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Recommended PF for Steel Challenge?


blind bat

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A local club runs Steel Challenge type matches and they don't require a minimum power factor. I've been thinking about putting together a steel specific load for my CZ-85 (9mm). What PF do you guys generally run for shooting steel?

In case anyone wants to recommend a good steel load, I have the following supplies on hand:

1lb S1000

1lb N320

1lb W231

1lb Unique

Federal & CCI SP Primers

MG 124gr CMJ Bullets

Thanks!

Edited by blind bat
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A local club runs Steel Challenge type matches and they don't require a minimum power factor. I've been thinking about putting together a steel specific load for my CZ-85 (9mm). What PF do you guys generally run for shooting steel?

In case anyone wants to recommend a good steel load, I have the following supplies on hand:

1lb S1000

1lb N320

1lb W231

1lb Unique

600 Federal SP Primers

2k CCI SP Primers

1k MG 124gr CMJ Bullets

Thanks!

115-125 power factor is good for Steel Challenge.

4.0 grns. N320

MG 124 grn. CMJ

Win. SP primer.

1.140 OAL

That load is about 125 power factor in my 5 inch XD9. Might help a bit...

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You might as well be legal in case you ever want to really compete... The min pf for SC is 120

Steel Challenge is a little different..

All rounds must travel a minimum of 750 FPS. Competitors whose ammunition does not make minimum velocity will be disqualified from the match(es) where the sub-standard ammunition was used.

Note: Impact-rigged stop plates will respond to 120 power factor ammunition as per

“scoring” above. Lighter ammunition may not stop the timer. (my emphasis on may)

So.. you can use less PF at your own risk..

I've seen very good shooters running PFs around 110-110, with light bullets.. I just use my regular minor 40 loads, PF ~ 140

The closest I have for a 9MM with your components would be 4.5gr Unique.. that gave me PF 127

Powder,grains,PF,avg fps, SD

Unique 4.5 127.0 1024.0 2.8

Unique 4.7 129.5 1044.3 10.7

Unique 4.9 128.8 1039.0 13.4

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Rimfire uses the timer. I saw loads that I know were not over 100PF activate the stop plate sensor, even with edge hits..... :P .....use what you want, but if the stop plate doesnt trigger at Piru tough noogies......that is the only place that uses the sensor stop plate right now FWIW.....

DougC

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Rimfire uses the timer. I saw loads that I know were not over 100PF activate the stop plate sensor, even with edge hits..... :P .....use what you want, but if the stop plate doesnt trigger at Piru tough noogies......that is the only place that uses the sensor stop plate right now FWIW.....

DougC

My Steel load is 4.3 gr S1000, a 124 gr lead at 1.135 " OAL, 12 ft MV is ~1050, for a PF of ~130, from a 4" barrel.

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It sounds like most everyone is shooting in the 125pf range. My normal plinker loads are 131-133PF (depending on the gun and weather) but I can't call shots worth a darn so I'm going to try dialing the PF back to around 125 to see if that helps. Thanks guys!

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I have an 11lb recoil spring in my CZ and a 6lb spring in my TZ-75. The TZ was stovepiping regularly when I bought it. I cleaned the extractor and put in an extra power extractor spring and a 6lb recoil spring. The 6lb spring is recommended on Henning's site but it's way too light for my taste. The 11lb spring in the CZ is nice but 120pf is probably pushing the lower limit of what it can handle. I'll know for sure after I chrono some trial loads this weekend.

Is there a reason the Tanfoglio guys run lighter springs compared to the CZ's?

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