I have the fastest bullets in town

Bill Hebert · June 12, 2000, 12:33 PM

Took my chrony out to the range yesterday, and was amazed at the difference between velocities of various powders. I was shooting 168grain flat nosed jacketed and had readings from 862 to 982 ft/second. Since this is a new "game" for me, what's the objective - to get the fastest velocity without blowing up my Browning high-power? Needless to say, there was a lot of difference in felt recoil with the Universal Clays 982ft/sec and the 862 hp-38 powders. The HS-7 chronied at just under the Universal Clays (940) - but the recoil felt more like the HP-38. I'll be shooting action pistol match this weekend and will be shooting 192 rounds in about three hours. So what should be my game plan in reloading for the match? Should I use the Univ. Clays as-is? Should I "bump" up the HS-7 since the rounds I shot were starting loads? Or what other suggestions? Thanks, Bill.

WINTERVILLE WILL · June 12, 2000, 12:54 PM

It would seem to me that you would want to use the most accurate load that produces the least felt recoil.

Coinneach · June 12, 2000, 02:20 PM

Bill - The objective is up to you. What are you personally trying to achieve?

For example, I load for accuracy, not balls-to-the-wall pressure. Velocity don't mean jackdammit when your bullet goes whistling past your target.

Guy B. Meredith · June 12, 2000, 02:56 PM

Bill,

In action pistol you will want to have a fair degree of accuracy and quick recovery for sequential shots.

Most action pistol is done at ranges under 25 yards or even under 15 yards so accuracy is not super critical.

You will want the least felt recoil allowed for the required power factor. In USPSA the power factor is 125 for minor calibers (most of them) and 175 for major (.357 magnum, .45 ACP, etc.). In serious competition the steels are calibrated to fall when hit by standard 9 mm rounds. Local matches may not have calibrated steel.

The power factor is determined by:

(bullet weight) X (velocity) all divided by 1000. So a 158 gr bullet at 790 fps is:

158X790/1000=125

So go for a round of suitable accuracy and speed, add another 50 fps or so for environmental vairables like temperature and altitude.

By the way, one late afternoon I chronoed one of my .38 spl at 3000 fps. Gotta watch those environmental factors.

[This message has been edited by Guy B. Meredith (edited June 12, 2000).]

June 12, 2000, 12:33 PM	#1
Bill Hebert Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 1999 Posts: 180	Took my chrony out to the range yesterday, and was amazed at the difference between velocities of various powders. I was shooting 168grain flat nosed jacketed and had readings from 862 to 982 ft/second. Since this is a new "game" for me, what's the objective - to get the fastest velocity without blowing up my Browning high-power? Needless to say, there was a lot of difference in felt recoil with the Universal Clays 982ft/sec and the 862 hp-38 powders. The HS-7 chronied at just under the Universal Clays (940) - but the recoil felt more like the HP-38. I'll be shooting action pistol match this weekend and will be shooting 192 rounds in about three hours. So what should be my game plan in reloading for the match? Should I use the Univ. Clays as-is? Should I "bump" up the HS-7 since the rounds I shot were starting loads? Or what other suggestions? Thanks, Bill.

June 12, 2000, 12:54 PM	#2
WINTERVILLE WILL Member Join Date: April 6, 2000 Location: Winterville, Ga. USA Posts: 50	It would seem to me that you would want to use the most accurate load that produces the least felt recoil.

June 12, 2000, 02:20 PM	#3
Coinneach Staff Alumnus Join Date: February 23, 1999 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 4,272	Bill - The objective is up to you. What are you personally trying to achieve? For example, I load for accuracy, not balls-to-the-wall pressure. Velocity don't mean jackdammit when your bullet goes whistling past your target.

June 12, 2000, 02:56 PM	#4
Guy B. Meredith Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 1999 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 1,581	Bill, In action pistol you will want to have a fair degree of accuracy and quick recovery for sequential shots. Most action pistol is done at ranges under 25 yards or even under 15 yards so accuracy is not super critical. You will want the least felt recoil allowed for the required power factor. In USPSA the power factor is 125 for minor calibers (most of them) and 175 for major (.357 magnum, .45 ACP, etc.). In serious competition the steels are calibrated to fall when hit by standard 9 mm rounds. Local matches may not have calibrated steel. The power factor is determined by: (bullet weight) X (velocity) all divided by 1000. So a 158 gr bullet at 790 fps is: 158X790/1000=125 So go for a round of suitable accuracy and speed, add another 50 fps or so for environmental vairables like temperature and altitude. By the way, one late afternoon I chronoed one of my .38 spl at 3000 fps. Gotta watch those environmental factors. [This message has been edited by Guy B. Meredith (edited June 12, 2000).]