[Mr Z]

Mas,

I'm considering a 4.25" barreled 1911 in .45 ACP for CCW. These are my two questions:

1. Should I still use 230 gr. hollow points, or switch to ball because of the shorter barrel and a perceived loss of velocity and/or penetration?

2. Should I drop down to 200 gr ammo either regular velocity or +P to compensate for a shorter barrel length?

Thanks in advance for your opinion.

 

[Mas Ayoob]

I use 230 in mine. The barrel is still 4.25". The high-tech 230 grain .45 ACPs of today, such as the Federal HST, are designed to expand in shorter barrels. The most popular .45 ACPs still in use by police such as the Glock 21 or the S&W M&P .45 have barrel lengths in the similar 4.5-4.6" range, and departments issuing 230 grain loads such as HST or Winchester Ranger don't seem to be reporting any expansion failures or other issues.

Best,
Mas

 

[Mr Z]

Y

I use 230 in mine. The barrel is still 4.25". The high-tech 230 grain .45 ACPs of today, such as the Federal HST, are designed to expand in shorter barrels. The most popular .45 ACPs still in use by police such as the Glock 21 or the S&W M&P .45 have barrel lengths in the similar 4.5-4.6" range, and departments issuing 230 grain loads such as HST or Winchester Ranger don't seem to be reporting any expansion failures or other issues.

Best,
Mas

Thank you.