JeeperCreeper
Member
So I have been doing a lot of research on .45 Super / SMC and there aren't many specific threads on the internet with user experience, so I figured I'd chime in to my recent experiences.
WHAT: For those that don't know, .45 Super and .45 SMC are basically hopped up .45 ACP rounds with thicker brass, but external dimensions identical to .45 ACP. But instead of 300-400 ft-lbf, you can get 500-600 ft-lbf... becoming a rival to 10mm in a way but also increasing pressure and recoil over basic .45 or .45 +P.
WHY: I now live in Alaska. There are bears and moose and wolves here. Though rare, wildlife encounters happen so I'd like to be prepared without spending a fortune on a $1000 magnum revolver that I have to lug around. I also don't want to have to drop $600 on a 10mm semi auto (more for Glock and new barrel). I'd like to be able to get a good round out of a cheap platform that can be a minimum power level for wildlife deterrent.
HOW: Stock Springfield Armory XD45 Tactical 5" (obviously in .45 ACP). I picked up a used tactical XD45 for $300. I have used Duty 4" models with hot loads in the past, but the 4" models have a captive recoil spring that is not swappable. But the 5" uses a non-captive guide rod and spring (like a 1911) that can be swapped to stronger or weaker springs.
Many people suggest getting a new barrel, and a stronger recoil and magazine spring for .45 Super due to increased recoil and recoil speed. I would say that for a steady diet of .45 Super, it would be smart to protect the gun. But obviously, expensive and powerful ammo isnt common range ammo.
Soooooo... I decided to run Underwood 45 Super 255gr hardcasts through my newly used XD45 Tactical since it will not be a common thing and I was curious if the pistol would do it (before I start modifying it)
Short answer: it did fine.
I trialed a few different hot loads today in my stock pistol.
1. Grizzly 185 gr 45acp +P JHP (1200fps/592ft-lb)
2. Underwood 255 gr 45acp +P Hardcast (925fps/484ft-lb)
3. Underwood 255 gr 45 Super Hardcast (1075fps/654ft-lb)
They all recoiled significantly more than typical 230gr range ammo... maybe double. I could feel the slide smacking the end of it's travel, obviously tough on the frame. But it cycled every round and locked the slide back every time. Clearly the slide velocity was ramped up, but the gun was able to handle it reliably.
Now, I'm not saying that I recommend this and definitely consult a gunsmith before shooting any kind of hot ammo, but my range trip with hot loads showed I can run them for times when I'm out in the woods for protection.
Oh, and it was below freezing today at the range so the cold didn't seem to hinder the function.
So if you're curious if a bone stock XD45 can handle one mag of .45 Super... then the answer is "it could"
WHAT: For those that don't know, .45 Super and .45 SMC are basically hopped up .45 ACP rounds with thicker brass, but external dimensions identical to .45 ACP. But instead of 300-400 ft-lbf, you can get 500-600 ft-lbf... becoming a rival to 10mm in a way but also increasing pressure and recoil over basic .45 or .45 +P.
WHY: I now live in Alaska. There are bears and moose and wolves here. Though rare, wildlife encounters happen so I'd like to be prepared without spending a fortune on a $1000 magnum revolver that I have to lug around. I also don't want to have to drop $600 on a 10mm semi auto (more for Glock and new barrel). I'd like to be able to get a good round out of a cheap platform that can be a minimum power level for wildlife deterrent.
HOW: Stock Springfield Armory XD45 Tactical 5" (obviously in .45 ACP). I picked up a used tactical XD45 for $300. I have used Duty 4" models with hot loads in the past, but the 4" models have a captive recoil spring that is not swappable. But the 5" uses a non-captive guide rod and spring (like a 1911) that can be swapped to stronger or weaker springs.
Many people suggest getting a new barrel, and a stronger recoil and magazine spring for .45 Super due to increased recoil and recoil speed. I would say that for a steady diet of .45 Super, it would be smart to protect the gun. But obviously, expensive and powerful ammo isnt common range ammo.
Soooooo... I decided to run Underwood 45 Super 255gr hardcasts through my newly used XD45 Tactical since it will not be a common thing and I was curious if the pistol would do it (before I start modifying it)
Short answer: it did fine.
I trialed a few different hot loads today in my stock pistol.
1. Grizzly 185 gr 45acp +P JHP (1200fps/592ft-lb)
2. Underwood 255 gr 45acp +P Hardcast (925fps/484ft-lb)
3. Underwood 255 gr 45 Super Hardcast (1075fps/654ft-lb)
They all recoiled significantly more than typical 230gr range ammo... maybe double. I could feel the slide smacking the end of it's travel, obviously tough on the frame. But it cycled every round and locked the slide back every time. Clearly the slide velocity was ramped up, but the gun was able to handle it reliably.
Now, I'm not saying that I recommend this and definitely consult a gunsmith before shooting any kind of hot ammo, but my range trip with hot loads showed I can run them for times when I'm out in the woods for protection.
Oh, and it was below freezing today at the range so the cold didn't seem to hinder the function.
So if you're curious if a bone stock XD45 can handle one mag of .45 Super... then the answer is "it could"
