Posted By: Arrowslinger82
.45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/11/16 12:06 AM
its been a long time since I have shot a 45, recently got a new 1911.. What grain are y'all shooting at the range and carrying? 230 grain on both accounts? Thanks guys.
Posted By: Michael W.
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/11/16 12:58 AM
Carry and shoot the one that shoots the best in your gun.
Posted By: RiverRider
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/11/16 02:45 AM
When I carry my 1911, it's stoked with some 230-grain Black Talons I bought back in the 90s, but some of my mags are carrying 230-grain SXTs.
For general all around shooting and as a backup hunting sidearm, I shoot some 200-grain LSWC I cast using a Lyman 452460 mold I bought back in the day. There were several molds on the shelf to choose from, but I gave consideration to the 30 grains of bullet metal per bullet I would be saving...in those days I had almost NO disposable income. As it turns out, it's a decent bullet and I'm glad I chose it. It casts nicely and shoot well. I can push it to 920 fps with W231 and could probably get more speed with other powders if I thought it was worth pursuit. But I don't.
Posted By: Maddog
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/11/16 07:40 PM
The 230 ball is good for both range and SD. Buy a couple different brands and see which shoots best in your gun.
Posted By: ChadTRG42
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/11/16 09:32 PM
I like a 200 grain Speer bonded bullet for the extra speed. This extra speed allows for more hydrostatic shock, and helps the hollow point open up. The 230 HP's work well. 230 ball is great for plinking, but I'd prefer some expansion. For pigs though, 230 FMJ is perfect medicine for deeper penetration. The 230 FMJ's work much better than a HP on a pig.
Posted By: jeffbird
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/11/16 11:30 PM
Whatever you decide to use, function is paramount.
Here is a link to some interesting test results.
http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/#45ACP
Posted By: dee
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/12/16 12:49 AM
185gr Hornady XTP in my 1911's.
Posted By: Phlash
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/12/16 11:13 PM
Nosler 185jhp here. Buy in bulk.
Posted By: blackcoal
Re: .45 ACP bullet weight question - 02/18/16 07:12 PM
Similar to an above post, for casual practice I load a 200 gr SWC that I cast from Lee molds. All metal came from wheelweights and I have shot some of the lead over 20 times. Cheap and easy. But I load them light and change my recoil spring down to 12-13# springs. My hands are getting weak and wrists have been damaged over the years so I avoid max rounds.
Only time I carry the 1911 is at the ranch and then I just use regular ball ammo.
