[Graystar]

I just got a target .45 Hardball pistol. As expected, Federal Gold Medal SWC ain't working...feeding isn't 100% reliable and the gun is expecting a little more "umph" to cycle properly.

Eventually I will load my own ammo, but for now I need to buy some target-quality ammo, and it doesn't seem like Federal makes a target hardball round. Any suggestions?

[Old Fuff]

First, I'd try some regular ball to be sure it functioned O.K. If so, try the following with the mid-range loads:

1. Use 7-round magazines that have "short lips." These release the cartridge sooner, which is important because the mid-range loads have a shorter O.A.L.

2. Try a slightly lighter recoil spring. This may or may not work, it depends on the particular gun.

Usually a modified magazine(s) will do the trick. I have an older Colt Gold Cup and a U.S. Springfield Armory National Match that will feed either ball or SWC. It's all in the magazine.

Last but not least, your extractor tension may be too heavy. If nothing else works, check this out.

[woodyed]

Graystar,
Federal makes a 230 FMJ load , #AE45A, under the "American Eagle" brand name. It's inexpensive and good ammo, although slightly dirty. I don't know if this ammo would meet your criteria for target ammo, but I thought I would mention it. It has a published muzzle velocity of 850 fps, which is the usual factory standard for hardball ammo.

[Graystar]

Federal makes a 230 FMJ load , #AE45A, under the "American Eagle" brand name. Yeah, I looked at that. Seems about right and I can get it from Ammoman. If I can't find anything target grade I'll end up going with that. Thanks.

[Bacchus]

Take a look at MagTech. Good stuff.

[w1mnk]

I just shot a lot of CCI Blazer 230gr FMJ thru a SIG P220ST and Mauser M2. No malfunctions, reasonably clean, fairly accurate. I can usually find them at one of the local shops or gunshows for around $10/50.

[larryw]

What Old Fluff said. Target loads are light and many guns need to be "tuned" to shoot them reliably. Make sure to switch back to the standard weight spring if you shoot standard ball or defensive loads

If you want an ammo-only solution, then I think the best strategy is to buy a box of everything you can get your hands on and see what you gun likes best. Don't overlook the JHP cartridges as they're often very accurate in a wide variety of guns.

[Graystar]

Thanks for all the help guys. I've decided on Precision Cartridge rounds for now because they use a copper plated bullet, and the range requires it. However I will try some of the other rounds when I'm at other ranges to see what shoots best.

Thanks!

[Sean Smith]

None of the stuff suggested is really suited to genuine target shooting (as opposed to blowing stuff up at the range for fun). You might luck out and find a factory load that is very accurate in your gun, but it will be a crap shoot. Until you are reloading, your best bet may be simply to pay a pistolsmith to make your gun work with the Federal Gold Medal Match load... after all, you are going to want your gun to work with semi-wadcutters no matter what if you are using it for target work.

[Graystar]

Until you are reloading, your best bet may be simply to pay a pistolsmith to make your gun work with the Federal Gold Medal Match load... after all, you are going to want your gun to work with semi-wadcutters no matter what if you are using it for target work. Well, it *is* a hardball pistol. I wanted one gun for all my competition so I decided to get a DCM legal hardball gun in case I ever do CMP leg matches.

Eh...this will just push me to reload more quickly, which I should be doing anyways.

[45R]

I've been shooting Winchester White Box from Walmart. The Value packs seem to be pretty accurate out of my 1911.

[Sean Smith]

Yeah, I kinda gathered that a hardball pistol would see hardball. ;)

But most bullseye shooting is done with wadcutters/semi-wadcutters unless the match rules say otherwise, so you will probably want to get it running with wadcutters at some point regardless.

I've had good luck with S&B ball ammo, by the way.

[Graystar]

I've had good luck with S&B ball ammo, by the way. Oh yeah, I use S&B 9mm in my Glock. It does shoots well. Something to try...thanks!

[Graystar]

First, I'd try some regular ball to be sure it functioned O.K. If so, try the following with the mid-range loads: Ran some good ol' ball through it today...operated perfectly.

[VG]

I've tried MagTech, Sellier & Bellot, Winchester, and Federal A.E. in 230 gr FMJ.

The Federal seems to shoot a little more accurately than those other brands in my pistols. I buy it in lots of 500 from a local dealer for around $10-11 per box.

[45crittergitter]

"1. Use 7-round magazines that have "short lips." These release the cartridge sooner, which is important because the mid-range loads have a shorter O.A.L."

I think the above may help me with non-feeding shot loads in my 1911. My question is which magazines, specifically, have short lips?