[Loaded45ACP]

Are .45+P loads recommended for a Springfield 1911A1 Loaded pistol? I plan on using these most of the time so I don't want to blow the pistol apart. Thank you.

[1911Tuner]

Howdy Loaded,

Go ahead and shoot'em. Even with +p pressures, the average working chamber pressures in .45 ACP aren't enough to blow the gun apart. The
1911 is over-engineered and will stand a lot of abuse unless there's
somethin' bad outta whack with the headspace...and even then, the gun isn't likely to turn into a grenade. I would have it checked for headspace and
follow the smith's advice. If that's not possible, get a few rounds of your
chosen ammo...load one/shoot one...and examine the cases for signs of bulging on the bottom of the case. If there's a doubt, mark the case along the top with a magic marker beforehand. If there's a bulge on the opposite side, you may have insufficient case head support, and the gun should be checked.

For the record...I have seen pistols that would produce a slight bulge with
certain brands of ammo, but not with standard-pressure stuff and brass-cases, but I've never seen one blow the head unless there was an
excessive headspace condition or some hack had been at the barrel throat with a Dremel and a grindstone.

Keep in mind that +p ammo is beyond original design specs and some of it does produce pressures approaching proof levels in some guns...though this will vary in different examples of identical guns. If in doubt...Check it out.

Also...Higher than standard pressures do accelerate wear and battering of the locking lugs if used a lot. Rather like taking your car's engine to red line every time you put your foot on the loud pedal. Things are gonna wear out faster...just a fact of life.

Luck!

Tuner

[Loaded45ACP]

Thanks, appreciate the reply. I plan on using Remington 185 grn. +P Sabers (perhaps the MagTech +P loads as well) most of the time. Take care.

[dsk]

I've never been able to get excited about +P .45 loads. All you get is increased recoil and blast, with only a theoretical increase in effectiveness. I was actually happy to see Federal's reduced recoil "Personal Defense" loads, as I think they were a good idea.

[1911Tuner]

dsk:

>I've never been able to get excited about +P .45 loads. All you get is increased recoil and blast, with only a theoretical increase in effectiveness.<
*******************

Agreed. Also have a theory that the slower powders and altered pressure curves can bring on some functional problems of their own in some guns,
especially with the 185 grain fast-movers.