Shooting Reloads in Matches

alfsauve said:

Interesting responses. Interesting assumptions.

It is a piece of mind thing. I don't go to the line double guessing myself. I know if there's an ammo failure then I didn't cause it. If it's my reloads, I own it, I worry about it. Also, nobody comes over later giving me advice about more crimp or less crimp, longer COAL or shorter, bad headstamp or good, or telling me I should use a different powder. It's one less thing to worry about.

Thank you, Rabid Wombat.

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Ye of little faith.
Seriously, it sounds like you should have a lot more confidence in yourself than you do.

^ agreed.

I can’t imagine trusting a high volume machine with a jobber operator producing generic ammo designed for infinite compatibility with all firearms more than I trust my own hands, carefully producing custom tailored ammunition designed for accuracy and reliability in my specific firearms.

Local, Area and Nationals. Always shot my reloads. If I’m going to a major match my reloads are checked and double checked. I always case gauge everything.

Handloads always

Done matches both ways. In GSSF if you have a malfunction with factory ammo you can request a reshoot. Cowboy Action was all hand loads except for shotgun shells.

I've never run factory ammo thru a match gun ( except for shotgun)

My DILLON XL650 makes very high quality ammo

I used to load my trap practice stuff with a Mec progressive for high volume practice stuff.When it counted,I loaded with a single stage.Usually if you pay attention to what you're doing and don't get distracted or in a hurry it's harder to make mistakes.Complicated progressive machines need to be well proven before the ammo that comes off of them can be trusted.I load all my own carry ammunition myself,very carefully on a single stage press and that's the most important type of competition there is.

Reloading for 20+ years. Early on I bought some less expensive 'plated' bullets, and had some mushed which caused FTF issues. Especially in the 1911.

For a match, I always reload FMJ or JHP in a batch of at least 500 to 1000, and train with that ammo before a match. Only time I've had an issue with with a bad primer or two. Those things happen, regardless of factory or not.
However, because of just how I am, I almost always have a few boxes of Speer Lawmen or Black Hills 'just in case'. Heck, I can practically build a whole new pistol or rifle with all my 'just in case' gear. . .

I have a stockpile of commercial ammunition as a reserve source. Other than that, I shoot reloaded ammunition and that's the way its been since the early nineteen seventies. At the present I have three progressive reloading presses. One dedicated 9X19mm, one dedicated to the 45ACP and the other utilized for 44 Special & Magnum. I have a format of QC and bill of materials procedures that I follow thus my reloads are not problematic.

Started reloading in 1952 and shot nothing but handloads for all matches, practice and hunting ever since. Only "factory" ammo I ever shot in competition was issued by Uncle Sam while on AMU.
As others have stated, carefully crafted handloads can be tailored to your firearm and usually out performs factory. YMMV.

Regards,
hps

I know this is an O-L-D thread, and nowadays I can't see anyone "wasting" ammo on a match! I'm certainly not shooting any for a while but in all the years I shot not once did I ever use factory ammo. That's going back into the 70's with bullseye!

gnappi said:

I can't see anyone "wasting" ammo on a match!

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The only wasted ammunition is what's on your shelf when you are either too old to shoot anymore or dead. Some healthy recreation in these times is the best use I can think of.

Laphroaig said:

The only wasted ammunition is what's on your shelf when you are either too old to shoot anymore or dead. Some healthy recreation in these times is the best use I can think of.

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I used to shoot 800+ rounds a week training to shoot 2 matches that took maybe 80 rounds. It's not only the match, unless you plan to lose a lot and not train.

Anyway, If this "shortage" lasts, only those left with ammo will be able to tell if those with none wasted it

Sorry you ****ed up and dont have a supply. Matches in Florida are doing just fine. Shot one in Clearwater today and another tomorrow. If the shortage lasts another two years I guess I'll find another hobby, but I'll be good until then

gnappi said:

I used to shoot 800+ rounds a week training to shoot 2 matches that took maybe 80 rounds. It's not only the match, unless you plan to lose a lot and not train.

Anyway, If this "shortage" lasts, only those left with ammo will be able to tell if those with none wasted it

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How did they waste it if they enjoyed shooting it? After all that's what it's for.

I know you'll say they don't have any left in case they need to defend themselves. In that case I would assume someone would keep a handful.

Cowhide Cliff said:

How did they waste it if they enjoyed shooting it? After all that's what it's for.

I know you'll say they don't have any left in case they need to defend themselves. In that case I would assume someone would keep a handful.

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Agreed on both points.

nowadays I can't see anyone "wasting" ammo on a match!

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I see that others have commented about this statement. It is a headshaker.
Ammo is for shooting. What else are you gonna do with it?

I'm wondering if the OP's talking about commercial reloads vs personal reloads. I've never shot commercial reloads and don't plan to based on the reliability problems I hear (and seems very dangerous). When I was shooting USPSA/IPSC, I always use my own reloading because my gun's tuned to it. And for NRA high power, I use my reloads as well for the increased accuracy. IMHO, there's no better ammo than your very own reloads.