Recommend bullets for IDPA SSR

[JakeB]

Hey All,

I got a nice present this Christmas...a 686 SSR!

I'm looking for recommendations for some bulk jacketed bullets to reload for IDPA SSR. No formal matches right now since I'm new to this and want to practice before entering any formal matches.

What weight would you recommend and where can I get them?

I was looking at 125, 140, and 158 grain jacketed bullets. I've got a surplus of Titegroup so lead is out of the question until I use up the Titegroup.

Thanks!

Jake

 

[signsrup]

Jake,
Bigger slower bullets are easier as far as follow-ups are concerned.

158's or 180's if you must use jacketed. Landric posted some interesting info regarding 200 grain 38 loads that may be worth looking up.

I don't know why you would only want to shoot jacketed bullets with Titegroup, it will work fine with lead as well.

westernbullet.com offers heavy cast 38's that I would try if I weren't moving to a 45.

 

[Andy Griffith]

There is no reason to use just jacketed bullets at all, unless that is just what you prefer. Even if you do use jacketed, to eliminate all "leading" and vaporized lead, you will need to use fully encapsulated bullets (with the base encapsulated too).

A good, soft cast (wheel weight alloy) or even swagged bullet will do the trick and keep your cost down.

Try any good 158 or 180 grainer, preferably one that's conical or round nosed without a shoulder, and can be roll crimped so there is a smooth transition from bullet to case- that way there is nothing to hang on the side of the charge holes of your cylinder. IIRC, the charge holes on the cylinder of the SSR are chamfered, but round nosed ammunition just seems to "fly" into the cylinder a bit easier when using speedloaders or moonclips. May want to take a look at having the cylinder cut for moonclips.

I've liked the Speer 158 RN's (#4648) in the past, then graduated to some cast locally, and now cast my own.

http://www.speer-bullets.com/ballistics/bullets.aspx
http://spacecoastbullets.com/products.htm

 

[OKFC05]

I use 158gr plated for IDPA/SSR, loaded to a mild+P.
The 158gr lead work as well, but I just don't like the smoke for rapid fire.
Using jacketed bullets works, but is a waste of money.
To make minor power with less recoil, don't go under 158gr.

 

[roundgunner]

I shoot 158 gr RN cast over 4 gr of Titegroup for practice. It is a +p+ load. For indoors and for matches I use Barry's plated 158 rn. No smoke. I also bump it up to 4.2 gr. It never mattered to me what brass I used except that 38 ejects better out of my 686's for faster IDPA reloads. I quit using 231 because of the unburned powder issues and use Titegroup in every hand gun caliber now for anything approaching 1000 fps. It is cheap and versatile. If you want load data PM me.

 

[BILL]

158 grain round nose plated from Berry and Titegroup are what I use. Berry's Manufacturing

 

[westczek]

I started using 158 gn round nose moly coated bullets. So far I like them a lot.

1. Price similar to lead
2. No smokey lube
3. Round nose faster fumble-free reloads
4. Cleaner barrel
5. I don't use a roll crimp, so better brass life

I got 1,000 from Black Bullets International, because they have a round nose 38. https://www.blackbulletsinternational.com

Westczek

 

[OKFC05]

May want to take a look at having the cylinder cut for moonclips.

Moonclips are illegal for IDPA/SSR.

A moonclipped gun is IDPA/ESR, and must shoot major power. The .45 model 625s and .40 model 610s dominate IDPA/ESR.

 

[westczek]

38 Special major loads...

Westczek

 

[frankw]

Roze Distribution: 38 SPECIAL (.357 DIAMETER)

Billy Bullets - Bullet Listings

I use Roze for all my jacketed bullets but in revolvers for IDPA I use moly coated round nose bullets from Billy Bullets for the reasons westczek listed above.

 

[Jim Watson]

No formal matches right now since I'm new to this and want to practice before entering any formal matches.

Wrong answer.
How do you know what to practice until you have shot the real thing and learned your weak points? You can draw from concealment and take cover around door jambs DRYFIRE at home. The rest needs real experience. Helps to read the rule book so you don't learn the reasons for Procedural Penalties three seconds at a time.

It will take +P or +P+ to make power floor 125,000 with Titegroup and jacketed bullets. Not unsafe in your Magnum revolver but brass life might be shortened. I like the moly coated lead mentioned above. It gets down the barrel easier and does not require as heavy a load. Doesn't smoke much, either.