[Johnny Guest]

Some years ago, when bowling pin matches were THE game, I experimented with some LSWC bullets in .45 ACP. They ran some 265 gr cast from linotype metal. I wanted the sharp edges of the meplat and shoulder to dig in, and a LOT of momentum to move the pins off the table. Seems I decided the ideal load would consist of a charge of Unique that pushed 'em at about 750 fps. After a couple of hundred rounds, I decided that this was a senseless abuse of good pistols and gave it up. (A very similar load put up in Auto Rim cases still works well in my old 1917 S&W revolver, though.)

Looking at the original specifications for the 1911 pistol, it was set up to handle the 230 gr bullet in the 820 to 860 range of velocities, a fairly narrow window. The timing was set up to balance THAT cartridge with the rifling type, the locking of barrel to slide, and the spring loading. Changing any part of the equation got away from the design that worked supremely well. Bullseye shooters puzzled things out for LIGHT loads early on, but handling heavy loads required some rather extensive tinkering: spring-loaded plungers within the recoil spring guide, rubber or fiber buffers, and heavier springs. These protected the frames from battering pretty well, but made dependable shooting of standard loads problematic.

For a time, I went to a special-order, longer version of the H&G #68 bullet that weighed at about 235 gr. I got decent results at about 850 fps. The sharp edges grabbed the plastic-coated wood nicely, with less wear and tear on my pistols. I soon moved along and concentrated on loading ammo fairly equivalent to factory velocities and pressures. When I want more power than the .45 ACP is designed to deliver, I go to a big bore and/or magnum revolver.

Oh, and, there's NO WAY I'd subject my beloved 1911 pistols to a 300 gr. bullet in any loading.

Best,
Johnny