Competitive Shooting: Choosing Ammunition Caliber

Introduction

Time to read: 7 minutes

Date: June 5, 2023

Competition shooting is a sport that tests the skill of shooters. It is a fast-paced sport, where competitors are judged on their speed and accuracy. There are several different divisions in competition shooting, each with their own rules and regulations. It is important to choose the right firearm for the job, taking into account the division you will be shooting in, magazine capacity, and reloading speed. 

Additionally, it is important to consider your budget and shooting style when selecting a firearm. Finally, when choosing ammunition for your gun, it is important to make sure that it is the right size, not prone to any problems, and within your budget.

With a variety of competitions for shooting, be aware that different divisions have different rules and regulations, so it’s important to make sure that your gun and ammo comply with those regulations. 

For example, in the Limited Division, competitors are only allowed to use handguns with a maximum barrel length of 9mm. Additionally, in most competitions, shooters are only allowed to use magazines with a maximum capacity of 10 rounds. You’ll want to prepare accordingly when registering for a competition.

Types of Competitive Shooting 

Competitive shooting is a great way to improve skills, meet new people, and have fun. There are several different types of shooting competitions, each with its own set of rules and regulations. 

Defensive carbine competition involves shooting targets at various ranges from close to 300 yards. Accurized rifle match combines precision rifle and practical rifle matches with targets usually set up at ranges out to 600 yards. AR-15 rifles are mostly used in accurized rifle matches. 

Equipment needed for certain competitions includes semiautomatic handgun in 9mm or above caliber, revolver in 38 sw special or above caliber, 150 rounds of ammunition, eye/ear protection, 2+ pistol magazines, 3+ revolver speed loaders/full moon clips. A red dot sight on a pistol/revolver is optional and could be helpful. Magazine carriers for handguns and revolver speedloader carriers are recommended but not required for competitive shooting. 

Factors to Consider 

When it comes to choosing the right firearm for competition shooting, there are a few factors to consider. First, you need to think about what type of competition you’ll be shooting in. Different guns are better suited for different types of competitions, so make sure you choose one that fits your needs. 

Second, you need to think about your budget. Competition shooting can be expensive, not just considering the upfront costs of the gun, but the ammunition. Third, think about your shooting style and what features are important to you. By taking all these factors into account, you can be sure to choose the right firearm for your needs.

Consider Your Shooting Style 

When it comes to choosing the right ammunition for competition shooting, it’s important to consider your shooting style. Do you like to shoot one-handed or two-handed? If you’re shooting one-handed, you may want to choose ammo with less recoil so that it’s easier to manage. 

Which Ammo Will Work Best with Your Firearm?

Choosing the right ammunition for your gun can be tricky, and there are a few things you need to take into account. Primarily, you want to make sure that the ammo you select is not going to cause any problems with your gun. This can include bad primers or light strikes. You also want to make sure that the ammo you select is the right size for your gun. Additionally, some ammunition may be more prone to jamming or misfiring than others, so it’s important to read reviews and do research before making a purchase. 

Finally, it’s important to test out different types of ammunition in your gun before settling on one. This will help you determine which type of ammo works best in your firearm and will give you peace of mind knowing that you have chosen the right ammunition for your needs.

Think About Your Budget 

If you’re like us, thinking about budgets is the last thing you want to do. Still, it’s an important factor when considering competitive shooting, as costs can quickly add up. In some cases, you may be able to find cheaper ammo online than you can in stores due to lower overhead costs. Additionally, some states have higher taxes on ammunition than others, so it’s important to factor this into the price you’re willing to pay. 

When selecting the right ammo for your needs, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision. By taking the time to learn about your options, you can be sure to choose the right ammo for your gun and your budget.

For competitive shooters, the choice of caliber can be a crucial factor when it comes to performance. Different calibers provide different levels of accuracy, power, and recoil, so it’s important to select the right one for your particular shooting needs. 

Overview of Calibers Used in Competitive Shooting 

When it comes to competitive shooting, there are a few calibers that are commonly used. The most popular caliber for defensive carbine competition is .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO, as these calibers are suitable for shooting targets at various ranges from close to 300 yards. For an accurized rifle match, AR-15 rifles in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO are mostly used and the targets are usually set up at ranges out to 600 yards.

For handguns, semi automatic handguns in 9mm or above caliber and revolvers in 38 sw special or above caliber are typically used. It is important to note that not all guns are allowed in competition due to caliber restrictions, so be sure to check the rules before participating. For example, the FN 57×28 is not eligible for IDPA or USPSA PCC division due to these regulations. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Calibers 

Different calibers of firearms offer different advantages and disadvantages in competitive shooting. Smaller calibers, such as 9mm or .38 special, are typically easier to control and can be more accurate due to the lower recoil. However, they may lack the power needed for longer range targets. Larger calibers, such as .45 ACP or .223 Remington, can provide more power at longer ranges but may be harder to control due to the higher recoil. 

It is important to consider the type of competition you will be participating in when selecting a caliber for your firearm. Additionally, it is important to practice with your firearm to ensure that you are comfortable with its performance and can perform well in competition.

Popular Calibers Used in Competition 

When it comes to competitive shooting, the caliber of your firearm can make a big difference. The most popular calibers used for handgun competitions are 9mm and above for semi automatic handguns, and .38 Special and above for revolvers. 

.223 Remington or 5.56 NATO calibers are typically used in defensive carbine competition, accurized rifle match, and IDPA or USPSA PCC division matches. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Caliber for Competition 

When choosing a caliber for competition shooting, there are several factors to consider.

1. The type of competition you are entering will determine the caliber allowed.
2. The level of skill of fellow shooters in competition should be taken into account. Beginners or above average shooters may find the level of skill intimidating and should choose a caliber that is suitable for their skill level. 
3. The cost of ammunition should be taken into consideration when selecting a caliber for competition. 
4. Finally, practice and muscle memory are important aspects of competitive shooting, so it is important to choose a caliber that you can practice with regularly.

Taking all these factors into account can help you make an informed decision when selecting a caliber for competition shooting.

If you’re looking for more information on different types of ammo, then check out our article on the differences between steel and brass ammo!

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing the right caliber for competition is a personal choice that should take into consideration the type of competition you are participating in as well as your own preferences and needs. If you are just starting out in the world of competitive shooting or are considering changing up your current caliber setup, we encourage you to research all of your options before making a decision.

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