Looking to start shooting IDPA and alike matches, I need a load for 200 grain rnfp using win 231. I need to make rhe major power factor requirements (which Im not toally sure of). I plan to load 2-5K so I can practice with them too. Roiunds will primarilly fired rom a pair of XD's (service model) and ocasionally from my champion operator(SA).
Last edited by hsiddall; January 28th, 2009 at 09:50 AM.
So I guess even minimim loads should make the minor power factor, there wasnt a major listed in the IPSC rules. I found the formula of bullet weight x velocity / 1000 = min power factor. If I dont seem to understand this right please correct me...
1. See your other thread where I go into major and minor.
2. IDPA uses the same power factors but breaks down the Divisions differently. You can shoot your .45 XD in CDP at Major or in ESP at Minor. Likewise you can shoot it in IPSC (if you are in the USA, you will really shoot USPSA, we use our own rule book, see www.uspsa.org ) in Limited 10 at Major or in Production at Minor.
3. You really need to chronograph your own loads out of your own guns; but the old standard Major load was 5.6 grains of Win 231 and a 200 grain SWC. Your RNFPs might behave a little differently. Try to line up a chronograph before you run off thousands of rounds.
I have a few facts and a lot of opinions.
With 231, I'd work up a few loads at 4.7g, 4.8g, 4.9g, and 5.0g. Start with a standard OAL of 1.275, which is about the OAL for factory ammo. Shoot five or so of each over a chronograph. With a 200g bullet, you'll need to see each round as close to 825fps (which is what is necessary for the minimum 165 power factor) without going under it. Personally, I'd want to see an average of about 835 to 840 with no round below 825 (remember, you're speed will change with temperature, so give yourself some wiggle room). To determine your PF, take the speed in fps and multiply that by your bullet weight. Divide that by 1000. Anything over 165 is major.
After you pick your load that shoots major, work up 100 rounds or so and go shoot them with lots of rapid fire. If you have jams, you might try a slightly longer OAL. If you change your OAL, you'll have to shoot it over the chrono again as that will change your speed a little. Adjust the powder load if necessary.
Then, and only then, would I work up a few thousand rounds for practice.
Jim, I don't use 231 for my .45 IPSC loads (I've always used WST), but 5.6g seems like it would be way more than is needed for major, maybe not. Either way hisddall, work up those loads until you just make major. The more powerful the load, the more muzzle flip you'll likely deal with, which we want to minimize. Once you're in that "near major without going under" territory, fiddle with the load until you get the right 'feel', which usually means a snappy muzzle flip vs. more of a 'push'. Depends on what feels right to you.
My 231 CDP load is 5.1 with lead 200 gn bullets. Plated or jacketed will need more to make 165000 PF. But even if you get a load that works for you, crono before a major match to be sure, some lots of components could change your out come.
Eljay makes a good point. Lead vs copper jacketed will make a difference in your speed. Moly coated lead vs raw lead will also shoot at different speeds. Based on what other guys have said about using 231, I would ammend my previous post and suggest you try loads ranging from 4.8 to 5.2g. That should give a real good idea of what will make major for you.
FWIW, I would highly recommend you go with lead semi-wad cutters (LSWC). Lead is cheaper, often more accurate, easier to clean (no chemicals required), and the SWC design is the most reliable feeder in my experience. I like Bear Creek bullets, which are moly coated.
Ive never tried but heard the lswc's dont feed well in a XD.
hisddall, I normally shoot Single Stack but once, when my gun was at the pistolsmith, I used my .45 XD at my local IPSC matches. I shot about 10 matches with it, using the same LSWCs I use in my Single Stack. I never had a problem, nor have a heard that XDs and SWCs don't mix. Just my experience. Are you shooting L10?
What is L10??? Forgive me please.
Harley
Hit the A Zones and don't sweat the power factors.
L-10 is Limited 10. Limited Division guns, max 10 rounds in the magazine (plus one in the chamber to start.)
Hit the A zone and don't sweat the power factors?
Baloney.
Tom Campbell was one of the best shooters to ever campaign seriously at Minor. He often placed about tenth at matches he would have won at Major. He eventually got his employers (Smith & Wesson) to let him build up a toolroom special .45 so he could shoot a company product and be competitive with the Colts. This in the days before scope sighted 28 shot .38 Super raceguns, everybody shot what would amount to a Limited gun now.
As to loads, I have been shooting mostly HP38 which Hodgdon shows EXACTLY the same loads as for Win 231, 5.0 grains got a 200 grain SWC only 820 fps for power factor 164 in one gun, but another got only 798 fps with 5.2 grains for power factor 159.
You REALLY need to chronograph your loads from your own gun to know where you are. Especially for IPSC/USPSA. IDPA will give you a break and allow you to shoot your ammo in the longest barrel length in the Division, which will definitely help if you are trying to walk a narrow line.
I have a few facts and a lot of opinions.
If you're not going to sweat the power factors, you better be in Production Division. No way a Limited, L-10 or Open gun shooting minor has near enough split time advantage to make up for the loss in points. Sorry, gw, but you're wrong.
Jim is right about needing a chrono. I recommend a ProChrono for a good inexpensive unit. The CED has lots of functionality and is what you'll see at big matches. I have both and they measure identical.
I beg your pardons.
But check out the USPSA National results, (or any other major match), and you'll clearly see that the top scorers have few hits outside the A zone.
Many of the stages were won with all or almost all A zone hits.
So dere.
Also consider the learning curve for these kinds of games. Power factor concerns are way down the line.
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