IDPA power factor?

[dk17hmr]

I know there is a certain power you have to have, I just dont know how to find it. Its something to do with bullet weight, fps , and caliber?

I want to start shootin a local one with my 1911, any tips?

[lastmanout]

Do a google search. The IDPA has their handbook and rules available on line. I have shot their matches only a few times. IF my memory is correct- they use the formula -- (velocity x bullet weight in grains) divided by 1000 = power factor--- I THINK a PF of 180 makes major and a PF of 130 (?) is minor. The 40's and 45's make major easily and are favorites of the serious shooters. Minor calibers have a smaller 'bullseye' . Have fun and be ready to meet some fast shooters:Fire:

[ron brooks]

Take your time shooting. You can't miss fast enough to win. :-). If you are shooting less than about 90% "bullseyes" you are trying to go too fast, more than around 90% you're going too slow. Smoothness is speed.

[35remington]

The power factor is now 165, which is almost too low, this opinion coming from a guy that remembers the much higher power factors of the past. This was most likely done so the 40 S&W shooters could get by with 180 grain cast lead bullets at a little over 900 fps-917 fps with a 180 grain, to be exact. The 200 grain bullets were proving to be a little too heavy for the forty. The forty does deserve to make major, though, IMO.

Now, to get ultra low recoil sensation, the .45 ACP shooters around my range are experimenting with heavy conical bullets-250 grains-at low speeds. A 250 grain bullet at 660 fps makes 165, as does a 230 grain at 718 fps.

[mike in co]

me thinks the current power factor number is a results of the ability to obtain major pf ammo in factory loadings....something about some countries not allowing reloading.( that was the story for ipsc)

me i like 230 at 790/800 in a 45acp
125 at 1050 in 9mm
100/90 at 1000/1100 in 9mak
125 at 1200/1250 in 9x21
and in various 40's
175/180 at 1000(old school)
165 at 1000/1100
and still to be tried
135 at 1000


mike

[eveready]

If you are going to shoot a 1911 in 45 calibre in IDPA you would be shooting in CDP class. That requires a power factor of 165 minimum. Power factor is the weight of the bullet multiplied by its velocity divided by 1000. That is a 200 grain bullet at a minimum of 850 feet per second or a 230 at 718 fps.

[BD]

Eveready's right about the 230 grainer needing to be doing 718 fps to make major, but incorrect on the 200s. A 200 grainer only needs to make 825 fps. In my area most matches will require that the average of three shots makes PF. This is much more of an issue for folks shooting .38 spec as the 4" barrel restriction on revolvers requires a heavy bullet loaded right up there to make PF. At the last match I attended 3 shooters failed to make the PF, two were using factory .38 special ammo. BD

[eveready]

BD you're right about the 200 grain only needing to do 825fps to make power factor in CDP. I also forgot that you could shoot the 45 in ESP and would only need to make 125 pf.