1911-carriers: Hardball or JHP?

[Green Lantern]

A 1911-style .45 is next on 'my list' of things to buy, and I was just wanting to get a feel of whether ball or hollowpoint ammo is preferred by fellow THR members...?

EDIT - not sure exactly which kind I'll get yet. I can't afford a $1,000+ "fancy" gun but I don't want a "basic GI" at the other end of the spectrum either.

I was thinking something from Para (probably a single-stack for ease of carry unless there isn't that much difference from the Hi-Cap model), or a Taurus.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Although the .45 caliber obviously makes a larger hole even with no expansion, whatever expansion you do get is that much better. I want as much advantage as I can get.

If it won't function with hollowpoints (and I do hedge my bets by sticking with a rounded nose profile) I have no use for it.

 

[DMK]

I go with HPs in any gun unless:

1) The gun won't function with HPs

2) The ammo won't penetrate to 10-12" with HPs

3) HPs are illegal (but I don't live in NJ so it's a non-issue for me)

 

[PotatoJudge]

For reliability testing, I duplicate Remington's Golden Sabers for under $16 per 100. Just get the OAL, crimp dimensions, and velocity the same and it should tell you how the real stuff feeds.

I kept loaded up with FMJ before I got around to loading and testing HPs, and I never felt undergunned.

 

[HorseSoldier]

Never had a problem getting my .45 cal Kimber to eat JHP ammo, though I admit I haven't sampled a big cross section of what is out there.

 

[mainmech48]

According to Clint Smith, Mas Ayoob, and reems of published data, HPs fail about as often as they work in actual encounters. Just another reason why I prefer the .45. Should that cavity get clogged-up with fabric or what-have-you and turn into 'ball', I want it to be the widest, heaviest ball I can get.

 

[DogBonz]

HP's

For the expansion, but also be cause "premium SD" ammo is assembeled with better componets and is sealed better. Its hard to find "permium" FMJ, except Federal's Gold Medal, but thoes are powder puff loads.

As a side note, look at the S&W 1911PD for carry. They are lighter than a normal 1911 and well made. I got mine lightly used for $650.

 

[azredhawk44]

Until I put 300+ rounds of the same hollowpoint design through my gun, I won't carry them. I favor Hornady 200gr XTP bullets, I've put 100 so far through my Sig GSR Revolution, but I couldn't find any around town for a while and I currently have 100 Speer GDHP 230gr bullets to test.

I carry hardball right now until I have enough rounds of a particular HP through the gun to be confident.

 

[farscott]

Depends on where I am and what I am doing. When in Georgia, I use standard-velocity 230-grain hollowpoints, either Remington, Winchester, Federal, or PMC. I buy 'em all and I shoot them all. I really cannot tell the difference in performance and all shoot to about the same point.

When in Alabama on my property, I usually carry ball as the nearest inhabitant is miles away and I have a great natural backstop so extra penetration is not an issue. I also tend to shoot more rounds in Alabama, so the less expensive ammo is nice. If I am going to town, I will load hollowpoints.

 

[fletcher]

I've just been carrying the Remington JHPs from Wal-Mart.

 

[foghornl]

Rem 230-Gr 'Golden Sabres' feed well in all my .45's....2 Springer 1911's and a Ruger KP-90.

The "Winchester White Box" HP works good, too. Load is USA45JHP. Not a "Premium" round like the Golden Sabres or Gold Dots, etc, but is at least a 'mid-grade' round.

Your Mileage Will Vary, so test any particular ammo in YOUR gun. Case in point, former co-worker bought a Springy 1911 around 1992 or so. THE ONLY ammo that worked in it was the real deal USGI stuff, till it made a trip back to Geneseo, Ill.

 

[Cowboybootnut]

Winchester HPs in my Colt Officer's Model. I fired 200 rds w/o problems.

 

[Sundles]

I have numerous 45s. Many Paras, Colts, S&W and Glocks. I have about three of them that I use a lot. All of my 45s are carried with 230gr. FMJ-FN+P Buffalo Bore loads. These bullets hit hard because they are flat nosed and FMJ. They are doing about 1000 fps out of my 5 inch 1911s and the powder is flash suppressed so there is no muzzle flash. You really dont need HPs with a 45.

This load feeds reliably in every one of my 45s. Never had a feeding issue of any kind in thousands of rounds fired.

 

[Mad Magyar]

According to Clint Smith, Mas Ayoob,

You can add Skeeter Skelton & I to the list....

 

[peacemaker45]

I tend to carry hardball. I originally started carrying the hardball stuff B/C I knew it worked, and didn't have the cash to buy a couple of hundred rounds of pricey HPs to test. Since then, I've shot enough of the hardball to ballast out a ship, but just keep never getting around to testing the HP stuff. It's not a big deal to me. If the gun feeds it, and it goes down range, the rest is up to me.

~~~Mat

 

[zahc]

I carry hardball, because that's what I shoot every weekend, and I know it goes bang and feeds. I don't consider the 45 a highly penetrating round.

 

[Logan5]

I recently bought a 98 year old 1911 that runs fine with Remington Golden Sabers out of GI Contract mags. (Don't hate me, it has other issues)

I've got a Combat Elite that won't run Sabers out of anything, including Wilsons, another Government Model that will, and the Commanders are a whole different story even before I get into the 9mm, 10mm, etc.

My feeling is that ball ammo is for people subject to regulations beyond their control, but that's tempered by the fact that you've got to test out what will feed reliably in your pistol. You really do want the most effective ammo your pistol will cycle when you're carrying.

Buy an assortment of premium defensive ammo, go to the range, shoot it, and draw your own conclusions. You already have the 1911, don't be squeamish about another sixty to eighty bucks for function checking and familiarization with the high end stuff.

Once you find one that functions well and shoots to point of aim, you can shoot cheap ball all day long and not buy another box of the premium JHP until your carry ammo starts turning green if you really want.

 

[Mike U.]

I had to pick hardball for a 1911 based on my experience with my Spanish 1911 clone and my father's Colt 1911. That 1911 clone positively bawked(!) at HP's and adamently refused to feed them. It was part of the reason I sold it aside from the fact that the grip never felt right to me.
Dad's Colt 1911 was the same way. Hardball? Eat'em till the sun went down and the ammo bucket was empty. Hollowpoints out of the Colt? You'd have better luck talking a nun out of her virginity.

I honestly don't know about current production 1911's as I've moved over to HK USP and am pleased as the proverbial peach with it because it eats everything I feed it. I have to keep it in the other room when I have steak.

 

[KC&97TA]

When I carry it's FMJ 230gr WWB, oh that's the good cheap stuff.

When loaded in the safe it's Corbon 230gr+p JHP or the really neat Hydro's with the post up the middle. Don't know why, cause I'm leaning more towards using my M4 for bumps in the night, but that's a different thread.

 

[PT-Partners]

Just another thought and not to create a flame war of any kind of be offensive in any manner.

Use the best defensive grade ammo whether HP or FMJ and be sure your gun is designed for it. The latter comment really applies.

Meaning. I retail, work retail and also after 40 to 45 gun shows a year for about 15 years and hear a bunch of "horror" stories on what will or will not feed.

Prime example is the guy has a Colt Series 70 and it will not feed his latest gun magazine hollow point, now the gun is a POS. Nope, keep in mind what was the ammo selection in 1970. If my over 55 memory serves me correct ball ammo only was available 40 or so years ago. That may mean a tweak of the gun with a competent craftsman for throating or whatever.

Now how did I learn this. Wise old bullseye shooter told me "Remember Grasshopper one does not get old and gray by being young and stupid" as he wisely pointed this out to me on a range years ago.

My serial number 191111 Colt 1911 NOT A1 shoots greats with FMJ but is worthless with anything else. It also works with Government Mags of that period but does not like current modern 8 round mags. Colt Factory 7 rounders are pretty good in it. But what do I expect from a gun made 87 years ago. I dropped a currented throated Colt 70 Barrel from my "take off" parts pile and it does handle Federal Hydrashock and Golden Saber and the 8 round mags. Back to the original vintage barrel will not handle them.

Second example, "Wally World Commando" comes up with his new ColtKimSpring Custom Wonder gun he just dropped a "too good to be true" deal on. "Commando" buys this 75 octane ammo guaranteed to jam ever 5 rounds to shoot in his equivelant of a race car gun designed for 100 plus octane. Do you think there may be a ping or two. Convince "Commando" of this without insulting his/her self esteem.

Granted 99.99999% of the time modern guns will function with modern ammo. There can be issues. And with modern production taking the craftsman out of it, outsourcing to lower labor costs, and machines making everthing that is also a potential.

Now this is from a retail standpoint and when working I hear stuff like this at least 2 to 3 times a day. That is not an exaggeration.

Again, just some thoughts

Best in your quest

 

[Chuck R.]

For reliability testing, I duplicate Remington's Golden Sabers for under $16 per 100. Just get the OAL, crimp dimensions, and velocity the same and it should tell you how the real stuff feeds.

Ditto here.

I use REM 230 Grain "Bonded" Golden Sabers for CCW & HD. I reload the bulk GS bullets to the same MV and use them for practice and "getting the lead out" after shooting my LSWC reloads.

Chuck

 

[Tezcatlipoca]

I pack Ranger T's and HSTs in mine out of wilson combat mags. Not problems whatsoever.

 

[Mike U.]

Good post, Terry!

No flame war should erupt from dispensing good ol' common sense. War era 1911's weren't made to handle flying ashtray hollowpoints. I think it's cool that there is a drop-in replacement barrel that'll allow HP's to feed thru the old war horses.

Even if that ol' 1911 won't feed HP's, there's a saying I've heard that stuck with me that pertains to .45 ACP FMJ ammo.
It goes something like:

They all fall to ball!

 

[glockman19]

For practice I use 230 grain ball ammo usually CCI Blazer Brass. For SD/HD I use 180 & 230 Grain Federal Hydra-Shok

 

[blubean]

I say go with what you feel comfortable with. I used to carry HP, and practice with FMJ. Over the years I got tired of swapping and rotating ammo, so I have changed and just started carrying FMJ all the time. Works for me.