[CZ52GUY]

Within a separate thread, I requested opinions regarding my next Auto Loader purchase.

I'm leaning toward a Springfield 1911A Mil-Spec (WWII Commemorative).

Since that purchase would be my first .45 ACP, I'm interested in reliable target ammo' at a reasonable price.

I want it to be safe, reliable, reasonably accurate, and affordable.

I don't expect to unseat Rob Leatham any time soon, or enter the Olympics either. This will be about enjoying the range time rather than seeking "competition quality" projectiles.

If I can't find an affordable .45ACP target ammo' alternative, I'll likely defer the purchase and consider something within the calibers I already own.

Your opinions please.

Thanks in advance,

CZ52GUY

[357SIG]

Winchester USA 230 gr. and Remington UMC 230 gr.

Both are available at Wally World.

[Dorrin79]

I shoot the WWB "Value Pack" 230 FMJ in my SA MilSpec.

Decently accurate, uniform performance.

just under $20 for 100 rds.

[Sheldon]

Can't help you with factory loads, but any 200gr lead SWC load with anywhere from 4.0 - 5.0 grains of Bullseye powder has always been good to me. Runs about $3.20 in components per box or so.

[CZ52GUY]

My WW location is selling the value packs. It's a known quantity, locally available to me, so that's a good start.

I should have indicated that I'll be using factory ammo' only. Don't have the facilities or the time to allocate to re-loading.

Dorrin79: How do you like your SA Mil-Spec? Where do you get your mag's?

Thanks again,

CZ52'

[Dorrin79]

CZ -

My SA Milspec is the "normal" milspec model as opposed to the GI milspec.

Mine here (http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PB9108LLarge.jpg)

GI here (http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/PW9108LLarge.jpg)

It's a bit more expensive, and has real sights instead of the GI-style sights.

It's a good gun. Well-fitted, quality manufacture. The 7-rd mag it came with from the factory has been fine. I also bought two McCormick "Shooting Star" 8-rd mags, one of which gave me some trouble at first but has since smoothed out.

Trigger is crisp, maybe a bit heavy (I imagine I'll eventually replace the trigger etc. with a lighter one). It's fairly accurate (much more so than my old P89, not as accurate as my Hi-Power); say, 3" groups at 10 yds (and it could probably do better in the hands of a better shooter).

I've shot somewhere in the range of 500 rounds through it so far, and it has been 100% reliable with the 7-rd factory mag shooting the aforementioned WWB 230gr FMJ. I had some infrequent problems with one of the McCormick mags that seems to have self-solved (maybe just needed breaking-in?)

I keep it loaded with Winchester 230gr JHPs (I've shot 50 rds of this through the gun) which seems to pretty closely match the POI and feed characteristics of my practice ammo.

[Quartus]

Winchester USA 230 gr. and Remington UMC 230 gr.


Yup.


If you ever need factory service on a Springfield, forget it. Their service is crap.

[CZ52GUY]

Thank you sir.

I'm familiar with most of the differences between the standard Mil-Spec and GI Model.

I actually like the fixed steel sights on my Mak' and CZ52, and the $50-$80 price difference between the two models.

I appreciate the heads up on the McCormack mag's.

I've heard of others who have been quite satisfied with Winchester JHP.

Thanks again,

CZ52'

[Johnny Guest]

I load 230 RNL over 5.3 gr. of W-231 and WLP primers. I seat to exact same COL as Win white box factory hardball and it shoots to same point of aim. It runs right around 825 fps in the five-inch barrel. It feeds through any factory gun and has plenty of Ooomph to knock down plates or to reach out and hit long range targets. Also, perhaps coincidentally, it'll do the same thing US GI ball ammo has done for over 90 years . . . .

For something a little lighter, any of the 200 semiwadcutters, lead, jacketed, or plated, work very nicely over 5.7 gr. of 231.

Best,
Johnny

[LeadPumper]

My local shop usually has Lake City 230 gr FMJ for $9.50 a box ($95 for 500) Works well enough in my Kimber Custom and Beretta 8045F.

Get several flavors and see what tastes best.

-LeadPumper

[pinetree64]

I have the WWII version. I bought the McCormick mags and have not had a problem. I have only shoot 2-300 rounds though. I roll my own. I have settled on plated bullets - 200g rainier FPs shoot well in my Kimber compact and the Milspec Springfield. I was worried about the sights on the WWII version, but the gun points so well that they don't detracted from my shooting ability. I'm not target shooting, but shooting metal plates and am contemplating action pistol with her.

tjg

[SnWnMe]

Lee Pro 1000 Progressive for 45 ACP $125 @ midwayusa.com
Lee Safety Scale $20
Good caliper $20
Bullet Puller $10
500 bullets 230 LRN $25
1000 Win/CCI/Fed Large Pistol primers $20
1# W231 good for approx 1000 rds $20
1000 pcs of brass from Southern Belle Brass $56

Total: $296 for a LOT of shooting. 45 ACP brass lasts quite a while because of the low pressure.

[CZ52GUY]

For me...

Space is tight

Time is tighter

My buddy has some of those very items in storage that he's looking to get set up but for him...

Space is tight

Time is tighter

Best wishes,

CZ52'

[CZ52GUY]

I have the WWII version. I bought the McCormick mags and have not had a problem. I have only shoot 2-300 rounds though. I roll my own. I have settled on plated bullets - 200g rainier FPs shoot well in my Kimber compact and the Milspec Springfield. I was worried about the sights on the WWII version, but the gun points so well that they don't detracted from my shooting ability. I'm not target shooting, but shooting metal plates and am contemplating action pistol with her.

Thanks for the info'.

While I'm not completely convinced (about acquiring the WWII Mil-Spec from SA)...my lean continues in that direction.

Thanks again,

CZ52'

[SnWnMe]

Whoops, didn't read the entire thread :o :D

[OF]

Wally World Winchester white-box 100-round packs. $20.

- Gabe

[Daniel T]

S&B 230gr. I pay $9.50/box or $185/case.

2000+ rounds through my Colt 1991A1 Compact, 0 malfunctions.

Can't say the same for UMC (especially) or WW.

Edited to correct price.

[CZ52GUY]

Re: S&B

I've had pretty good luck w/them for all my other handgun calibers, as well as for a couple of my long guns (although it isn't an exclusive relationship...except with my CZ52 where I've not found anyone else with quality 7.62x25 anywhere close to their price point).

If I might ask, is $180 a case including S&H, or do you purchase locally?

If through the mail, would you point me to the source?

Thanks in advance,

CZ52'

[Dr.Rob]

200 gr hard cast lead semi wadcutters on 5 grains of red dot do the trick every time. its a little dirtier to shoot than say AA#5, but its just for punching holes.

[MoNsTeR]

The stuff I make myself.
Buying .45 costs too damn much.

[another okie]

I have used CCI Blazer, S & B, and Winchester as target ammo in my Springfield, which is a pretty basic model with a few extras. I don't notice much difference between them.

I've also run my handloads through it, a 200 LRN, a 230 grain FMJ, and a 185 TMJ, all over 5 to 6 grains of Winchester 231. All work well and about the same. All the target loads have more recoil than my handloads, and I have not really found a light target ammo. (I only have access to a single stage press, so loading enough .45 for an IDPA or IPSC match is rather tiresome.)

I suppose they have to make commercial ammo moderately hot to make sure it feeds all semis. Supposedly commercial SWC loads are loaded lighter; I've never tried any. They are substantially more expensive than the typical 230 RN commercial target load.

The only problem I've had with the gun is that recently it started jamming on the last round, especially in Wilson magazines, which have a very long and thick plastic follower. The case winds up jammed back to front in the ejection port pushing against the magazine, which makes clearing it very, very difficult.

[timbo]

I found that PMC works decently, but then I don't shoot it out of a 1911 either. I get it for about $9 per box of 50 at the local gun show that comes through here. My USP and ammo shoot better than I do so I'm happy, for now. I've used CCI/Blazer before, but it seemed a bit dirty. I literally had some ash spewing from my gun as I fired and the loads felt a little soft. I think I just got a bad box though since I've heard that a lot of others find this stuff to be ok. I can't speak for any other brands listed above though. The only place I see remington UMC at is Big 5 sporting goods, but they want like $18 for 50. In fact their price on a good day is worse than my range's prices on a bad day. Another local shop wants to sell winchester white box for about $16 per box, so I've never tried that. Unfortunately Wal-marts in the Los Angeles area don't seem to sell ammo. Bummer, maybe I should move.

Anyway, enough rambling, but PMC works well for me.

[jercamp45]

are pretty cool....shoot alot of them.
Wish I had the space and the time to get back into reloading...but...
Another coold thing that has worked well for me is the purchase of a .22 conversion unit....the thing paid for its self within 3 bricks of .22 ammo!
I got a simple Ciener...and with alitle experimentation I found got some good groups with the ammo it likes!
Another possibility is to look around for a commerical reloader....you can order larger lots cheaper than standard ball, and normally for a tiny bit extra they'll make the load to your preference!
Congrats on the 1911...tis the best blaster made! In my occassionally humble opinion.
Jercamp45

[VG]

I've tried Winchester, Federal American Eagle, Sellier & Bellot, and MagTech through my SIG P220 and two M1911A1's. All 230 gr FMJ. I've recntly purchased some WWII corrosive ball, just for testing info.

The differences are not large, but in terms of accuracy I rank them Federal AE, Winchester, MagTech, S&B.

I purchase Federal AE 500 rounds at a time locally and pay cash. The owner has always beaten any deal I could get online. I've paid between 9.50 and 10.50 per box.

MagTech is good stuff for the money.

[Daniel T]

CZ52GUY:

After checking again, the case actually cost me $185. The last case I got locally, so I paid 8.25% sales tax, but no S&H. My total ended up right at $200, which I was pretty happy with. I'm pretty sure he (Jim at Detection, Inc. in Austin, TX) won't do mail-order though, unfortunately.

[CZ52GUY]

Hi,

Thanks for the heads up. I see that www.aimsurplus.com carries this item...not sure what the net cost after S&H will be, but I can check w/them and Natchez I think may also be a possibility.

Thanks again,

CZ52'

[Daniel T]

CZ52GUY:

I just got off the phone with Erik at AIM. He told me that shipping on a case of the S&B would run $21 (to my zip code at least), so you're looking at $194 total.

I've always just looked at AIM for rifles, so I never bothered to check their handgun ammo prices. Glad you mentioned it, 'cause I may have to help myself. :)

[CZ52GUY]

...those win/win interactions.

Good luck, and thanks for the info'.

I've also been eyeing those Arcus-94's at AIM which may defer my original post question based on "fiscal challenges"...I already have several 9's...a reliable 9mm which takes hi-caps for around $250 OTD is significantly less than the $700 or so I'd have to budget for the 1911a...if only money were no object...

Best wishes,

CZ52'

[taoshooter]

I'd like to always get the Federal AE 230 FMJ but have to admit the price of the Winchester Value Paks at WW (for both .40S&W and .45) are addictive at that price. Really helps the guilt factor of spending all my disposable income on ammunition (althought hopefully that will stop now that I reload). Like Magtech too.

(Opinion: - I found that the Winchester 230 FMJs much cleaner than Remington.)

[Jason Demond]

Winchester white box for factory fun, home grown for serious target practice.

National Bullet Co. 200gr LSWC
5.5 grains of American Select
CCI large pistol primers
R&P brass
Minimum OAL 1.250
Good for 955 FPS

[Jammer Six]

I'd like to find out more about the "Value Pak" from Wall-Marche.

They don't know what I'm talking about here (North Seattle). :banghead:

What can I tell them to help them find it for me?

Is there any price break if I order bigger quantities?

What bullet types are available?

I've learned that I like the flatnose for the shooting I do in a league, because it makes nice round holes in the target that are easy to score.

Since we are now at the limits of my knowledge of ammunition, I believe I'll go have a nice cup of coffee. :cool:

[Grayrock]

Ran across a "budget buy" in a gun shop today. Anyone ever hear of ProLoad ammo? It is .45 ACP 200gr (I think) JHP +P. The owner claims he over ordered and is getting rid of excess inventory for $9.75 a box of 20. He says it is very accurate and very effective. Does anyone know anything about it?

[Gunslinger45]

Since I don't shoot competition I only practice with what I carry, full load 230 grain JHP's. The reloads I shoot are loaded to Winchester's spec's.