What recoil spring for light loads

[Wilburt]

Lately i have been exsperimenting with some light loading. I have found that when pushing a .45 H&G 200 gr LSWC out of my 1911 (kimber):

4.7 gr of w231
3.8 gr of VVN310
3.5 gr of Bullseye

all feel about the same recoil wise. I am using the standard 17# recoil spring. My OAL is 1.240 b/c i had a few problems in my last testing at 1.250 and since changing have not. This is purely courios shooting for enjoyment and development. But my question is that do any of you use lighter recoil springs for loads like these. I have read a bit saying that if your getting stove pipes (to heavy of spring) and brass flying a mile away (too light). Or something like that. I haven't had any malfunctions yet just courious.

 

[loadedround]

Wiburt: You should drop down to at least a 15# recoil spring or even a 14# spring if it doesn't batter your slide. Do not shoot ball ammo with either of those spring if you like your pistol. Good shooting!

 

[jfh]

loaded round has it right--to which I would only add, consider a variable-rate spring; it will add a bit of flexibility while you tweak the load. Alternatively, you can order a 'calibration set' in the low power range. See Wolff springs

Jim H.

 

[1911NM]

You might want to take a look at the Wilson Combat site. They have a kit with several springs of different rates. (you can also find it on Midway once you know what your looking for). When working up diff. loads, I take mine to the range with me, and try springs of different rates. Somewhere between 9# and 15#. Every gun is different.

 

[buenhec]

Same here, I shot this weekend (1911 STI) some 5.0 grains of Unique with 200g LSWC. They felt great, minimum recoil and ejected to about 3 feet. I would like to go a bit lower with a lighter spring.

 

[Walkalong]

I haven't had any malfunctions yet, just curious.

If your loads are chambering and ejecting without issue, why change. Going to a light spring can be hard on the frame and slide. You know it can take the standard spring strength when chambering, so why change unless you are getting chambering/ejecting issues.

 

[Wilburt]

Thanks. I have been looking at that spring caddy by Wison Combat through midway. that's probally what i'll go with. i did look at the calibration sets from wollf and the varible springs. Did any of you change the firing pin spring as well?