Using JHP in a match?

[rivviepop]

Awhile back I got two cases dirt, dirt cheap of a JHP round; I shot up a case but have another left that's been sitting on the shelf forever. Is there a rule or reason (not in the "it will be bad to speed load" sense, more in the "it will rip up the steel targets" sense, or the rulebook prohibits it) that I should not or could not use these rounds in place of a TMJ round? This would be for either USPSA or IDPA.

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For the curious (and if anyone wants to check my math), the ballistics of these .38 rounds are apparently less than a 158gr +P LRN by about 3,000 or so. I figure I might as well shoot them if possible, can't hurt right?

The ammo sitting on my shelf:

http://le.atk.com/ballistics/Ammo_Ballistics.aspx?id=560&firearm=2&bc=0.2&muzzvel=950&bulletwgt=147

Speer Lawman 158gr +P TMJ:

http://www.speer-ammo.com/ballistics/detail.aspx?loadNo=53750

[ciscosixgun]

Almost everybody who shoots an automatic in IPSC or IDPA shoots JHPs. So whats the problem? If somebody is shooting a 9mm major or 38 super with JHP it shouldnt be a problem at all for you to shoot them.

[rivviepop]

Almost everybody who shoots an automatic in IPSC or IDPA shoots JHPs. So whats the problem? If somebody is shooting a 9mm major or 38 super with JHP it shouldnt be a problem at all for you to shoot them.

Thanks, as a new person I didn't know that; I don't know if there IS a problem unless I ask, you know? There's no way I could know the answer to "So what's the problem?" otherwise; we all have to learn at some point.

[ciscosixgun]

When a match is set up the minimum distance for steel is 10 yards this is to reduce the splatter of bullet fragments. Shooting jacketed ammo is no problem. Even with the minimum distance you do get fragments coming back. So always wear eyes.

Steel targets are made of hardened steel. They can take a lot of abuse. The only issue with steel is rifle ammo. Their is no problem with pistols or even shotguns with lead shot on the same steel at the same distances. With a rifle steel is engaged much further out. I believe the USPSA rules say 50 yards for rifle steel.

I don't mean to be rude. It's good to ask questions. Please don't be shy about it.

[rivviepop]

Thanks for the explanation! I'm with you on the eyes, I've had tiny pieces hit me lightly in the hand (while spectating behind the shooter hitting steel), it's amazing how far those fragments can fly and at the odd angles they go.

[M. Sage]

JHP should actually be easier on steel targets than FMJ, that's for sure. Less chance of splash-back, too.

[ar15barrels]

[rivviepop]

I just did a quick google, apparently the ones I linked/have above are loaded to 22,800 PSI so we're not into magnum category yet. A 158gr +P is standard at 21,200 (so says google) so it's not too terribly beyond the realm of normal +P... I know most clubs outlaw the Magnum rounds (who'd wanna shoot those beasts anyways).

[randy]

rivvie you can shoot 10 mm at the matches you have nothing to worry about.

Sage I think you will find the JHP will come back more than FMJ.

[TMC]

I shoot 125 JHP's at 1,360fps in my open gun, like almost everybody else.

Shoot em!

[Yar]

I shoot a lot of steel. JHP definately splatter a lot more than FMJ. If your shooting a steel match the best ammo is molly coated lead.