38spl for IDPA (reload not option, right now)

[Dougdeb]

I'm hoping after the first of the year to get into IDPA shooting. My preference is for the SSR division (due to some hand injuries from my time in the Army, revolver is more comfortable). I'm looking for advice on manufactured ammunition to use in a Model 64. I understand that most of the 158 gr on the market doesn't meet power levels. Does anyone know of a round that typically meets power levels?
Thanks,
Doug

 

[signsrup]

Any +P 158 should be fine. Obviously it will be more expensive. Many of the ammo manufacturers list load velocity on their websites.

Bullet weight x velocity should equal 125,000 to make power factor.

Keep in mind, most monthly matches don't check Power Factor. So you can do alot of shooting with standard loads.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Speer and CCI list some 158gr. +P FMJ fodder that will meet the need, however finding it is the problem.

Speer Ammo - Ballistics Tables

 

[Dougdeb]

Thanks. I don't know why I wasn't thinking about factory-made 158 gr +P. So much of what I see around here is the standard pressure, range fodder. I'll have to see what my local FFL can order for me. Yes, here in Mass ammo (and components) have to be purchased through a dealer.
Thanks,
Doug

 

[haggis]

Georgia Arms has 158 grain LSWCHP +P at 900 fps (PF = 142,000) for $220/1000.

Buck

 

[Dougdeb]

Haggis (why am I hungry now) - thanks for the tip on Georgia Arms. I'll have to check that out.
Doug

Since I'm going to be paying for the +P, I better hope I get one of those J&G Sales Model 64s.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Give the guys over at Georgia Arms a call and ask them which round they make will make power. I'm sure their .38 Special "Canned Heat" ammo will easily make power and the price is right too.

Good luck...

 

[Spotteddog]

Good Luck from here too!
When you get ready to start rolling your own, there'll only be several hundred waiting to help...

 

[westczek]

+1 on Georgia Arms canned heat. I had a couple of cans of it before I started reloading.

Westczek

 

[Gryff]

Surprisingly, a LOT of factory .38 Special fails to meet the power requirements in IDPA. I've run three sanctioned matches, and the highest percentage of those DQ'd from the matches were SSR shooters whose ammo didn't make power.

This is a link to a pretty good list of factory ammo power factors:

http://raincityhome.com/factorypowerfactors.pdf