Reload Power Factor Limits for Competition Shooting

[Straight_Shooter]

Given the Power Factor minimum limits in competition shooting are: Minor 125 PF and Major 165 PF, does it make sense to use these limits when I build up new loads or is it a waste of powder? Some of my loads are on the lower side and I was thinking of changing the recipe to obtain min PF. Thoughts?

 

[Globaltjb]

are you competitively shooting, and are worried about minor and major scoring as well as knocking down poppers, or are you just punching paper? If the latter, I would just load whatever you are comfortable with and cycles your gun.

 

[GLShooter]

I load my practice ammo to the same PF as I compete with. I don't want anything feeling different in my hands when the buzzer sounds. I might shoot a cheaper bullet in practice but no change is the best change on PF IMHO. The difference in powder charge is so small as to be negligible to the pocket book in the long run.

Greg

 

[Straight_Shooter]

My firearms are handling the lower loads (cycling and loading). Just wondered if there was any value in standardizing my mins? BTW, not competing ...yet

 

[GLShooter]

If it's old dead trees you're after shoot what works. If it's GOLD then adjust up as needed an d practice for the spotlight.

Greg

 

[wkdickinson]

Not to seem obtuse, but what the hell is "PF"?

 

[Straight_Shooter]

I load my practice ammo to the same PF as I compete with. I don't want anything feeling different in my hands when the buzzer sounds. I might shoot a cheaper bullet in practice but no change is the best change on PF IMHO. The difference in powder charge is so small as to be negligible to the pocket book in the long run.

Greg

That's good input. Thanks.

 

[Straight_Shooter]

Not to seem obtuse, but what the hell is "PF"?

Power Factor = Bullet weight times FPS divided by 1000. It is used in Competition Shooting to help level the playing field

 

[Straight_Shooter]

If it's old dead trees you're after shoot what works. If it's GOLD then adjust up as needed an d practice for the spotlight.

Greg

I always practice for the spotlight even if I do not participate in the formal arena. just my nature I guess.

Don R

 

[NZ_Fclass]

Im guessing that you intend/are shooting IPSC, as NRA action has a PF of 120. The decision is a little more complex, as you need to decide/test whether you shoot a light projectile quickly or a heavier projectile slower to achieve PF in all conditions. It's no good working toward a "just in" figure at 100 degrees, then failing at 50.

But the decision will be down to accuracy and "feel" - how you handle recoil, how the gun feeds reliably, finding a projectile that suits your style and loads easily - and doesn't cost a fortune - more trigger time equals better scores - most will agree that practice under match conditions works best. So find your loads and shoot a lot!

 

[Ned Ludd]

I've never heard of this term amongst F-Class shooters, so I'm guessing it must be used within specific types of shooting competitions? In any event, PF values do not win matches. Within reasonable limits, increasing velocity has a much smaller effect on wind deflection than does using a bullet with a higher BC. Typically, increasing velocity by 10, 20, 30, or even 50 fps will only result in very small decreases in wind deflection. That doesn't mean the reductions in wind deflection are zero, but are still small enough that it would take shooting a fair number of matches to reasonably conclude whether you could actually shoot the difference. My take on your inquiry is whether, operating within the 125-125 PF range, you can speed up the load without sacrificing ANY accuracy/precision, or markedly increasing ES/SD. If "yes", I'd do it without a second thought. If such an increase puts the load at the top, or even outside the node, I'd leave it alone. I'll usually take 30-50 fps greater velocity, but only as long as increasing the velocity doesn't come at the expense of accuracy/precision, increase pressure to an unacceptable level, or noticeably increase ES/SD.

 

[GLShooter]

At typical pistol match ranges of 35 yards or less wind drip and trajectory rarely become a factor. How fast you can shoot with accuracy is what wins these. I've won six National USPSA revolver titles and nerves and confidence are were huge factors in winning and losing for most guys. The guns would perform but the trigger man made the difference.

Greg

 

[Straight_Shooter]

I've never heard of this term amongst F-Class shooters, so I'm guessing it must be used within specific types of shooting competitions? In any event, PF values do not win matches. Within reasonable limits, increasing velocity has a much smaller effect on wind deflection than does using a bullet with a higher BC. Typically, increasing velocity by 10, 20, 30, or even 50 fps will only result in very small decreases in wind deflection. That doesn't mean the reductions in wind deflection are zero, but are still small enough that it would take shooting a fair number of matches to reasonably conclude whether you could actually shoot the difference. My take on your inquiry is whether, operating within the 125-125 PF range, you can speed up the load without sacrificing ANY accuracy/precision, or markedly increasing ES/SD. If "yes", I'd do it without a second thought. If such an increase puts the load at the top, or even outside the node, I'd leave it alone. I'll usually take 30-50 fps greater velocity, but only as long as increasing the velocity doesn't come at the expense of accuracy/precision, increase pressure to an unacceptable level, or noticeably increase ES/SD.

Good thoughts. The only thing I am trying to accomplish is improving my pistol shooting skills at the moment. PF is set by the Organization governing the Event. I figure the more variations I can take out of my shooting might move me closer to being Competition ready.

 

[Straight_Shooter]

At typical pistol match ranges of 35 yards or less wind drip and trajectory rarely become a factor. How fast you can shoot with accuracy is what wins these. I've won six National USPSA revolver titles and nerves and confidence are were huge factors in winning and losing for most guys. The guns would perform but the trigger man made the difference.

Greg

Congrats on the Awards. That is Awesome.
I am an armed security professional. MY shooting needs to be fast and accurate. I do not get much of a chance to do it in the line of duty so l do whatever I can to improve both when I practice..

 

[GLShooter]

I spent a bit of time on the range back then..lol Starting in 76 I shot a match of some kind, IHMSA, PPC, BDE USPSA , every weekend for virtually 21 years. USPSA got the nod from 1980 on. If I had a dime for every mile spent driving in Oklahoma and the surrounding states plus the Nationals for 16 years I'd have a nice retirement package..LOL

Greg

 

[RegionRat]

If you stand at the inspection table at a well attended open match, you will see folks who show up with ammo that is DQ because it doesn't meet the minimum. So, yes you check your loads to make sure they have margin for weather and bad luck with some chronograph that reads low...

If you don't have a better guide, take your average and a good SD (say about 30 rounds), then make sure your average is at least 4*SD above the spec. You will get your own experience and adjust from there.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Power Factor = Bullet weight times FPS divided by 1000. It is used in Competition Shooting to help level the playing field

Thank you for that. Interesting that they call it power factor when mass X velocity = momentum.

When a competition has a PF of 120 for example, does it mean that the maximum PF is 120? I know some other competitions use a velocity maximum.

 

[RegionRat]

When a competition has a PF of 120 for example, does it mean that the maximum PF is 120? I know some other competitions use a velocity maximum.

They spec a minimum in pistol competitions to make sure your rapids are based on a minimum level of difficulty. Imagine someone with a rimfire shooting against a 10mm and you get the picture. The sight picture recovery time is being pushed to the limits of human capabilities and lower recoil is an advantage.

The use of the minimums in many games eliminates some small caliber light loads.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

They spec a minimum in pistol competitions to make sure your rapids are based on a minimum level of difficulty. Imagine someone with a rimfire shooting against a 10mm and you get the picture. The sight picture recovery time is being pushed to the limits of human capabilities and lower recoil is an advantage.

The use of the minimums in many games eliminates some small caliber light loads.

Ok, thank you.