Can the Ruger SR1911 handle the pressures of the 45 Super? What made me wonder is that neither Starline 45 ACP nor 45 ACP +P brass is available but Starline 45 Super brass is. Now I can get the Super brass and simply load it to 45 ACP +P levels but …
Ruger SR1911 & 45 Super
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CarJunkieLS1
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45ACP +P no problem. 45 Super....don't even think about it.
JTQ
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Here's some information from Clark Custom guns on the .460 Roland in 1911 pistols
https://clarkcustomguns.com/product/460-rowland-conversion-kit-for-1911/
You can probably infer some information about .45 Super
https://clarkcustomguns.com/product/460-rowland-conversion-kit-for-1911/
You can probably infer some information about .45 Super
fxvr5
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Are there modifications that can make it safe?
Richard Jay King
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Any all steel 1911 CAN shoot .45 Super without blowing up...especially if it has a ramped barrel that provides more support for the base of the case. Probably the best mod for a 1911 is a non beveled firing pin retainer which makes it a little harder to start the slide back. Some believe you need a 28# recoil spring but the difference in energy absorbtion between a 22# and 28# spring are negligible at .45 Super monentum levels. All that big spring does is make the slide close faster and may overstrip the next round in the magazine. However the 1911 is NOT specifically designed for .45 Super momentum levels and the gun will be battered an wear faster. But it WILL shoot .45 Super...An excellent option is to buy a Clark Custom barrel fitted with a compensator. This reduces the slide momentum and I believe is ramped as well.
fxvr5
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Clark's comped 45 barrel is not ramped.
https://clarkcustomguns.com/product/clark-custom-1911-drop-in-compensator-kit/
When you injure yourself, you are going to wish you hadn't done it.
fxvr5
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What are you talking about?
Richard Jay King
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OMG!
In the case of the 45 ACP, the new standard cartridge pressure is 21,000 psi (140 MPa) and the SAAMI 45 ACP +P standard is 23,000 psi (160 MPa). This is a common practice for updating older cartridges to match the better quality of materials and workmanship in modern firearms.
The published pressure standard for .45 Super is 28,000 psi...and reported .45 acp proof loads are rated at 25,000 psi....I don't care if it is a forged or cast frame a standard all steel 1911 will NOT self destruct at 28,000 psi! Prove me wrong by shooting 8 grains of LongShot behind a 255 grain cast bullet with the gun tied to a tire..pull a string around the trigger and see what happens...NOTHING!
In the case of the 45 ACP, the new standard cartridge pressure is 21,000 psi (140 MPa) and the SAAMI 45 ACP +P standard is 23,000 psi (160 MPa). This is a common practice for updating older cartridges to match the better quality of materials and workmanship in modern firearms.
The published pressure standard for .45 Super is 28,000 psi...and reported .45 acp proof loads are rated at 25,000 psi....I don't care if it is a forged or cast frame a standard all steel 1911 will NOT self destruct at 28,000 psi! Prove me wrong by shooting 8 grains of LongShot behind a 255 grain cast bullet with the gun tied to a tire..pull a string around the trigger and see what happens...NOTHING!
fxvr5
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Prepping a 1911 is to handle the recoil. Pressure is not an issue, just the recoil.
Here is what is in Ace Custom 45‘s 45 Super 1911 Conversion Kit.
1) Guide rod and buffer system with dual recoil springs (32 pounds) and recoil spring plug (pin take-down style).
2) Heavy duty firing pin spring and firing pin (fits series 70 or 80).
3) Heavy duty extractor (fits series 70 or 80).
4) Extended ejector.
5) Oversize firing pin stop.
Some machine work is required, and involves lowering, angling and flaring the ejection port, and removing the inside rear recoil spring plug ledge in the recoil spring tunnel. The lowering and flaring might not be necessary on many modern 1911s since this is a common feature included on today’s guns.
In addition, the oversize firing pin stop must be fit, and the breech face checked for proper clearance. This conversion kit should be installed by a qualified, competent gunsmith familiar with the 45 Auto Government Model pistol. The cost is $205, delivered.
The old contact information I have is Garey Hindman by email at; [email protected]. This was from several years back, and I don't know if it is still valid. Who is Garey Hindman? His dad was Ace Hindman, who founded Ace Custom 45‘s who did the 45 Super conversions.
As noted, a square firing pin stop will retard slide movement. Also, a stronger mainspring (hammer spring) will slow down the slide, too. The Clark barrel with compensator would do wonders, too.
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This is from Buffalo Bore's website regarding 45 Super ammo:
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=76
45 Super is externally/dimensionally identical to 45 ACP or 45 ACP +P and is designed to be used in 45 ACP semi-auto pistols that have been fitted with stronger than normal recoil springs and a shock buffer, plus a couple of other modifications. While you can shoot 45 SUPER out of some stock 45 acp+P pistols such as the Glock 21, HK USP, or the full-sized all steel 1911, you will batter your pistol if you do not have them modified to handle the extra pressure and slide velocity of the 45 Super.
To learn about the modifications your 45 ACP pistol needs to reliably and safely fire 45 SUPER, contact Garey Hindman at 936-402-3484. Garey is the foremost authority on 45 Super modifications/conversions for your 45 ACP and Garey performs such conversions for a living.
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If you're considering the 45 Super in a Glock, consider a aftermarket barrel. They have a reputation for poor chamber support.
Here is what is in Ace Custom 45‘s 45 Super 1911 Conversion Kit.
1) Guide rod and buffer system with dual recoil springs (32 pounds) and recoil spring plug (pin take-down style).
2) Heavy duty firing pin spring and firing pin (fits series 70 or 80).
3) Heavy duty extractor (fits series 70 or 80).
4) Extended ejector.
5) Oversize firing pin stop.
Some machine work is required, and involves lowering, angling and flaring the ejection port, and removing the inside rear recoil spring plug ledge in the recoil spring tunnel. The lowering and flaring might not be necessary on many modern 1911s since this is a common feature included on today’s guns.
In addition, the oversize firing pin stop must be fit, and the breech face checked for proper clearance. This conversion kit should be installed by a qualified, competent gunsmith familiar with the 45 Auto Government Model pistol. The cost is $205, delivered.
The old contact information I have is Garey Hindman by email at; [email protected]. This was from several years back, and I don't know if it is still valid. Who is Garey Hindman? His dad was Ace Hindman, who founded Ace Custom 45‘s who did the 45 Super conversions.
As noted, a square firing pin stop will retard slide movement. Also, a stronger mainspring (hammer spring) will slow down the slide, too. The Clark barrel with compensator would do wonders, too.
-------------------
This is from Buffalo Bore's website regarding 45 Super ammo:
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=76
45 Super is externally/dimensionally identical to 45 ACP or 45 ACP +P and is designed to be used in 45 ACP semi-auto pistols that have been fitted with stronger than normal recoil springs and a shock buffer, plus a couple of other modifications. While you can shoot 45 SUPER out of some stock 45 acp+P pistols such as the Glock 21, HK USP, or the full-sized all steel 1911, you will batter your pistol if you do not have them modified to handle the extra pressure and slide velocity of the 45 Super.
To learn about the modifications your 45 ACP pistol needs to reliably and safely fire 45 SUPER, contact Garey Hindman at 936-402-3484. Garey is the foremost authority on 45 Super modifications/conversions for your 45 ACP and Garey performs such conversions for a living.
--------------------------------------
If you're considering the 45 Super in a Glock, consider a aftermarket barrel. They have a reputation for poor chamber support.
Riomouse911
Member
As the owner of a dedicated .45 Super, a SA V-16 long slide, and a Ruger SR 1911 .45 4.25”, I’ll state that the SA does have a heavier recoil spring that does require more oomph to retract. Recoil is snappier with full house Super ammo, even with the 16 ports and heavier slide.
But yes, you can shoot .45 Super in the Ruger…. Because the cartridges are externally identical. I seriously doubt the gun would blow up, the pressure of the Super just isn’t that great.
That being said, would I batter my Ruger or other stock 1911 .45 with the additional pounding a standard .45 ACP would take from the Super rounds? No. It’s not worth it to me.
HK and Glocks seem to be able to be quickly and easily made into .45 Supers. I haven’t done it, but Ace Custom .45’s used to mention the Glock and .45 Super along with kits to redo 1911’s. Here is a story by someone who did that swap.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/glock-21sf-45super-conversion-1000-rounds-and-bunch-of-pigs-later/
The 1911 is perfectly designed for the .45 ACP so it would need a spring upgrade, and possibly a supported and comped barrel to keep the head from blowing out. You will need to slow down the slide so stuff doesn’t get beaten up.
Again; it’s your gun, your choice.
Stay safe.
But yes, you can shoot .45 Super in the Ruger…. Because the cartridges are externally identical. I seriously doubt the gun would blow up, the pressure of the Super just isn’t that great.
That being said, would I batter my Ruger or other stock 1911 .45 with the additional pounding a standard .45 ACP would take from the Super rounds? No. It’s not worth it to me.
HK and Glocks seem to be able to be quickly and easily made into .45 Supers. I haven’t done it, but Ace Custom .45’s used to mention the Glock and .45 Super along with kits to redo 1911’s. Here is a story by someone who did that swap.
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/glock-21sf-45super-conversion-1000-rounds-and-bunch-of-pigs-later/
The 1911 is perfectly designed for the .45 ACP so it would need a spring upgrade, and possibly a supported and comped barrel to keep the head from blowing out. You will need to slow down the slide so stuff doesn’t get beaten up.
Again; it’s your gun, your choice.
Stay safe.
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fxvr5
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A 1911 does not need a fully support (ramped) barrel for the 45 Super. That was the whole point of the 45 Super brass - so it could be used at high pressure in a standard 1911 barrel.
As noted, Glock's 45 barrel have a reputation for poor chamber support.
Garey Hindman says the 45 Super brass is strong enough to be fired in unsupported 1911 chambers. One notable exception is Glock barrels. Factory Glock 45 Auto barrels have generous throats that leave a fair amount of the case head unsupported.
Fernando Coelho (who created the 450 SMC) insists on replacing the factory Glock barrel with an aftermarket barrel that offers better case support when shooting the 45 Super/450 SMC.
As noted, Glock's 45 barrel have a reputation for poor chamber support.
Garey Hindman says the 45 Super brass is strong enough to be fired in unsupported 1911 chambers. One notable exception is Glock barrels. Factory Glock 45 Auto barrels have generous throats that leave a fair amount of the case head unsupported.
Fernando Coelho (who created the 450 SMC) insists on replacing the factory Glock barrel with an aftermarket barrel that offers better case support when shooting the 45 Super/450 SMC.
Otto
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Starline 45 ACP +P brass is available on GB for 37 cents apiece. The price is 9 cents higher but it is available. If you don't like GB...neither do I.
that gun is made in 10mm: https://ruger.com/products/sr1911Standard/specSheets/6756.html
the 10mm cartridge max average pressure is 37,000 psi. i think the slide velocity of the above gun is a tad faster than one chambered in 45 acp and running 45 super (28,000 psi). i would not run 45 super through your gun until it is modified to run that cartridge.
my glock 30 has an alpha wolf barrel and a 21 lb. recoil spring. cases eject 15 feet out @ 4:00 shooting a 230 gn. xtp bullet @ 1,000 fps. ball rounds (230 gn lrn bullet @ 800 fps) eject 6 feet out @ 4:00. i also run extra power magazine springs.
i don't worry about battering the frame of my glock since a glock 29 (10mm cartridge) has a stock 17 pound recoil spring and the same frame as the glock 30.
luck,
murf
the 10mm cartridge max average pressure is 37,000 psi. i think the slide velocity of the above gun is a tad faster than one chambered in 45 acp and running 45 super (28,000 psi). i would not run 45 super through your gun until it is modified to run that cartridge.
my glock 30 has an alpha wolf barrel and a 21 lb. recoil spring. cases eject 15 feet out @ 4:00 shooting a 230 gn. xtp bullet @ 1,000 fps. ball rounds (230 gn lrn bullet @ 800 fps) eject 6 feet out @ 4:00. i also run extra power magazine springs.
i don't worry about battering the frame of my glock since a glock 29 (10mm cartridge) has a stock 17 pound recoil spring and the same frame as the glock 30.
luck,
murf
I would much rather buy the 45 Super brass for 27¢ per piece. That makes FAR MORE sense!
I just bought a BEAUTIFUL 32-20/32 H&R Blackhawk Convertible on GB, so no I don’t have any particular problems with GB.
highlander 5
Member
Not being a metallurgist or gunsmith I do know that Ruger pistols and revolvers are usually over built . The SR 1911 is chambered in 10 mm which had a reputation of breaking piece,s out of a Colt 1911 slide I would think SR 1911 will take the 45 super. As a side I tried my Accurate Arms 22 conversion and it fit so other than the ejector the frame at least for both 45 auto and 10 mm seem to be identical.
Best not to rely on internet advice when it comes to gun safety. You have a safe and easy option to pick up the 45 Super brass and load to 45 ACP pressures. You could ask the manufacturer if the gun is safe for 45 Super loads but I think we both know what the answer would be. If you want higher performance, use a gun that is designed for the cartridge.
Other resources: http://www.45super.com/ https://asaphost.com/acecustom45/orderform.htm
Other resources: http://www.45super.com/ https://asaphost.com/acecustom45/orderform.htm
Oh yeah, you’ll get the lawyerly answer without question.
Don't do it. John Browning's masterpiece was designed to work with standard pressure 45acp loads. 230gr bullets at 850 fps or 200gr bullets at 950 fps is all you need. If you try to turn this into a 45 super you're going to accelerate the wear and tear, the life of your cases will be severely shortened, and it might end up going "Kaboom" on you. If you think you need more power you might consider getting a Springfield XDM in 10mm.
Many people here have warned against it. You still do not get it. It would not be hard to look it up yourself via google if you want more info. You will find out it probably is a bad idea with your gun.
But, you will likely press on anyway. I just hope it doesn't go too bad for ya.
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