[Southern Raider]

After reading some of 1911Tuner's comments on ammo in the shorter 1911s, I'm wondering if I've made the most reliable selection. I've not noticed any problems with the 185gr Silvertips I use, but I'm thinking about migrating back to the standard 230gr cartridges to keep the slide velocity as normal as possible.

What can someone recommend in a standard pressure 230gr HP that is also going to be friendly to the feed ramp in an alloy LW Commander?

[Ken Rainey]

The SilverTip is a good bullet and has been around a long time. They provide less penetration (due to weight and construction) than other rds and are therefore sometimes recommended for use where that would be a concern. However, if you use them, be aware that repeated chambering will cause the bullet to set back in it's case - raising it's pressure - so I try not to rechamber them more than once or twice - keep your eye on 'em. They should also be easy on your frame's feed ramp due to their composition and nose profile. If your pistol functions reliably with them then using them will be fine - make sure they work with weak hand fire.

Other than the SilverTip, I would use standard 230 grain FMJ. I like SilverTips for their accuracy out of my pistol (it just likes 185 and 200 grain bullets better for some reason??). I don't think that they are highly regarded as a premium hollowpoint but remember, it's shot placement with a bullet that will get deep enough to do some good that counts - in some situations they may not get deep enough, in other situations, they may be just the ticket. Another way of looking at it is that it's ballitically the same as a 180 grain .40 caliber (only better in my opinion). If it were me, I'd probably keep it loaded with the SilverTips and keep a spare mag of hardball for backup.

In .45 auto, a hollowpoint is a feature that is best looked at as optional equipment - if it works, then fine - if it doesn't, then fine. A standard .45 FMJ will not overpenetrate (with solid torso hits - and if it does, it's usually found just lying on the ground) contrary to many opinions. Remember, your bullet's performance depends on many factors - barriers, clothing, placement, body compostion, etc. and no bullet is perfect in all situations.

Functional reliability first and foremost, then just get good hits - it's a .45 and will do the job if you do yours.

As always, YMMV
Ken

[Zeke Menuar]

I have been using good old fashioned Federal 230gr Hydra-shoks in my LW Commander since I got the gun in 1997. The feed ramp in my gun was polished be yours truly in 1999 after a season of IPSC and speed steel. Haven't done any major 'smithing since then.
No problems whatsoever.
The velocity drop is only about 30fps from a 5" barrelled 1911. The bad guy won't notice the difference.

ZM

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello. Winchester RA45T (230-gr. JHP std pressure) or Remington 230-gr. Golden Sabers.

Best.

[stans]

Round nose bullets are the most reliable feeders and are the safest with aluminum frames. Hollowpoints can dig into the frame feedramp and nick it.

Lightweight Commanders and polishing of the feedramps can be dangerous to the life of the gun. Aluminum is fairly soft, the surface is hardened by the anodizing process. Polish away the anodizing and you have exposed the soft metal. Now bullets, especially hollowpoints, can chew into the frame at a greatly accelerated rate.

[Dave Sample]

I carry GI WWC 230 grain ball ammo in mine. I am not a fan of hollow points.

[Captain]

I have been carrying a LW Commander for over 10 years and have always loaded it with hot +P ammo. I practice with standard pressure ammo and occasionally shoot the hot stuff thru it. I've had zero problems with it and it doesn't show any signs of accelerated wear. I probably have over 20,000 rds thru it.

[Southern Raider]

Thanks, guys. While I'm not into the "hollowpoint flavor of the month club", I did want a few suggestions. Worst case, I'll get ball.

[Dave Sample]

230 Grain GI Ball is the "Best Case " , not the worse.