DR bullet choice

Let's say you were slightly masochistic and wanted to load for DR... would you start with a RN, SWC, or HPSWC? Most likely thinking a swaged bullet from Zero, unless someone has a better idea...

Dave

There are several threads here on Distinguished Revolver loads.  Several upper level shooters seem to really like the Magtech 158gr RN Lead available at Graf & Son.  

https://www.bullseyeforum.net/t2221-distinguished-revolver-loads-that-don-t-suck?

I've read through that post several times. It seems more people were using SWC, and only really LenV was using the RN (at least in reloads). Curious if anyone else can give input.

No, generally the RN bullets shoot better at 50 yds. Exceptions of course.

I shoot a S&W M14-3.. I tried a lot of different loads using a 158 grain lead semi wadcutter. Nothing worked. Shot awful at 50 yards. Finally someone here - probably Len - suggested lead round nose Bullets. That was the trick. I cast my own. I use a Lee Tumble Lube design bullet. Shoots great. 

3.2 grains of Bullseye, Winchester brass, Winchester primers, 158 grain LRN bullet.

What's your crimp and OAL? Do your cast bullets have a crimp groove?

Thanks!

Dcforman wrote:What's your crimp and OAL? Do your cast bullets have a crimp groove?

Thanks!

The red line/arrow points to the last “ring” or “rib” on the bullet. I have no idea what the numbers are for overall length but I use the last groove as a crimp ring and it leaves that last rib exposed. As to crimp.. I don’t know either. I just crimp pretty snug. Sorry. I could try to take some measurements ... 

Just for information, hollow points are not allowed in DR.

Thanks for the info. It seemed some people had stated that some match directors were OK with the HPSWC, some weren't. I couldn't find a lot of clarity on it.

I queried the NRA on it a couple years ago, and received an email (a month later) stating hollow points were not allowed, so it isn't just hearsay...............

The written rules do not clarify it.

I find nothing preventing 158 hp bullets from being used

Nothing specifying lead either

We are currently going through the process of updating our rulebooks to include more specifics in regards to DR ammunition.  As soon as that happens, we will post all changes/updates on our Pistol Programs website.  The following verbiage is from members of our pistol rules committee: 
 
Any 158gr Round nose or SWC Lead or jacketed would be acceptable as long as 158 and above types.  The flat nosed does not meet the rules.
It is neither a round nose nor a SWC.  Hollow point also does not meet the acceptable standard.
 
Please feel free to call or email us again if you have any further questions in this regard.
 
Respectfully,
 
Elizabeth Martin
NRA Pistol Programs Specialist
Competitive Shooting Division
11250 Waples Mill Rd.  |  Fairfax, VA  22030
703-267-1452  | bmartin@nrahq.org


This is the answer I received when I was trying to find clarification.


Ric

I received this on June 1, 2015.

Personally I couldnt get anything to shoot as well as Federal factory 158gr LRN at 50 yards. Short line I used Zero SWC with 3.3 WST

I'm  with David. For the long line find a round nose factory round your pistol likes and stick with it.

For the short line I run 3.0 of wst and a Magnus 158 swaged swc..

In my troublesome younger days I’d have shot 180 from jacketed hp bullets and ask to show me the rule in my curren rulebook.

orpheoet wrote:Personally I couldnt get anything to shoot as well as Federal factory 158gr LRN at 50 yards. Short line I used Zero SWC with 3.3 WST

David, do the Zero SWC have a crimp groove? Tough to tell from the pics on Roze's website. If not, what's your OAL?

Thanks!

Try a box of Magtech 158 gr rn factory ammo.