IDPA Nationals (NOT re-inventing the wheel)

[alfsauve]

I'm a little slow in catching up on my reading, so I just found this and thought it interesting.

IDPA does a survey at their Nationals (not the indoor held at S&W, but their "National" match).   The results of which are very interesting.   It took me many years to learn to quit trying to re-invent the wheel just for the sake of doing it.  After digesting these numbers I may make some changes in my reloading.

This match was held in Septmeber in NC and had 314 pistol shooters and 30 revolver shooters.  Here are the top numbers in some of the more interesting categories.  Excuse typos and I might be off by a couple.  Not everyone responded to the survey so things might be off a little.

Pistols:  Glock - 108,  S&W - 76,  Springfield Armory -25
Revolvers:  S&W - 26,  Ruger - 1

Holsters:  Comp-Tac - 107, Blade-Tech - 87

Ammo:  Handloads - 185,  Atlanta Arms - 32, Federal - 24

Powder:  TiteGroup - 61, Clays - 22, N320 - 20

Bullets:  Montana Gold - 67, Berry's - 27, Precision Delta - 26
(Jacketed - 108, Plated - 43)

Primers:  Federal -79, Winchester - 46, CCI - 31

Reloading Press:  Dillion - 189, LnL AP - 5   
(Note:  More people indicated a press than indicated they used handloads. I wonder if some competitors use factory ammo for competition but reload for practice or other purposes?)



There were more categories but these were the most revealing.  So if you're just starting out in competitive shooting or reloading and you want to know "which should I use?"  well here's an indication what the crowd is doing.  Not necessisarily the "best", but it shows the trend. 

[jaybet]

Interesting info, Alf. I'm happy to say that even though I don't compete, I'm loading with a lot of that stuff.

[MikeBjerum]

Alf,

Your thought on reloading (Handloads for practice and factory for competition) is most likely right on.  For competitors that fly to competitions ammunition is a problem.  It is also difficult shipping ammunition to yourself when you travel.  In a game like IDPA it is much easier to order factory ammunition and have it shipped to the range.  There are even a couple of companies that will reload rounds to your exact specs (primer, powder, bullet, and chrono performance) and ship it to arrive in time.

[alfsauve]

BTB, I only posted the top numbers in some of the categories.

There were 29 different handgun manufacturers represented, about 28 holster makers, 31 ammo companies and I didn't want to regurgitate the eye and ear protection, nor the "concealment" garment makers.   If you want to see the whole thing go to IDPA.org.  They also queried everyone on their real everyday CCW carry.

RE:   Ammo

Yes, I'm sure, especially Atlanta Arms and Ammo, has ammo on-site for the shooters they sponsor and anyone else willing to pay the price. 

I'd love to see the reloading questions though only pertain to those who are shooting their reloads.