Commercial Revolver Ammo for IDPA?

[ezypikns]

I read recently on the internet (so it must be true) that no ammo manufacturer makes .38 special ammo with the power factor required for IDPA competition. This fellow recommended loading your own to +P (and more) specs and shooting it out of a .357 magnum revolver. Can this possibly be true? I do my own handloading so it would be an option for me.

BUT

I've got an older S&W Model 10 I'd like to use in IDPA, but I don't want to beat it up with lots of +P ammo. Are there any IDPA revolver folks who may be able to clear this up for me?

Thanks

[jmorris]

Any safely loaded 38-spl ammunition will be safe to shoot out of a 357 mag. Last week I chronographed some Winchester “white box” 158gr 38 spl jacketed ammo. It averaged a 127-power factor on a cold day (4" 686). As for reloading, many non +p 38 loads out of Hornady’s reloading book will make pf.

[ChristopherG]

You won't have to go crazy to make power factor out of your model 10. You can also do it remarkably cheaply, if you don't mind lead bullets (and really, isn't that what belongs in a model 10?). Use a RNL 158 gr. bullet and around 3 gr.s of Clays powder (which is great because it burns SOOO clean, which you'll appreciate when you have to speed reload your wheelie).You only need 791 fps. A model 10 could shoot that load from now 'til eternity.

If you don't wanna use lead, I recommend a plated RN 158 with Universal Clays or mebbe Titegroup.

PS--Hey, lookit me! 1,000th post! Glad it's a wheelgun question, and a competition question, and a reloading question; 'cause I learned about all that stuff right here on THR. :D

[Jim Watson]

Good news that WWB 158 gr .38s make Minor, the common Walmart 130 grain is not even close. Not that a club match would care.
S&B .38s are very fast for standard pressure loads and make Minor PF easily, according to a report on the IDPA board.
I don't know about the other brands. I load my own at the maximum listed load that does not get into +P country. It is a lot easier to do with lead bullets than jacketed or plated. Moly coated, if you are bothered by the smoke and soot. Be sure you use a powder that burns completely and does not leave unburnt granules to get under the extractor and bind up cylinder rotation. I have had little difficulty with max loads of 231 but some of the newer powders are even better.

[ezypikns]

I've been shooting my own reloads. .158 gr LRN and LSWC over about 3.4 to 3.6 grains of Bullseye. Looks like I'm in the ball park now. I appreciate the tip about Clays. Bullseye is a great old standard, but it does seem a little dirty.

I really appreciate the help.