Factory 9mm ammo and power factor (for competition)

[GooseManCometh]

Ok NES collective I'm looking for some experience/knowledge. If you don't want to read everything below, basically I need some input on 9mm 115gr FMJ ammo that will make power factor for the upcoming NH State IDPA match.

Here's the scenario: I shot the IDPA New England Regional Championship a few weeks ago and was using Blazer Brass 115gr FMJ ammo. Of the 3 initial rounds chrono'ed only one made the minimum power factor (123, 123, 125). At least 2 need to hit 125. I am shooting a gen4 G19. The rules state the next 3 rounds can be fired from another competitors gun that is in your division that has a longer barrel, or you can just take your chances and fire the next 3 from your gun. A guy in my squad had a M&P9 Pro and when fired from his gun everything passed (longer barrel than the G19). Earlier in the year I shot the MA State Championship with Aguila 115gr FMJ and had 2 of 3 rounds pass chrono (that's all you need).

I don't want to have to deal with all this shenanigans at the NH State match so what factory ammo should I pick up for that match? I am thinking Fiocchi 115gr might be the best option (plenty to be had at Shooters Outpost). I am not in a position to be reloading and would rather stay with 115gr since that's what I have been training with. Thoughts?

 

[LowSpeedHighDrag]

The snarky answer would be to get a (gun with a) longer barrel. Not a bad option, actually, as it gets you around the problem.
At the very least, try to get access to a chronograph, or buy one yourself. Unfortunately, even if you stay with factory ammo, lots vary in power factor, and ammo is generally temperature sensitive at least to some degree, so you're going to have to measure the power factor with the load you plan to use. You don't want to go to a major match with anything that sits right at the power factor minimum.
Failing that, try using 124 gr. or 147 gr. ammo at major matches. They generally clock in a bit heavier than the 115 gr. ones.

 

[bill o]

I'd recommend dropping $80 on a chrono or it's just guessing. You're in the danger zone with most 9mm factory ammo as you already know. You should be at 130 PF to be safe.

 

[DW357]

I know that Winchester White Box (WWB) 115 gr ammo is hotter than other factory ammo. If you read on the 1911 forums or the brianenos forum, there are threads saying that WWB will easily pass the 125 PF in a G19. Though I agree with Bill, definitely test them yourself to confirm.

I have a beat up (grazed with a bullet....) chrono that still works that you're more than welcome to use. I can bring it to the next IDPA match at Harvard on 9/24. I'll also be at the steel challenge match on Saturday at Harvard if you're around.

I would also recommend trying 124 or 147 gr ammo as Don suggested.

 

[GooseManCometh]

Yeah I've seen the $80 chrono option on Amazon but have yet to pull the trigger (pun intended)

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[Gammon]

Yeah I've seen the $80 chrono option on Amazon but have yet to pull the trigger (pun intended)

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+1 on the chrono. Competition electronics makes an excellent machine for about $100. Great organization with first rate CS. I have been using their products (timer and chronos) for well over 20 years with no complaints.

 

[Gammon]

A 115 gr bullet is not the best choice to make the power factor. Heavier bullets need less velocity to make minor and shoot a little softer.

 

[DW357]

+1 on the chrono. Competition electronics makes an excellent machine for about $100. Great organization with first rate CS. I have been using their products (timer and chronos) for well over 20 years with no complaints.

Yep that's the one I have.

 

[DW357]

A 115 gr bullet is not the best choice to make the power factor. Heavier bullets need less velocity to make minor and shoot a little softer.

Agreed. For the non-reloader, 115 and 124 gr Blazer or Aguila is the same price at $10.50 - $11 a box.

 

[KOMA829]

as others have suggested switch to 124 or 147 and you may see better results, I would still get a hold of a crono to test even those in your gun prior to the match.

I had a similar issue a few years ago with factory 115gr ( aguilla ), and luckily a G34 was available that day or I would have been DQ. after that match, I switched to 147gr and then to reloading, so now I hope it doesn't happen to me again, well lets hope so anyways.