Gun Guys – Ep. 07: Ammo Loads for Compacts

Published on June 22, 2018
Duration: 9:36

This video delves into optimizing ammunition for compact 1911 pistols, emphasizing that bullet weight, shape, and overall length are crucial for reliability. Lighter .45 ACP bullets (185-200gr) and heavier 9mm bullets (147gr) are recommended for compacts. Proper magazine maintenance, including annual spring replacement, is also highlighted as essential for consistent feeding and preventing malfunctions.

Quick Summary

For compact .45 ACP 1911s, use lighter bullets (185-200gr) to prevent 'bolt over base' malfunctions caused by fast slide cycling. In 9mm compacts, heavier 147gr bullets with longer OALs generally feed more reliably. Replace magazine springs annually.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Compact Ammo Importance
  2. 00:58.45 ACP Loads for Compacts
  3. 02:34Magazine Maintenance & Springs
  4. 03:51.45 ACP Bullet Shape & OAL
  5. 04:229mm Loads for Compacts
  6. 05:33Recommended 9mm Defensive Loads
  7. 06:07Technical Specs: Feed Ramps & OAL
  8. 06:54Velocity & Barrel Length Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bullet weight for .45 ACP in compact 1911 pistols?

For compact .45 ACP 1911s, Ken Hackathorn recommends lighter bullets, specifically 185-grain or 200-grain options. Heavier 230-grain bullets can cause 'bolt over base' malfunctions due to the faster cycling speed of shorter slides.

What 9mm bullet weight is recommended for compact pistols?

For 9mm compact pistols, heavier bullets, particularly 147-grain loads, are often more reliable. Their longer overall length (OAL) aids in consistent feeding into the chamber, which is crucial for reliable function in smaller firearm frames.

How often should magazine springs be replaced in defensive firearms?

Magazines are wear items. For defensive firearms, it's recommended to replace the magazine springs annually. This ensures they maintain sufficient tension to keep up with the slide's cycle speed and prevent feeding malfunctions.

What is the ideal OAL for 9mm cartridges in compact pistols like the EDC X9?

For 9mm cartridges in compact pistols such as the Wilson Combat EDC X9, an Overall Length (OAL) between 1.115 inches and 1.130 inches is considered ideal for ensuring consistent and reliable feeding into the chamber.

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