I’ve shot PPC for decades.
I’ve got records with both revolver and autos.
Since ‘07-08 Obama ammogeddon, the rules have relaxed a bit.
Factory loaded ammo is no longer required for the “distinguished” matches.
I find it difficult to beat HP38/Win231 under a Quality 115gr jacketed hollow point for the 9mm. My preferred load was 4.9gr of HP38 under either a Hornady or Remington 115jhp at 1.125” OAL.
I used 4.5gr of Bullseye under a Sierra 115 Tournament Master. I won the Service Semi Aggregate in ‘97 using this (service semi auto, Distinguished Semi- Auto,) However, I had a bullet set back in the case and pierced a primer blocking the firing pin hole in match 1, 6th shot of 1st string. Cost me 70pts, and the 1500- Semi Auto match. I cleaned match 2, Won match 3, and 5, cleaned match 4. Lost the aggregate (1500) by 67pts, so a clean Match would have won.... also cost me high conservation officer, and a national record too.
so, I don’t use Bullseye or Federal primers in my Semi Autos anymore. Call me superstitious...
I tried 147’s, but the slow twist in my S&W Performance Ctr 9’s aren’t fast enough. The late production PPC9’s went to a faster twist. 1/14” IIRC, to better accommodate 147’s.
I used WSF in both 115’s and 147’s. But only use jacketed hollow points in regional or Nationals.
I went to personal cast bullets. Specifically, the Lee 120gr FN-TC. I cast them from a 6-cav mold that “rains” good bullets. Sized .357” lubed with SPG loaded over 5.2gr of LongShot, they shot as good as I can. In 2008, I shot a 240x24X tying a National record in the South Carolina regional in match 8 (7-15yd line). Because the range officer died before the match was recorded by the NRA, myself and the other shooter didn’t get credit for 7yrs....
Because of the difference in cost, and barrel dwell time of the 147’s, I prefer the 115’s. 124’s are good, preferable for self defense, but often go transsonic prior to the 50yd line doing strange things especially if there’s a strong cross wind. In 2019 I had a lengthy conversation with David Sams, a former AMU armorer who builds premier Beretta and 1911 match pistols for bullseye competition. He stated that he was using either Hornady or Atlanta arms 115 jhps over N350 or N340 for 1,300+ FPS. He was also using iirc a 24” twist to reduce barrel torque and bullet exit before the barrel begins unlocking. Again, my issue with the 147’s... barrel time.
To rehash, HP38 is still hard to beat. A 124gr bullet loaded to 1,070fps is what Larry Haney of Georgia Arrms told me is what he’s loading. He’s using a canister grade powder I’m not familiar with. He’s actually using Atlanta Arms bullets... go figure! This starts subsonic so doesn’t go transonic.
I can, with the THR discount get RMR 115 and 124gr MPR jhp’s shipped! For what the Atlanta Arms bullets costs, plus there is shipping and Georgia internet sales tax.
I can’t shoot, or detect a difference in accuracy. So, there’s that!
There are several new powders on the market that I would try out, but I have already got several years supply of ACC#5, HP38, and LongShot. I’ve got 1lb samples of Power Pistol, CFE-Pistol, Be-86, and Sport Pistol. Being afraid of not being able to replace my stocks of primers makes me reluctant to practice an adequate amount.
It takes a lot of shooting over 6weeks to get back to competition form, and then bi-weekly practice, daily dry firing, and a modicum of physical fitness to have the stamina to spend all day on the range firing 4,5, or 6 matches, expending as much as 500rds in a two-three day match...
Between a beta blocker that is prohibited and blood pressure medication that makes me very intolerant of heat, and advancing arthritis (Docs can’t figure out if it’s Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid, no blood markers for Rheumatoid, but it’s responding much better if treated as such.) My competition days are over. My right shoulder is such I can’t hold or shoulder a match rifle anymore...
PS: forget TiteGroup in the 9. It’s too “peakish” and often won’t cycle the popular long slide 1911’s. My 6” PPC-9 is massive and needs a good push to cycle positively.
I also suggest a Redding .Competition seating die...
I Hope my rambling has given you some useful information.
. That is still the way I roll today.........
