[ed dixon]

Just picked up my first 1911 (S.A. Mil-Spec) a week ago. I've already cleaned, sized, belled and primed 300 cases of once-fired brass and am about to order some bullets for the initial firing session. My question: What type and weight bullet should I order to give it a basic workout? I guess I'm asking what is the most favored or commonly used bullet? I know I've seen 230 gr. come up a lot, but also that certain types of bullets tend to feed better. Without scanning dozens of threads or buying many available factory offerings, where should I start to get a baseline on this caliber and gun?

[Hal]

230 gr - full metal jacket - is what the 1911 was designed to use

I use a hard cast 230 gr round nose lead bullet over a mild charge of Unique, 5.5 gr. in my Kimber.
It pretty much duplicates the 230 gr ball load the gun was designed to use at a lower cost.
For superb accuracy in the Kimber, I drop the charge down to just under 5.0 gr w/the same 230 gr cast lead bullet.

Next most popular load would be a cast lead 185 or 200 gr semi wadcutter. I'd make sure the gun works well with the standard 230 gr ball or cast lead round nose load first before trying the SWC.

OAL is critical in the .45acp for feeding purposes.

- - Factory Ammo - -

- Winchester "white box" Good stuff usually, very good brass.

- S&B (IMHO the best of the bunch for reloadable brass, YYMV wildly on this though. I have yet to crush a S&B case while reloading it.)

- PMC - shoots well but I don't like the brass.

Numero Uno for all around is Federal Hydra Shok 230 gr JHP.
Voodo magic accuracy in both my Kimbers and my Colt Commander. Beats my best efforts of handloads, hands down. One hole, sub 2X caliber, 7 yard off hand shots are common w/this round. Even if this round didn't have such a stellar reputation as a defensive round, I'd use it for it's accuracy potential alone.

[ed dixon]

Thanks, Hal. What I asked and more.

[Standing Wolf]

Over time, I'd suggest you try a variety of bullets and powders. Individual guns often have preferences, and the model 1911 tends to be pickier than many other auto-loaders.