Recommended Defense Ammo for 3" 1911s

[S&Wfan]

I use Remington 230 grain Golden Sabre in my 1st generation Kimber Ultra CDP . . . and for the same three reasons I once used original Federal Hydrashok in 230gn.

1. It is utterly reliable

2. It shoots right to point of aim.

3. It shoots really tight groups.

T'ain't rocket science ever when selecting ammo for any bottom feeder. It is as easy as "1 - 2 - 3."

 

[Ben86]

For me it goes:

#1 Reliability

#2 Accuracy

#3 Ballistic Performance

Cost and availability to also things to consider. Still I am not against paying about $1 a cartridge and ordering off the internet if it means I get what I want.

 

[roo_ster]

To echo others...

1. Reliability
Can only be determined by the shooter. Mas Ayoob's standard was/is 200 rounds without failures (usually after a break-in period).

2. Accuracy
Can only be determined by the shooter.

3. Terminal Performance
Usually by reference to gun rags or studies

4. Cost
If you can't afford to determine if it is reliable, it costs too much. 200 rounds is likely 10 boxes of premium HPs. If your weapon is a Kel-tec, you may have just spent more $$$ finding a reliable load than you spent on the weapon purchase.

Even given contemporary hollow-points' superior performance, some are just less likely to perform well in short bbls, negating the benefit of the HP.

I could not find anything that expanded worth a darn out of my AMT DAO Backup and eventually went with hardball in it.

As for specific suggestions of premium HPs, they are all darned good, nowadays. Remington Golden Sabre HPs in their various chamberings have been the most reliable in the most of my autoloaders.

 

[Ben86]

There's no way I would spend the money to put hundreds of rounds of premium through my guns to make sure it works. That seems excessive. I do one or two boxes that's it.

 

[skoro]

I like the Buffalo Bore 185gr hollow points. Gold Dots and Golden Sabers have worked well, too. But the BBs feel like they have a little extra over the others. And they'd better - they're more expensive.

 

[marcus40]

Load for my Glock 36 concealed carry pistol

I use the Corbon Power Ball 165gr bullet as my concealed carry load. The Glock 36 is a shorter barrel than most 45acp guns, and I figure the lighter grain bullet will get out of the muzzle with sufficient energy to handle self defense issues.
Just my own preference,
marcus

 

[Ben86]

Thread Necromancy!

Oh well. You've got to be careful about using lighter bullets in short barrels. It can significantly decrease momentum and therefore penetration. Don't make the mistake of only looking at how things look on paper. Velocity is not everything.

 

[wally]

Much as I love my 1911s, I'm of the opinion than when the barrel get below 4" the .45ACP is best replaced by a .40S&W. More velocity same sectional density, smaller and lighter pistol.