My son wants to compete in IDPA matches. I've been reloading over 20 years, but I've never reloaded for match shooting. Do I need match dies? Other tricks of the trade that might be helpful would be much appreciated.
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My son wants to compete in IDPA matches. I've been reloading over 20 years, but I've never reloaded for match shooting. Do I need match dies? Other tricks of the trade that might be helpful would be much appreciated.
No need for it in pistol loads for IDPA.
Find a load that works well for him, and is accurate and run with it :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Darrin
Thanks Wes.
Anytime buddy!!
FIRST . . . obtain a complete copy of the IDPA rules.
As I remember,you have certain chamberings that you can or can't use. Also the ammo you shoot has to have a certain "power factor". ---- SAWMAN
Yeah, I was checking out the rules earlier. I ran some of my favorite 9mm loads through the calculator...I'll have to make some adjustments. I got some 147 grain XTreme bullets on the way. I appreciate the advice Sawman.
Most of the people that I know,that still compete,are using the 40S&W in one form or another. Personally I hate the chambering and don't desire to own one.
Back in my day there were a lot of 38Super guns used. Today,that would be too expensive. I would most likely go with the 9mm. And most likely in the form of a Glock 17 or 34.
Why . . ? . . never fails,always goes bang,tons of aftermarket parts,easy to load for,cheap mags,super easy to do a F&B on (just to make sure).
Good luck and remember - - -> #1 is having fun. --- SAWMAN
My son (Dalton) already has a stock 17 and a custom built 34 (he built it). Do most glock competitors replace the barrels so they can shoot reloads? I discouraged him from using reloads in his 17, in the interest of safety. One reason Dalton custom built his 34 was so he would be able to shoot reloads. I'll be sure to pass on your sentiments to Dalton (#1 is have fun). I'll have to get him on the forum. Thanks very much Sawman
Most do replace the Glocks bbl. Unknown about "reloads" but will save somewhat on the unsupported chamber,and resizeing the brass,thing.
Please remember that the Glock chamber is designed like that for an extremely good reason. Extraction reliability.
If he does get an aftermarket bbl he should polish the feed ramp,bbl hood,and chamber until they look like glass. All my Glocks are done in this manner. This includes my carry guns and my hunting guns. (20,31,32,33,and 42) --- SAWMAN
ADDED: Why would you not be able to shoot reloads in a Glock 17 ??
According to Glock, they don't recommend it. I tend to err on the side of caution.
Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
Every gun manufacturer will tell you not to shoot reloads. I suspect that it is a lawyer thing.
Think about this - - -> how many billions of dollars worth of reloading components are sold every year. All the powder manufacturers sell reloading manuals. So do bullet manufacturers.
Heck . . . ask WES what he thinks about reloading.
What you possibly could be referring to is this. Some people shoot several hundred soft lead bullets thru their Glock. The bbl leads up. Then without cleaning they attempt to shoot a somewhat hot jacketed load thru the gun. The bullet tries to squeeze down the bbl with all that lead buildup. KA-BLEWIE !!
I have shot tons of lead thru Glocks. I go to the range with lead and jacketed. I shoot the jacketed first,lightly clean,then HARDCAST lead. If for some reason I deceide to shoot the hardcast first,before I shoot the jacketed I thoroughly clean. No soft lead has ever been shot out on any one of my Glocks.
The Glocks "unsupported" chamber. - - -> The chamber will not have any problems if the ammo that it is fed is SAAMI spec ammo. You can also resize ammo from a Glock bbl. It will not have the longivity of other brass though. I have reloaded some brass 8 times. I figure that I have gotten my moneys worth.
A Glock that does not feed,extract/eject,or fire properly - - -> It is not stock !! The Glock guru's will tell you . . "return everything to stock and problem solved". This is true,everytime. We like to tinker with our Glocks. I know I do. Springs,connectors,triggers,titanium this and that,etc,etc. Pretty soon . . . the damn gun doesn't shoot. It shot out of the box. Now it wont. Guess what ?? You screwed it up.
I do not change parts in my Glocks. (except sights) But I do polish up everything extremely well.
I only own Glocks that are Gen 2 or 3 (+ a Glock 42). I shoot hardcast lead. I shoot high pressure loads . . . especially in my Glock 20,6" hunter.
I understand Glocks,that's why I own Glocks. --- SAWMAN
Don't worry about making power factor if your son is just starting. They only chronograph at major matches. If you have some slightly under power loads, just shoot em all up in local matches and if he progresses to a major match have him practice with those loads a month or two out from the match.
If he doesn't have a good dry fire routine, make sure he gets one. You will see the most gains from that versus just shooting matches.
Over the counter ammo is normally higher PF than needed for IDPA.
Competitors build their own because different powders will give different recoil feel and build close to 5-10% over minimum allowed Power Factor.
No sense shooting hotter ammo than necessary.
I shoot 40 in USPSA where the PF is 165.....my ammo consistently chronos at 172 PF.
And yeah...Daily Dry Fire with timer is a must.
Buy a CD 7000 Timer.
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