[Rockchucker]

I recently shot my first SSR match at an IDPA shoot. I love shooting pistols...period, but have always enjoyed revolvers the most. I shot a 686 using Fed +P .38 specials. Other than not having "legal" speedloader holders, I had a blast.

I have also invested in a 625 and a 610 that I just had Clark do basic service action jobs on. My question is: Is anyone willing to share load data for their pet loads for the 625 and 610 in SSP competition. I currently load for over 35 calibers and have some personaly preferred loads, but am always looking for others. Other than the V V powders, I probably have most currently popular powders available. Clark's pistolsmith has cautioned me to use only Federal primers and I have lots of .40 caliber bullets... my preferred .45 bullet is the 200 Ranier plated TC bullet.

All suggestions are welcomed.

[Jim Watson]

Clays is the cleanest burning powder I know for light loads. Normally I don't worry about that, I do clean my guns occasionally. But you must avoid unburnt granules getting under the star, and that can be a problem with minimum PF loads of most powders. I load 230 gr .45 RN with 3.1 gr Clays for cast and 3.5 gr Clays for jacketed; about 600 fps. I would think you would want a little more for a 200 grain plated. Check on chrono. I don't do no stinkin' .40 cal.

You should not have to stick to Federal primers for a "basic service action job" although they are certainly necessary for bare minimum competition springing. I just use them for all DA revolver ammo to avoid confusion.

[Rockchucker]

Jim:

Thanks for the replies to both of my threads. Most of the guys at these shoots seem genuinely eager to help new shooters. I make a point of saying that I am a new shooter (to IDPA not new to shooting). As I said, I am there to listen and learn!

I have been shooting 4.6 grains of Clays through my 1911's with a 200 Ranier TC. This is over the max in the Hogden book, but it works for me. As you said, it is very clean! I was going to try around 4.0 grains of Clays for the 625 and then proceed from there. Maybe WST and W231....

I have been shooting 4.0 grs of B. E and 4.5 gr. of 231 with a copper washed National 158 gr. TC bullet in the Fed +P brass for the 686. Both loads perform well.

Thanks again for your post!