Question from a non- CAS shooter...

[ironglow]

  I notice the CAS competition uses comparatively low velocity ammo; is this because:
 
 1) It's more accurate.
 
 2) It more closely duplicates the historical facts.
 
 3) Some of our genuinely older guns can't take the pressure.
 
 4) All the above.
 
   Or am I missing some other factor which contributes to the situation ?

[Swampman]

It's much faster to get back on target.  It's all about timed fire.

[no guns here]

faster ammo also beats up the metallic targets too much.  Also the slower speeds tend to helps with eliminating splashback.
 
NGH

[Swampman]

Cartridge of choice for those who win is usually lightly loaded .38 Specials.

[RB Rooson]

Been shooting CAS for thirteen years now and it is all of the reasons listed above, but primarily the lessening of wear and tear on metal targets.
 
We actually have some "geniuses" that come out to the range (when we are not there....) and shoot the metal targets with .223 and metal-clad ammo of all types.  The result: is that we have to pick up the cost of replacement targets and they think they had a "fun-day" at the range using our targets.  Lead bullets were "period-correct" for CAS and lighter loads don't beat our equipment up.
 
We shoot three different disciplines (pistol, rifle and shotgun).

[ironglow]

Thanks for the 'fill in" ..have been wondering lately about that ...

[StrawHat]

So, the lightly loaded ammunition more closely replicates what was available back then?  Not hardly!

[Modoc]

Ironglow,

To answer some of your questions from a long-time CAS shooter.

1) Sometimes
2) Maybe
3) Yes
4) No

Some other considerations besides target longevity are:
a) Expense.  My family shoots together, so 38 cal boolits are a bit more economical along with using about 1/2 the powder charge of the 45.  4 gr of Unique versus 7 gr (38 vs. 45).  At 7000 to 10000 rounds a year, it adds up.
b) Wear and Tear, my hands do not like heavy recoil any more, plus we put more rounds down range in a match than most 1800's cowboys shot in a year, so we hammer the tools pretty hard.

On the other hand, the upper velocity limit is not really powder puff (1000 fps), but there is a standing rule of you damage our targets, you bought them.