Bullet for Steel Challenge

[FF112173]

Is is better to get round nosed or flat nosed bullets and why for Steel Challenge events? I'm tired of using new in box ammo when I have a loader, brass and 1000 primers available in my basement. Thank you in advance for your opinions.

 

[S&WIowegan]

We shoot steel a lot here. Lead is just fine. The choice of bullet configuration is really a function of what your gun will feed.

 

[FF112173]

I have an M&P 9 FS but I have never shot anything but round nose ball ammo through it. I don't know what it would do with a semi-wad cutter.

 

[TSQUARED]

In my 32 H&R and 38 Special I use either a RN or FP bullet. In 9mm and 40 S&W I mostly use RN bullets. In 45 ACP it is either a SWC or a RN bullet. The plates don't seem to notice the difference.

 

[gaijin]

If you're shooting a sanctioned "Steel Challenge" event you will need to make a power factor of 120 (from memory). That's bullet weight X velocity divided by 1000; i.e. a 120 gr. 9mm @ 1000 FPS HAS a PF of 120.
It is not necessary to knock down the steel, merely hit it.
Either a round nose or flat point will work fine; as long as it functions 100% in your pistol.
If you are shooting steel for fun, obviously the PF doesn't apply.
I have used lead RN, Ball and JHP when speed shooting steel at the range.

 

[FF112173]

Just for fun event that goes on once a month. I am very new to shooting and this month will only be my second event. Just trying to save money.

 

[Nevada Ed]

That power factor of 120 is a powder puff with a 38 special.

A 158 Lead bullet only needs to get up to 755 fps to get a
119 PF. I thought that a PF of 120 would have a lot more velocity behind it.

Must be why "Cowboy" shooting has come along so fast..........
shooting those steel targets.

 

[FF112173]

Okay, since this topic is expanding, should I be looking for 124gr Bullets or even 147gr?

 

[S&WIowegan]

Mathmatically, the heavier the bullet, the lower the velocity to make power factor. The 147 gr. bullets only need to go 817 fps to make minor PF. Shooting heavy bullets at low PF tends to moderate felt recoil. For steel shooting, I prefer 115 to 125 gr. bullets.

 

[varmint243]

IMO,
heavier bullets give more muzzle flip.
If I had to knock down the plates I would go for a heavier bullet.
Otherwise, I would test and find what is the most shootable option for my style of shooting and the type of shooting.
For shooting fast and transitioning between targets I may prefer a lighter bullet and a little more muzzle blast.
At the ned of the day I think quality practice is more important than any of the rest.
quality lower cost ammo = more ammo to practice with

for me there are three things I try to balance
1.) felt recoil
2.) muzzle flip
3.) muzzle blast

2 and 3 have a lot to do with 1

 

[FF112173]

I am practicing, but having trouble getting the loads right right in my 3 stage Lee progressive press. Its hard to get good practice with constant stovepipes and failures to eject. I'm new so all of this is a learning curve. Thats why I'm asking all these dumb questions.

 

[FF112173]

Not knock down plates either. Just 12" circles and squares on 2"x4".

 

[varmint243]

Your questions are not dumb.
I suggest using your press as a single stage press until you get the loading setup worked out.
Use matched headstamp brass and very light taper crimp in a separate operation from seating.
Middle of the road load with a common powder and bullet should get you started.
feed and extract eject problems should be looked at as two separate things.
Try to approach them one at a time.

 

[FF112173]

Thank you for the advice. I will continue to try that. I am considering upgrading to a Dillon as the Lee is a loaner from my Father. I may have to make some further considerations now.

 

[Badquaker]

It's been a long time since I have shot steel plate.

I really disliked jacketed bullets due to the shrapnel effect. I came home more than a few times with cuts to the face.

Tuning the gun to work with lighter loads was a pain in the ***.

Prepare to shoot a lot. Stock up on supplies.

 

[Nevada Ed]

For small targets you need the most accurate load that works in your weapon..............be it fast or slow.

If it is a timed event accuracy plus lower recoil helps, if you can find a load that fits in.

Most auto's have a sweet spot where they eject and shoot well with different powders but it is a learning curve that takes time unless you hit it off the first few test.
Some are lucky and find a factory load that works. Never know.

 

[varmint243]

I don't believe the color of the press matters too much at this point.
You should be able to get things done properly with the red one.
You can put one die in at a time until you get it sorted.

 

[FF112173]

Thank you all for sharing your advice and experiences.

 

[S&WIowegan]

It's been a long time since I have shot steel plate.

I really disliked jacketed bullets due to the shrapnel effect. I came home more than a few times with cuts to the face.

Tuning the gun to work with lighter loads was a pain in the ***.

Prepare to shoot a lot. Stock up on supplies.

Shrapnel off steel relates to several items;
1. Steel is too close to shooters; or
2. Steel has lots of craters from being shot with rifles or heavy loads and steel was soft to start.

I've been fragged a lot but it usually only happens when there's something wrong.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Cuts to the face can also happen with revolvers that are out of time..............with lead or jacket bullets.

Never shoot without safety glasses or muffs !!