Mil Spec.

[ruger fan 101]

Just picked up a Springfield 1911-A1 Mil Spec. Ok let me know the ends and outs about it. Thinking about using a HP, wondering about feeding problems. Need a good factory load for carrying. I carried a 45 in the service and have wanted one for a long time.

 

[denfoote]

If it is a true mil spec, it will "like" ball. What you need to do is find a hollowpoint that "looks" like ball. Winchester White box, self defense rounds, and ball, should do the trick!! The advantage is you can basically shoot the same ammo for practice and self defense!! Both can be obtained at Wallyworld!! The ball cost $19.97 for 100 rounds. The HP is, I think, $10.96 for 50. Both are a good deal!! This is what I load in my Springer!!!

 

[silent one]

ruger fan 101,

Which model Mil-Spec did you buy?. Springfield offers a variety of the model. I have the WW-2 model with the smaller ejection port, lanyard loop, and the low G.I. sights. I also have the version with the higher three dot sights, larger ejection port and no lanyard loop.

As far as ammo is concerned, I usually use 230 gr FMJ. Most of the ammo is S&B or Federal American Eagle. I did run a test just to see if the guns would feed a variety of ammo without malfunctioning. I loaded a Wilson combat mag with the 230 FMJ, 200 GR lead flat nosed hand loads, and a couple of black talon hollow points. All of the ammo fed perfectly with no problems at all. The test was done with the three dot sight version. I figured the larger ejection port might help to get the spent cases out easier.

I use plain old 230 gr FMJ as a carry load. I don't think a perp is going to question what kind of load was used when they're down for the count. I'd rather use a load that the gun was originally designed for, and feel that it will do the job, than have the slightest doubt that a hollow point will feed properly. I don' like staking my life on something that just might not feed properly. Some .45's have been known to choke up on hollow points.

Good luck with your new Springer, they are fine weapons. What ever you choose to use for ammo, i'm sure your going to enjoy it.

good luck, and be safe.


SILENT ONE

 

[George S.]

Springers should easily feed any brand of 230gr FMJ ball ammo. I have a Loaded model and after about 1000 rounds, it will eat just about the major brands. I have also run about 300 round of Remington Golden Saber 230gr JHP thru it without any burps. I tried some Federal Hydra-Shoks and got a few misfeeds and FTE's. I stood both rounds side by side and noticed that the GS round has more of a "ball" shape to it than the HS.

This may have been the reason for the problems, but you do need to fire a few hundred rounds of your defense selection to insure there are no issues. Speer Gold Dot is supposed to also be a very good choice for a defensive round. Some folks on the 1911Forum have said that the WWB JHP round is also a very good defensive round.

Whatever you select, test at least 200 rounds and 300 would even be better. The 1911 is so much fun to shoot, I just started to reload in order to keep the costs down. Hopefully, I will be able to get ball rounds down to about $4 - 4.50 a box.