to win the Texas match the same weekend! :cool:

[rhino465]

He's a wreckin' machine! <--- said with Burgess Meredith voice

[Flexmoney]

Originally posted by rhino465
He's a wreckin' machine! <--- said with Burgess Meredith voice

He will kill you to death inside of three [stages].
;a

[rhino465]

In addition to his outstanding shooting skills, Manny is a very likeable guy. He's always very pleasant in person and gives a lot back to the sport. Some (not all) among the "lower echelon" of M and GM shooters would do well to emulate him.

He was in the clubhouse after he shot last Thursday with binder clips on his nose and ears. It was pretty funny, but I was envious because I didn't think of it first.

[Flexmoney]

Did he tell you about his overlay that he offers up to the RO to help score his "double"?

[rhino465]

Originally posted by Flexmoney
Did he tell you about his overlay that he offers up to the RO to help score his "double"?

Would that be a $20 (0r 50 or 100) bill with the 0.40 inch diameter hole in it? ;f

[Flexmoney]

He told me 'twas a hunny$ bill...

Maybe we ought to ask to inspect it. ;)

[rhino465]

I won't give it back! ;f