Using +P Ammo in a 1911

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Wild Deuce

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I have several questions regarding the use of +P ammunition in a 1911. Is there another thread already in existence where this topic was discussed? If so, please point me in the right direction (or move this post). Thanks.

(Already tried a search ... no luck)
 
It depends on the particular make & model of YOUR 1911.

F'rinstance, Springfield Amory says NOT to use +P ammo in their compact models, but no such disclaimer on the standard size guns.
 
It could void the warranty of some makes of 1911's but if the pistol is a 5" all steel version there shouldn't be any problems. A 1911 can handle chamber pressures way higher than any .45 ACP load could produce. Thats one of the reasons they last so long. :)
 
I've shot just about any thing that will feed through my 1911's with no ill effects. The only thing I've ever done is make sure they have a 18 lb recoil spring installed.:)
 
Ok. I will go ahead and post my questions here.

Ammunition I wish to test and eventually carry in my pistol: Federal .45 ACP +P EFMJ 200 grain

Pistol: SA Loaded Full Size Parkerized 1911 pistol (PX9109LP) all steel

1. Can the SA stock barrel handle the +P pressure? What are the pressure differences anyway?

2. Should I increase the stock recoil spring weight from 16 lbs to 18lbs (or anything else)?

3. Any other factor or consideration I am missing here when thinking about using +P rated ammunition? (any other spring or part changes to consider?)​
The only reason I am considering the +P ammunition is that it is the only rating available for the EFMJ in that weight (200 grain). I would be ok with the 165 grain variant (non +P) but I am not sure that would deliver satisfactory penetration in winter weather (heavier clothing). I own an older Taurus Millennium PT145 but don't know if it is rated for +P or not ... afraid to try.
 
Wild Deuce. I know not what others would do, but as for me, myself , and I, I would shoot it all day long and not worry about it. And I've been shooting 1911 platforms for 45 years.:)
 
A person who has been doing it for 45 years say's it's OK. Well that's good enough for me.
 
OK--my SA 1911a1 predates their now-offered lifetime warranty--but I use Rem. +P's for a defensive cartridge. The loading really takes the energy into range of .357 without sacrificing momentum too much. I don't feed it +p that often only because a like blazer for practice and don't reload for the .45 (yet).

The only damage you'll do will be to your wallet feeding expensive ammo.

I do practice periodically with the hotter ammo and recomend doing so---there *is* a very noticible difference in felt recoil and (to a lesser extent) a flatter trajectory.
 
Personally I would not I love my guns too much...not even my revolvers see
+P except for 38Spcl+P in a 357mag...that is allright in my book...but nothing
to overstress my guns...and I do not want to be changing springs...
 
I think you could go ahead and use +P without any problems in a 1911, but if you are still worried, why not install a recoil buffer in it just to make sure?
 
Pressure differences

One of the questions was regarding pressure differences between the standard and +P loadings.

SAAMI (Sporting Arms And Manufacturers Institute) has placed a safe pressure ceiling on the standard .45ACP load of 21,000 PSI.

The +P loads have a pressure ceiling of 23,000 PSI.

I carry a Kimber Tactical Custom II which uses an alloy frame and I switched to an 18# recoil spring which functions well for standard and +P loads.

I don't feed +P regularly due to the alloy frame but they are my carry load and I have shot them (Speer Gold Dot 200gr +P.)

The steel framed guns like yours can actually be used to fire .45 Super loads (SAAMI pressure of 28,000 PSI) if you bump up the recoil springs again.
 
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