What ammo do you use for IDPA?

[MikePGS]

Hello. In the near future I'm going to purchase a Smith and Wesson M&P 9, and I think i'd like to give IDPA a try. I know there are power levels that you need to make and so forth, but was curious about something. Since IDPA is supposed to emulate "real life" moreso than say IPSC, do competitors generally use realistic self-defense ammunition, or loads that make or just make the power factors? What sort of ammunition do you use?

[glockgod]

Been shooting Blazer 115 fmj for the past several years(1-2 thousand per year)with good results in a variety of Glock 9mm's. You could shoot high dollar PD ammo,but it isn't required. Warning: IDPA shooting is very addictive! Just remember 1 thing-it ISN'T training,it's just a gun game. Will IDPA teach you to shoot better under stress? I know it sure has helped me!!

[btg3]

My son and I both shoot IDPA with M&P 9mm compacts. Use 115 fmj -- stocked up last year at $16/100rds from Wallyworld and Dick's.

Also check out the group buy forum here at THR.

[Jim Watson]

It depends on what they want to get out of it. Shock and awe or a good score. A GOOD shooter can do both.

My carry load in 9mm is Federal 9BP standard hollowpoint. It is little if any hotter than econo-ball and not at all hotter than my hollowpoint practice loads. My serious match subsonics are pretty mild, though.

[jmorris]

The most popular reloads that I know of use a light charge of fast burning powder with a heavy bullet, for least muzzle rise and less perceived recoil. Lighter than stock recoil springs are usually involved as well. My personal favorite is 3.1 of VV310 and Berry’s 147 rn 1.160 OAL (many use Titegroup 3.2 gr). The main drawback of the reduced 9mm loads is noticed when switching back to CDP or USPSA limited/open classes (major) where the pf is 165 instead of 125. Once you start looking for ways to trim time off the clock, if you’re competitive, you’ll look everywhere. The competitive side of IDPA is like any other sport.

[skinewmexico]

9mm Blazer works good for me.

[RH45]

Most of the people around here that shoot 9mm in IDPA use Blazer, or Winchester, white box, but, a few of us cheapskates reload lighter recoil, more accurate loads.

[fineredmist]

IDPA is what you make it, training of sorts or a gun game. If it is training you want then shoot SD loads and if you want a game then reload to the PF specs. Most competitive shooters load to PF specs and they are difficult to beat because of the light loads. When you watch the top shooters in action you will get the impression they are shooting .22 rim fire as there is so little recoil. Make it what you want, just enjoy it.

[Hoser]

I shoot reloads with a 124 JHP going about 1100 fps. Not +P+ by any means, but the bullet wont be sticking in the cardboard either.

Buy a lot of whatever is cheap and runs 100%. Then buy a lot more. Then practice. Dont forget to have fun.

[Luis Leon]

I shoot 9mm 115 gr. fmj bullets loaded to 130 power factor. Since most guys at the matches don't reload 9mm I get free once-fired brass.

regards,

Luis Leon

[Gary G23]

I shoot Federal American Eagle. If I shot my Speer Gold Dot 124gr +P ammo it would get expensive in a hurry.

[Eric F]

For now until my factory stuff runs out its full on 130 gr 1450 fps 38 super when this runs out its going to be much more managable 135 gr 950 fps reloads

[GEM]

Blazer or WWB - both work, price is the operative principle. Between gas and ammo, going to a match is expensive!! Luckily, my granola bar has not gone up much in price for a snack mid-match.

[Smokin Gator]

I've just shot a few local matches so far. I have looked at published loads combined with recommendations from other shooters and am reloading ammo for both 9mm and 45 that should be close to the legal requirements. Haven't actually chrono'd any though. I'm shooting cast lead 125 gr. rn in the 9mm and 200 gr lead rnfp in the 45. I recently got some 200 gr swc loaded but haven't shot any yet

[CrankyCrash]

I've been using CCI Blazer 115gr through my Glock 17 in all my IDPA matches for the past 4+ years.

I've also used Winchester whitebox too.

However, with prices continually going up I've started to reload my own. I still carry Blazer with me to matches just in case I have a bad load and need factory ammo as a back up.