Use of .45ACP +P Ammo in Aluminum Framed Guns

Cold Steel · May 13, 2009, 07:51 PM

I wrote S&W and asked if the Smith 457 would handle .45 ACP 185gr Gold Dot Hollow Point +P ammo and the answer was: "As long as you keep the weapon cleaned and lubricated you should be able to fire +P ammunition with no problems."

Is this pretty good info, and would it help to buy Wolfe's calibration spring kit to try a stiffer recoil spring? From what I've read, the 457 is made from a fairly tough alloy, but still, it's not steel.

Anyone have any practical experience?

wnycollector · May 13, 2009, 09:00 PM

I have shot a ~200 hundred rounds of magtech +P 230gr jhps through my SIG P220 with no ill effects. I do have a wolff 22 lb spring in mine. Your S&W should bue fine with limited use.

Webleymkv · May 13, 2009, 09:28 PM

If S&W says it's OK, then I wouldn't worry about it. In my experience, S&W is more likely to err on the side of caution with regards to advice like that. If you pistol does wind up having a problem, S&W will probably fix it for free as their customer service is excellent.

May 13, 2009, 07:51 PM	#1
Cold Steel Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2006 Posts: 100	Use of .45ACP +P Ammo in Aluminum Framed Guns I wrote S&W and asked if the Smith 457 would handle .45 ACP 185gr Gold Dot Hollow Point +P ammo and the answer was: "As long as you keep the weapon cleaned and lubricated you should be able to fire +P ammunition with no problems." Is this pretty good info, and would it help to buy Wolfe's calibration spring kit to try a stiffer recoil spring? From what I've read, the 457 is made from a fairly tough alloy, but still, it's not steel. Anyone have any practical experience?

May 13, 2009, 09:00 PM	#2
wnycollector Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 1,996	I have shot a ~200 hundred rounds of magtech +P 230gr jhps through my SIG P220 with no ill effects. I do have a wolff 22 lb spring in mine. Your S&W should bue fine with limited use.

May 13, 2009, 09:28 PM	#3
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	If S&W says it's OK, then I wouldn't worry about it. In my experience, S&W is more likely to err on the side of caution with regards to advice like that. If you pistol does wind up having a problem, S&W will probably fix it for free as their customer service is excellent.