1911 feeding problem, Help!

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vagabond1

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I have a new .45 GI Expert. It works perfect with store bought ammo.
I can't figure out what's wrong with my reloads....
Main problem is that slide won't lock back on last shot.
Sometimes it stove pipes.
I'm using both Chip McCormick Power Mags and the stock Para mags.
I'm reloading LRN, 5.5 gr of 231 powder, and 4.0 gr of WST powder.
They both do it.

All I can think of is to experiment with the amount of powder load.

What am I missing?

Thank you ahead of time,

jim
 
O.K.

4.0 grains of WST & a 200 is not even close to a starting load. (4.4 - 5.1 Max)

4.5 grains WW-231 and a 230 should work, although 5.0 or 5.5 grains will work.

Probably just a tight new gun.
But you need to bump up the powder charge on both loads to get proper functioning.

Do you have a reloading manual?
Hodgdon handles both powders so you should, or could, get load data from their manual or web-site.

rc
 
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Thank you all for your help. I will try to find out what the stock recoil spring is and maybe look at a new, weaker one.
Also I'll bump up the load.
All advice is appreciated.
 
load five rounds of the start charge
five rounds +.1 grain
repleat untill you reach your goal velocity (and don't go over the max charge.
 
I will try to find out what the stock recoil spring is and maybe look at a new, weaker one.
Click to expand...
A standard 1911 spring is 16 pounds.
That's all they need to function properly with GI mil-spec 230 grain FMJ.

Some of the clone guns are coming with 18.5 pound springs, and it takes a stout load to make them operate reliably.

You can get very good springs here.
http://gunsprings.com/SemiAuto/ColtNF.html#1911Recoil

I would not recommend using less then a 16 pound standard spring, unless you restrict the gun to light target loads only.

rc
 
5.5grs of W231 behind a 230gr bullet is a good factory duplicate with a velocity of around 800 fps from a 5" barrel. Be sure your charge with the 230gr RN bullet is a true 5.5grs confirmed using a scale. Powder scoops and fixed inserts usually throw less than listed.

If your slide isn't locking back then some analysis is needed. The reason your slide doesn't lock back s one of the following: Slide isn't traveling back far enough to allow the stop to engage the slide notch. The stop isn't being pushed up by the magazine follower, either it doen't engage the follower or the mag spring is too week to push it up properly. The stop is being prevented from engaging inadvertently by the shooter. The stop is binding.

First, if you insert an empty magazine and retract the slide does it lock back with all the magazines you are using? Second, if you added any aftermarket items, esp a recoil buffer, changed springs, full length guide rod, etc remove it/them and see if full stock works right.
 
empty mag functions perfectly. No aftermarket stuff added.
I've got an electronic scale on order to compare with my basic scale.

Thank you all!!!
 
Lock Back.

Hey There:
The load is not up to power , It needs to push the slide back far enough to reach the lock. It will funtion the slide and pick up your next round but not enough to lock it back. That , or your gun may have an issue.

My Colt 70 1911 uses a 20 lb spring and 200 SWC at 950 FPS.. IPSC specs.
Works everytime. the lighter springs were wearing on things...

I learned this the hard way and was embarrassed at a shoot. I have since stayed with the heavier springs and have not had an issue since.
Best off using a shock buffer on the guide rod with lighter springs too..

Smaller handed shooter also run into this problem... Get thee behind the gun..

not saying that you do this , but limp wristing a 1911 can and will cause the same problem....
 
Wildfire
Before I change the recoil spring, I'll double-check powder load with my digital scale.
As I said originally, factory ammo works fine, so I don't think it's my grip. I try to be very aware of this.
I'm curious what caused you to learn the hard way and how lighter springs were wearing on things.

thanx a bunch,

jim
 
Hey again

I was in an IPSC state shoot.. I was using a 12 lb spring and running 155 gr.
SWC at wild velocities.
I lost that stage and a man walked over and told me of my problem. I benched the gun and went to a 20 lb spring and 200 gr, SWC at 950 FPS and won the next stage hands down...

My gun is well used and very loose made just for IPSC.... It has had over 100,000 rounds through it and still has the same frame and slide and barrel.

This thing will feed empties and I trust it .... The factory ammo you mentioned is hotter and that is why it works .... If you want to shoot only low power you can get away with a lighter spring.. But heavier loads will wear on the frame and slide fast that way and you will also feel the metal to metal hits when firing it.
I played with light loads for a long time and found no real reason to keep doing it.

Hope that helps.
 
Thank you, Wildfire.
It all helps. I love my 1911 and want to enjoy it for fun and competition and personal protection.
I have a ranch with my own range and also compete with a local group.

jim
 
Cool .

Hey :
I do not get to shoot very often anymore. But love it when I do.
My favorite gun is my 1911 Colt {70} . I carry a Kimber Ultra with me at all times. I own and drive my own truck and run long haul. I too trust my life to a 1911....

I have way too many guns , But love my 1911 s.

Don't be afraid to do some polishing on the feed ramp. It will help em slide in better. Mine has been polished to a very fine finish and will feed empty brass.

I once lost my front sight in a major shoot and still finished it , funny part was , I did not even notice it was gone till my last target.. 6" plate at 40 yards. Took me 3 shots to stop the clock.
 
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