Hollowpoints for older m1911.

9mmepiphany said:

It has been my experience that Golden Saber JHP has the closest profile to Ball.

Not my choice, but mostly because it doesn't feed in my SIG 220

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This would be my recommendation, find a hollow point that is similar in profile as ball ammunition. There used to be some bullets available that fit this idea.

If you are into casting, Lee makes, or used to make a hollow point mold that was the ball ammo bullet with a hollow cavity in it. But, you may not reload and may not wish to carry reloaded ammunition for self defense.

In my older 1911's, I've never had much luck getting hollow point bullets to work perfectly like ball ammo. Therefore, i've never tried hollowpoints in my newer 1911's.

I felt 45 caliber ball was adequate due to the large diameter if the bullet to begin with. But, I've never know a government to not allow FMJ ammunition.

I have found the magazine to have a lot to do with feeding problems. Met-Gar or Metalform with the rounded follower have worked well for me. As a target shooter I use a lot of the very light/short SWC's.

The other areas to look at are extractor and having the barrel 1/64" ahead of the feed ramp.

Bcwitt said:

I know there are more effective loads, but the fmj gives a reliable feed. Always. In any gun. The 45 got its reputation w a fmj bullet. Mabey chamber load w a HP & fmj in the mag?

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Without question. I am certainly not adverse to carrying FMJ (230 grain) @ 850 fps (+/-) rounds in a .45 ACP - such as the Commander on my hip right now. But I prefer the somewhat antiquated Federal 230 Hydra-Shok ammunition. I think it just a bit better.
In minor calibers such as 380 ACP .32 ACP or (Lord Help Us) .25 ACP, FMJ gives more penetration which may be the only hope in such.
The .36 (more or less) calibers - 9mm Parabellum, .38 Special, .357 Magnum - I expect is better with either hollow point expanding, flat fronted or SWC, or hollow point expanding.

In present technology, I prefer .45 ACP G. I. ball duplicate to a .32 ACP with nuclear warhead.

However, I was reporting on the legality of FMJ in the current discussion.

I was going to suggest one of the premium magazines Wilson,Tripp etc.

highlander 5 said:

I was going to suggest one of the premium magazines Wilson,Tripp etc.

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Those and mCCormick’s get my vote

Also, just be advised, that while we emphasize running JHP, and there is a lot of R&D behind making sure they are as effective as possible, the difference between JHP and FMJ isn't as dramatic as a lot of people think it is. Just a better cavity in most cases. It's not like a FMJ will pass through and they won't even feel it, but a hollow-point will knock them against the wall and make their torso explode. In many, if not most cases, the difference between FMJ and JHP will not be noticeable during the gunfight. More like the coroner notices the results. You don't have 'plan A' for how you fight with hollow-points, and 'plan B' for JHP. Same plan, same fight.

This issue comes up quite frequently and as stated the 1911 was designed for ball ammo. I read some articles where some shooters resolved their issues with their 1911's that would not feed hollow points and that solution was using hybrid magazines that would feed the hollow points at an angle where they would not jam on top of the chamber. I do not remember if the feed lips were longer or shorter. Do a quick search for hybrid magazine on the net.

As others have mentioned, go with what hollow point/defensive ammo feeds best in your 1911. Also as mentioned by others, check your magazines too.

I have a couple of magazines for my RIA Compact that do not like to feed any type of hollow point ammo. Both mags are marked Colt on the bottom but are probably fakes. They came with the pistol when I bought it used. Now the OEM mags from RIA all work well with any type of hollow point I have tried.

Bcwitt said:

... My state prohibits FMJ for SD. Must be a hollowpoint. ...

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I'll pile on here; never heard that, as a lifelong Pennsy resident.
For the OP, just feed that pistol ball, and call it good. God willing, it will never come to using it.
Moon

I've always found Remington Golden Sabres to work very well in my 1911's.

Bcwitt said:

I like the M1911 pistol, it feels good in the hand & i can shoot it well. I have a "series 70" type (Thompson) that has the older ramp configuration. Any tips on good SD ammo? My state prohibits FMJ for SD. Must be a hollowpoint. I have loaded honaday XTPs w successes, but i think i want factory loaded for my SD. Any thoughts?

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I had a thompson 1911 as a carry gun for a while. It shot Winchester silvertips dependably. I carried it until I traded it I. With cash for a Glock. Never could get used to the grip angle on Gaston’s gun. I always pointed the 1911 better.

Suggest you consider an Extreme Defense style round like Underwood or Black Hills sells:

https://underwoodammo.com/45-acp-13...solid-monolithic-hunting---self-defense-ammo/


http://www.black-hills.com/product-category/honeybadger/

9mmepiphany said:

It has been my experience that Golden Saber JHP has the closest profile to Ball.

Not my choice, but mostly because it doesn't feed in my SIG 220

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Yes, I use them as well. The profile is very close to ball ammo which is what gm were made to shoot.