AA #7, 45acp, Charles Daly cast frame: Problem?

[azredhawk44]

I loaded up 20 rounds of 45acp:

Starline .45acp +p brass, new
Accurate Arms #7: 10.5gr (standard .45acp load, not +p data)
Berry's 230gr FMJ bullet
Winchester Large Primer
1.240" OAL

I shot them out of a Charles Daly Empire 1911 with a 16.5# wolf spring that is pretty new (about a year old, maybe 1000 rounds through gun since installation).

It felt like being hit with a hammer.

I switched over to some lighter loads with Titegroup and everything felt fine again.

I went home and stripped down the gun to clean it, and had a really hard time when I:
1. removed the barrel from the slide.
2. put the barrel back into the slide after cleaning.

It's like the part of the frame just above and forward of the trigger where the retaining pin goes through the barrel link is slightly battered and has been pinched so that the barrel can't fit properly through here without a little bit of "encouragement". Not "force", but definitely some "persuasion". The retaining pin goes back in just fine once the barrel is in position, but getting it there is a bit cumbersome.

Did I just hurt my frame?

Should I upgrade to an 18# or heavier spring if I intend to shoot any more AA#7? Should I keep this load away from my Glock 21?

 

[dmftoy1]

I doubt that you've hurt anything seriously with that load. I'd take some pictures and post them on the gunsmithing forum and see if one of the 1911 guru's will chime in as to the cause. Just eyeballing the load data for AA#7 you're not pushing anything harder than I shoot regularly with AA#5 . . I don't have experience with #7 but I wouldn't think it would hurt anything.

Is your COL less than the data there or anything like that which would cause higher pressures? (or magnum primers or ??)

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[Walkalong]

1.240 is a bit short for a 230 RN, but I don't know if it's enough to cause that high of a pressure. Something sure happened and the first thing that got my attention was the O.A.L.

 

[azredhawk44]

I typically have used 1.240" for all my loading in 45acp, and it has been a great length for Unique, Win231 and Titegroup loads.

Out of those 3 powders I had decided that I like Titegroup the best as an economical, soft recoiling load. I was looking for something with a bit slower burn rate for hiking carry, giving me a bit more punch than the Titegroup could deliver.

Accurate's online data shows a min OAL of 1.150 and a max OAL of 1.275, recommended OAL for AA#7 and 230gr FMJ at 1.250. 1.240 gave me good success previously with other powders, but I can certainly extend the length to 1.250.

What I suspect happened is that the softer cast frame got pummeled with the extra energy that the AA#7 provides over the Titegroup. The recoil spring got fully compressed and the frame and slide smashed together.

I'll save the Charles Daly and reserve it only for those Titegroup loads. I am holding myself back from either a Springer Mil-Spec or a Smith 625... I may have to relieve some of that restraint sooner than I anticipated if I want to make use of the AA#7 powder in 45acp.

 

[no_problem]

//I loaded up 20 rounds of 45acp:

Starline .45acp +p brass, new
Accurate Arms #7: 10.5gr (standard .45acp load, not +p data)
Berry's 230gr FMJ bullet
Winchester Large Primer
1.240" OAL//

10.5 grains of AA#7 seems high. AA#7 burns pretty slow.

Have a look at the hood. that is, the part that wraps around the chamber and that the link is connected too. Any cracks?

 

[crackerjack]

"I shot them out of a Charles Daly Empire 1911 with a 16.5# wolf spring that is pretty new (about a year old, maybe 1000 rounds through gun since installation).


I would replace recoil spring with a new quailty one many 1911 buffs feel at a 1000 rounds it is time for replacement and some makers recommend it @/1000 rounds(really depends on individual spring).May want to try a 18 1/2 lb also to compare felt recoil. All this is provided you are showing no pressure signs and are within powder recommendations. You may also want to consider trying a good shock buff and if it functions well and you like the feel of the recoil , use it and change it often to prevent malfunction or use the buff for range use only. I realize their is not agreement on the use of shock buffs but it is another option you can cheaply try and form your on opinion.

Check your frame hole, barrel link hole and pin that they appear round and no burs. I have several 1911s that require near perfect alignment and some are higher $ guns, some not.

Hope it helps
Frank