[TarpleyG]

Question for anyone that might have an answer or speculation. Not intending to do anything right away but just curious. I have a Norinco 1911A1 clone, all-steel, well built gun that I have customized somewhat. If I needed/wanted to use this platform for hunting or defensive use on 4 legged critters, could I use something like Buffalo Bore .45 +P 230 gr. ammo without harming the gun? Would it be better to use a heavier recoil spring and maybe even a firing pin stop with a smaller radius (see the thread in gunsmithing if you do not know what this is)? The velocity out of these cartridges seems marginal to me when compared to something like a .357. Just wondering what you all thought.

Greg

[Silent Bob]

If I was planning on shooting quite a bit of that stuff, I would use a 18lb spring and a Shok-Buff.

[Jim Watson]

If it is really truly SAAMI +P then it is only about a 10% overload and your gun ought to stand up to any reasonable amount. But a fresh recoil spring and buffer would be cheap insurance.
Don't be caught up in muzzle velocity, our club dentist says .45 ACP +P kills whitetail as well as anything he has hunted with, rifles included. Of course he gets close enough to shoot them in the heart and/or lungs.

[Double Maduro]

TarpleyG,

I would consult the owners manual and if it isn't mentioned there I would call the manufacturer for their recomendations.

10% is a big increase in pressure in some guns.

If you are really interested in shooting the hottest .45 loads, get a Ruger P90. They are rated to handle any factory loads.

Let us know what you find out, or if you try them, how it goes.

DM