POWER FACTOR

[Smiffer]

I would suggest that you look at American Eagle 124 grain 9mm ammunition. The listed velocity for this load is 1150 fps and that will give you a power factor of 143,000, well over the 125,000 minimum requirement.

Another option would be the 115 grain American Eagle, that has a listed velocity of 1180 fps for a power factor of 136,000. Note, while the specifications indicate a decent "reserve" with this load you have to keep in mind that different pistols will produce different velocities with the same ammunition.

Which is why I think the 124 grain load is a better choice. I also find that the recoil produced by heavier bullets is less "snappy" than loads featuring lighter bullets. As for muzzle flip, my target reacquisition skills just aren't fast enough where a bit more muzzle flip impedes me in any measurable way. However too much hard punching ammo sent downrange will typically lead to me "pushing off" and shooting low. Quite simply I am more accurate over an extended range session when shooting with heavier bullets.

FYI Scooter, I have been using the 124G American Eagle with good results. Just purchased 1000 rds. Ill get them through a Chronograph before my next major match.

Thanks

 

[RGVshooter]

Scooter,
Thanks for your input. I will for sure take your advise into consideration. The 115 gr Freedom list a velocity of 1120 so at best it would only be 128. My next major match will be June 2018 and I will run some experiments before I risk the match on ammo that does not perform. I will probably invest in my own Chronograph also.

that would give you a PF of 128, which IMO is still too close for error. I would suggest their 124gr FMJ. with a fps of 1065 that would give you a more acceptable PF of 132. You have to allow room for "error" so you don't get dairy queen'd again. (DQ'd)

 

[Westie1]

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned is the chrono being used and the distance it's set up at.Everyone will show some variation in velocity. Back when I was shooting, major was 175.00PF. Local club hosted a couple of sectionals, and we were able to get the individual who ran the chrono stage at nationals to run our chrono stage. There was almost 2PF difference between what I chrono'd vs what was recorded at the sectionals.

 

[WR Moore]

About those factory claimed velocities.....they're obtained in test barrels in universal receivers. Most of the products won't clock the same velocity out of an actual firearm. This is especially true of many value line products. Oddly, back in the day, the Blazer aluminum cased stuff usually left claimed velocity in the dust. Their 115 gr JHP was my load for major matches.