Guns to shoot .45 ACP LSWC

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swopjan

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I've been kicking around the idea of getting a .45 ACP handgun of some sort. I can get ammo for it for less than the cost of most 9mm locally BUT the cheap stuff is lead semi-wadcutters. Would these present the same reliability issue in a .45 as hollowpoints sometimes do?

Example:
https://www.pbrammo.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product_list/sites/default/files/45_lswc.jpg

If so, what would handle this kind of bullet profile well? Obviously a revolver would have no problem. I know there are .45 ACP cylinders for Ruger Blackhawks but I already have one in .357 so I would rather get something different such as a model 1917. Would a Glock 21/41 function more reliably with this ammo than other semi's or am I just making wild unfounded assumptions? :confused:
 
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I use .45 LSWCs in my Colt and S&W 1917s, and a shaved Webley Mk6. My Sistema and Ballester semis don't like it so much.
 
Most new 1911's come with a factory chamfered type barrel that will feed both HP and SWC ammo well, see example below on the left with a standard barrel on the right. The feed ramp occasionally will require a bit of polishing to remove tooling marks and ease the bullet path up the ramp. I have a 1991 Colt Government, a Colt 80 series Enhanced model, and a Norinco that has a Springfield barrel all of which will feed SWC ammo of sufficient power to work with a standard power recoil spring with no problem. If the loads are particularly light target loads then a lighter recoil spring may be required.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSkgcNHLuBm3dupelWmvhVVdmZ4b2iVAxn9fMICO_fQsxm5vgZV4A.jpg
 
Jeff Cooper was a fan of the 200 gr SWC in the 1911. I used them in my throated 1911 pistols since the 70s. They also ran well in some strictly GI guns. To my experience they run well in most 45 ACP pistols made since the 90s. My Ruger P90 feeds them like hardball. As Steve said most 45 ACP semi autos come from the factory set up to feed JHPs and SWCs.
 
So I'd probably be ok with most new semi-automatics, awesome. That makes deciding a little harder :rolleyes: Thanks for the input guys :D
 
Shot thousands of 255 grain (rcbs kt255) out of a much modified Norinco "Model of the 1911) without a hitch. Radius the barrel entry, polish the feed ramp, and break the sharp edge on the extractor behind the hook and use wadcutter magazines and you should have no problem. These things, 255 grain, with 5.5 grains of Unique will penetrate six to eight inches of old dry pine, go through the lungs of an average Illinois whitetail. They also shoot fine out of my 625 and my Blackhawk.
 
-My 1911 isn't very reliable with SWC... I think you'd have to spend a good deal of money to get your 1911 where you'd want it.
-Also, Glocks will need a new barrel for the lead bullets as they have polygonal rifling, not the standard enfield rifling that can shoot lead bullets.
-For semi auto, I'd look at a Ruger P90 or S&W 4506... If I can find a good one used, I'd own it due to suggestions from other THR members.
-The CZ 97 series (including Jericho, Baby Eagle, etc) is supposed to be good with lead bullets but I have no experience
-This may be Taboo, but the Smith and Wesson Governor is probably the cheapest brand new .45 ACP revolver you can get today
 
A lot of the wadcutters are loaded lightly, so some autos may need a reduced power recoil spring to cycle properly. If this is the case with your loads, be sure to switch back to a standard spring before running regular loads in the pistol.
 
The only loads I shoot out of my Springfield Range Officer are 185 & 200 LWSC. They cycle just fine with excellent accuracy.
 
I have shot thousands and thousands of 200 gr lead SWCs made by different manufacturers. These days I am using Missouri Bullets.

They work perfectly in my S&W Scandium PD1911.

They worked equally well in my wife's Kimber Ultra CDP and my Eclipse Pro.

I sold a friend my 5" stainless Kimber a couple years ago, got him started reloading, and he shoots the same load through his.

In short, my experience has been that any correctly-functioning 1911 will work with SWCs.
 
My Ruger SR45 handles 45 LSWC just fine.

My XD45 won't, I gave up on it.

As said earlier S&W 4506 will, I love mine.

Early 1980's SA 1911 Govt model will.

Never tried my G21, G30, G36, Para's or Hi Point 45. Guess I will have to try them to see.
 
Ruger KP90DC, no longer in production. The right group is with 200 grain tumble lubed LSWCs cast from a Lee tumble lube mold.


33n7w3r.jpg

This is my latest fun toy, a .44 Pietta Remington 1858 Army with a .45ACP Howell conversion cylinder. It's pretty accurate, too, and WAY fun to shoot with either cap and ball or the conversion. The conversion is easier to clean up after. :D Howell warns only lead bullets be used in this conversion. I cast my own. No +P, either.

qy7gb8.jpg
 
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BTW, OP asked about Glock? It's my understanding that shooting lead bullets (non-jacketed) in the polygonal rifled barrels is verboten, though some claim they've done it without ill affects. I don't do Glocks and this is one reason. I cast for everything I shoot, rimfire excepted.
 
I've loaded them up, and run them through my Kimber Classic Royal without any problems.

However, my favorite gun for the load is my S&W 325NG (Night Guard). I've carried it with 255gr LSWC's.
AhrendsOn325NGLFT.gif
 
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