Range ammo limitations a problem.

[rogervzv]

The ranges around Orange County to my knowledge do not allow us to fire anything except FMJ. It is generally agreed that hollowpoints (not allowed at the ranges) are the best SD round, given penetration issues.

What are people around here doing to ensure that their semi-automatic HD/SD pistols feed hollowpoints OK? I am sure that they do, but back in the 80s I had problems with hollowpoints with my Colt 45 Gold Cup and to a lesser extent the Beretta Model 84. I am imagining that more modern pistols are ramped and designed for hollowpoints, but I still do not feel comfortable loading up an HD/SD round that I have not personally tested my pistol with.

It is not like you can conveniently go out in the boonies to shoot like people in free states can do.

Solution?

Also: what is the issue with hollowpoints at the ranges? Are they worried about lead contamination?

[ptgarcia]

I'm close enough to the desert that's where I choose to shoot. How about an outdoor range? Any in your area? There's at least one around me.

[DesertGunner]

Do they watch you load every mag?

[Low-Pressure]

To my understanding, they will let you shoot FMJ ammo, but not cast lead reloads. My friend who is a LEO never had problems shooting his issued handgun and issued ammo at Insight.

[Low-Pressure]

Do they watch you load every mag?

That doesn't answer the OP's question, btw.... I'd rather follow their rules than get caught once and always be watched every time you visit their range.

[rogervzv]

That doesn't answer the OP's question, btw.... I'd rather follow their rules than get caught once and always be watched every time you visit their range.

Exactly. And I am a rule follower anyway. Could I get away with it? Sure. But I would never fire unauthorized ammo at the range because I want to continue shooting there without problems.

[G1500]

They are not worried about lead poisoning. Lead is exposed mo matter what. I am really not sure what the problem is with JHPs.

I can understand why they wouldn't want steel core ammo, possibly causing a ricochet, but that's about it.

My range has a rule about no HP, but I have used them there with no problem to test out my rounds and mags before I trusted my lift to them.

[iareConfusE]

On-Target doesn't care if you use steel core, FMJ, JHP, frangible, lead alloy, whatever ammo you want to use, as long as it isn't illegal in CA. Obviously no tracers too.

[G1500]

Exactly. And I am a rule follower anyway. Could I get away with it? Sure. But I would never fire unauthorized ammo at the range because I want to continue shooting there without problems.

You have 4 options:

1) Go find a spot in the boonies, test out the HPs.

2) Ask the range is you can test out a couple mags of HPs and you promise never to use them after that. Risk being told no, and potentially having yoru ammo checked and watched every time you go.

3) Go there, shoot your HPs, test your pistol and your mags with your SD rounds, go about your life.

4) Do nothing, load up your mags and trust your lift to something you have no clue will work or not.

[gorenut]

I think most people just sneakily fire a few shots of JHP at their ranges to test out the gun/ammo. NOT saying I encourage this... but I don't think most ranges will even notice.

[21SF]

No HP at a range? Never heard of that....EVER...maybe SC.

[LHC30]

Magnum Range in Rancho Cucamonga says no JHP's. From what I understand (translation = WAG) the JHP's end up with sharp edges that tear up the rubber at the end of the lanes more than FMJ does.

[jonzer77]

That's weird, the ranges up here in the peninsula only have rules against steel core or cali illegal ammo. Its most likely something their insurance company requires.

[Mr. Meeseeks]

3) Go there, shoot your HPs, test your pistol and your mags with your SD rounds, go about your life.

Kinda ashamed to, but I'll admit to doing this, I do about 5 rounds to a full mag from the pistol I intend on using the ammo for. I figure if they let LEOs shoot theirs...

[ThortheDog]

I think Orange County Indoor in Brea will allow HPs. At least I don't see a prohibition in the range rules on their website.

I think they used to prohibit HPs but changed that about a year ago.

You could always call to confirm if you wanted to shoot there.