Hi guys. How about some help from all you experts in Steel Challenge out there? I'm from a well established shooting club in northern Arizona that wants to get into the sport of Steel Challenge in a big way, but we want to do it "right" so that it's fair for everybody and so that someday when all you experts show up at one of our matches, you will actually recognize what we are doing. I have researched all the usual websites and even gone through this entire forum, but my questions still have no answers. Help.
1. I understand about the 120 power factor as measured from the farthest stop plate, but on one website it "encourages" a minimum muzzel velocity of 750 fps, and on another website it says that 750 fps is "mandatory". Which is it? For those of us USPSA shooters who have no plans to make World Champion of Steel Challenge and who mostly shoot bullets weighing 180 to 230 grains, this "requirement" could lead to some really ridiculous power factors.
2. Nowhere that I can find are the various "Divisions" and "Classes" of Equipment and shooters clearly explained. I get the general impression that if you are shooting Steel Challenge with optics, you are in "Open". If not, then you are in "Limited" or "iron sighted". It can't really be that simple, can it? Where do all the USPSA and IDPA divisions fit in? "SASS" and "Rimfire" seem to pretty well stand on their own merits as Divisions, and all our shooters of various disciplines will be very pleased to be included in the future of Steel Challenge at our Club.
3. Is there no way to be competitive at Steel Challenge without using some of the smallest bullets available? Boy was I diplomatic on that one! Come on, guys. There's got to be a way to shoot a caliber (though not necessarily a load) that would be suitable for self-defense and still be at least somewhat competitive. Let's hear what you have to say about it.
