Ammo

Ammunition: Factory, Reloading, and Performance Standards

Always bring more ammo than you will need.  Re-shoots do happen, and make-up shots are sometimes necessary.  

IDPA matches will have a maximum of 18 rounds per stage, with a maximum of 31 rounds available to you per stage (3 mags of 10 + 1 in the chamber).  If you have a 10% make-up rate, that's 20 rounds per stage.

USPSA and PCSL matches do not have a maximum round count per stage.  It is not uncommon to shoot stages with 30 rounds

Why Ammo Choice Matters

In action shooting sports like USPSA, IDPA, Steel Challenge, and 3-Gun, your ammunition directly affects:

• Performance

• Accuracy

• Recoil control

• Match legality (power factor)

Whether you’re buying factory loads or crafting your own, understanding ammunition basics helps ensure safety, compliance, and competitive edge.

Types of Ammunition

Action shooters typically use centerfire pistol or rifle ammunition, with the most common calibers being:

Discipline Common Calibers

USPSA / IDPA 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP

3-Gun 9mm (handgun), .223/5.56 (rifle), 12ga (shotgun)

Steel Challenge 9mm, .22 LR (rimfire division)

Factory Ammunition

Factory ammo is mass-produced by commercial manufacturers.

Benefits:

• Consistent quality and velocity.

• Safer for newer shooters.

• Approved by all matches.

• No special tools required.
  
  

Drawbacks:

• More expensive over time.

• May not be optimized for your firearm.

• Often exceeds required power factor—leading to more recoil.
  
  

Recommended Brands and Resellers:

• Target Sports USA - become a member, save money, have ammo shipped to your door.  It's that simple.

• Federal American Eagle

• Blazer Brass

• Winchester White Box

• Remington UMC

Reloaded Ammunition

Reloading means assembling your own ammo using:

• Brass cases

• Primers

• Powder

• Bullets
  
  

 Benefits:

• Cost savings (especially over high-volume shooting).

• Custom loads for reduced recoil or increased accuracy.

• Can tailor loads to just meet power factor—reducing fatigue in matches.
  
  

Risks & Challenges:

• User error can cause overpressure or squib loads.

• Time-consuming.

• Requires startup investment in reloading press, dies, scale, and safety gear.

• Match DQs can result from failed chronograph tests.
  
  

Popular Reloading Equipment:

• Dillon Precision 550/750

• Lee Load Master

• RCBS Rock Chucker

• Hornady Lock-N-Load AP

Chronograph Testing and Power Factor

What Is a Chronograph?

A chronograph measures the velocity (feet per second) of your bullet. Match officials use them to test if your ammo meets power factor (PF) requirements.

What Is Power Factor?

Power factor is a calculation used to classify your ammo's recoil force.

Formula: Power Factor = (Bullet Weight in grains × Velocity in fps) ÷ 1000

Example:

• 9mm bullet, 124 grains, 1080 fps  → (124 × 1080) ÷ 1000 = 133.9 PF

USPSA Power Factor Classes:

Division Power Factor

Minor 125+

Major 165+
IDPA has similar requirements.

Falling below the required power factor results in match disqualification.

Factory vs. Reloads: Passing Chrono

Feature

Factory Ammo Reloaded Ammo

Reliability High Depends on consistency

Power Factor Almost always passes Must test & verify

Custom Tuning None Full control

Match Approval Always allowed Some matches may prohibit "unknown reloads"

Reloading Best Practices

• Always use published load data from reputable sources (Hodgdon, Lyman, Hornady).

• Load batches in small increments and test with a chronograph.

• Inspect every round visually and by feel.

• Maintain consistent powder charge and seating depth.

• Use case gauges and plunk tests for chamber fit.

Final Tips

• Bring at least 50+ extra rounds to a match in case of re-shoots or chrono testing.

• For Major Power Factor divisions, ensure your load is comfortably above minimum to avoid disqualification.

• Label your ammo boxes with grain, powder, OAL, PF, and date loaded for easy tracking.
  
  

Summary Table

Ammo Type Cost Customization Recoil Setup Required Match Safe

Factory $$$ No High None Yes

Reloaded $$ Full Tunable Press + Tools Sometimes

Conclusion

Choosing the right ammunition is about more than just going bang. Whether you reload or buy factory ammo, understanding power factor, chrono testing, and recoil behavior gives you a competitive advantage—and ensures you're ready when the buzzer sounds.