185 or 230gr in 3 inch 1911. - Page 2

OBIWAN · November 21, 2005, 10:49 AM

I seem to remember that the all Copper (barnes) bullets Taurus has did well out of short barrels

I will try to find the data

OBIWAN · November 21, 2005, 10:55 AM

Note--The RD was calculated by averaging the smallest and largest diameter of each recovered projectile (ex. .47 x .87 = .67). Averages for 5 shots noted below:
9 mm Black Hills/Barnes 105 gr copper JHP
Bare: VEL = 1426 f/s, PEN = 12.9” RD = 0.62”, RW = 104.4 gr
Denim: VEL = 1417 f/s, PEN = 12.7”, RD = 0.60”, RW = 104.7 gr
Auto Glass: VEL = 1444 f/s, PEN = 13.6”, RD = 0.41”, RW = 88.6 gr

.45 ACP Taurus/Barnes 185 gr copper JHP
Bare: VEL = 921 f/s, PEN = 11.7”, RD = 0.67”, RW = 184.4 gr
Denim: VEL = 922 f/s, PEN = 11.0”, RD = 0.67”, RW = 185.8 gr
Auto Glass: VEL = 924 f/s, PEN = 13.6”, RD = 0.48”, RW = 184.6 gr

While the .45 ACP copper JHP is slightly deficient in penetration, I would not hesitate to use this load when a lower penetration projectile is desired--it is more versatile in different potential engagement scenarios and far superior compared to Triton Quickshok, Aguila IQ, Magsafe, Glaser, etc...

azspyder · November 21, 2005, 12:07 PM

Basically, any JHP cannot be expected to expand reliabily with less than 800 muzzle velocity, IMHO. I carry Hornady 200gr. in my Kimber Ultra Carry. Velocity is a little over 900, good expansion, good bullet weight, low flash and accurate.

azredhawk44 · November 21, 2005, 04:54 PM

Something to think about:

The heavier the bullet, the longer it stays in the bore and the more pressure it generates.

I have heard (no experience on my own) that the 3" 1911's are almost lacking in enough barrel to get sufficient energy to rack the slide.

If I noticed that 165's or 180's were leaving me out of battery or not fully running the slide, I would increase bullet weight to get more pressure into the spring.

Take my 2 cents and get some change from it.

azspyder · November 22, 2005, 12:37 PM

I think you make a good point, azredhawk. I haven't had the problem...165gr works fine in my gun. That's why I compromised on 200gr, enough velocity to mushroom properly with enough weight.

michael t · November 24, 2005, 01:16 AM

The CorBon non+P compact DPX is what Ive findy settled on in my compact.I figure 10+1 is plenty

Webleymkv · November 26, 2005, 05:54 PM

I'd feel better with 230. Most .45 ACP ammo is designed for 5" or at least 4" barrels. 3" will sap a lot of velocity off the round and it isn't going all that fast to begin with. If I can't have fast bullets I figure I might as well have heavy ones. Of course 230grn is all I'd use in any .45 anyway. If I wanted light and fast, I'd use my 9mm.

November 24, 2005, 01:16 AM	#31
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	The CorBon non+P compact DPX is what Ive findy settled on in my compact.I figure 10+1 is plenty __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

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November 21, 2005, 10:49 AM	#26
OBIWAN Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 1999 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,340	I seem to remember that the all Copper (barnes) bullets Taurus has did well out of short barrels I will try to find the data

November 21, 2005, 12:07 PM	#28
azspyder Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2005 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 154	Basically, any JHP cannot be expected to expand reliabily with less than 800 muzzle velocity, IMHO. I carry Hornady 200gr. in my Kimber Ultra Carry. Velocity is a little over 900, good expansion, good bullet weight, low flash and accurate.

November 21, 2005, 04:54 PM	#29
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	Something to think about: The heavier the bullet, the longer it stays in the bore and the more pressure it generates. I have heard (no experience on my own) that the 3" 1911's are almost lacking in enough barrel to get sufficient energy to rack the slide. If I noticed that 165's or 180's were leaving me out of battery or not fully running the slide, I would increase bullet weight to get more pressure into the spring. Take my 2 cents and get some change from it.

November 22, 2005, 12:37 PM	#30
azspyder Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2005 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 154	I think you make a good point, azredhawk. I haven't had the problem...165gr works fine in my gun. That's why I compromised on 200gr, enough velocity to mushroom properly with enough weight.

November 26, 2005, 05:54 PM	#32
Webleymkv Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 10,446	I'd feel better with 230. Most .45 ACP ammo is designed for 5" or at least 4" barrels. 3" will sap a lot of velocity off the round and it isn't going all that fast to begin with. If I can't have fast bullets I figure I might as well have heavy ones. Of course 230grn is all I'd use in any .45 anyway. If I wanted light and fast, I'd use my 9mm.