Colt Mark IV Government .380 ammo test number 3 - 13 lb Wolff spring kit.

Published on February 21, 2022
Duration: 13:33

This video details an ammunition test of a Colt Mark IV Government .380 pistol after installing a 13 lb Wolff recoil spring and firing pin spring. The reviewer found that round nose ammunition, including PMC Bronze and Blazer Brass, experienced malfunctions such as failure to chamber or stovepipes. Flat nose and hollow point ammunition, particularly those with a steep tip angle, performed more reliably. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of testing ammunition for reliability in specific firearms before carrying them for self-defense.

Quick Summary

The Colt Mark IV Government .380 exhibited significant reliability issues with round nose ammunition like PMC Bronze and Blazer Brass, experiencing failures to chamber and stovepipes. Flat nose and hollow point ammunition, especially those with steep tip angles, performed more reliably. Testing ammunition is crucial for self-defense to ensure 100% reliability before carrying.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Spring Kit Installation
  2. 00:19Winchester White Box Ammo Test
  3. 01:14PMC Bronze Ammo Test (Round Nose)
  4. 03:40PMC Bronze Malfunctions & Round Nose Issues
  5. 04:09Winchester Service Grade Ammo Test
  6. 06:04Winchester Service Grade Malfunctions
  7. 07:16Blazer Brass Ammo Test (Round Nose)
  8. 08:10Blazer Brass Malfunctions & Round Nose Conclusion
  9. 08:17Reliable Hollow Point Ammunition
  10. 09:28Importance of Ammo Reliability for Self-Defense
  11. 10:14Spring Kit Break-In Period Consideration
  12. 11:02Alternating Blazer & PMC Bronze Test
  13. 12:44Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition types performed poorly in the Colt Mark IV Government .380 with a 13lb Wolff spring kit?

The Colt Mark IV Government .380 experienced significant reliability issues with round nose ammunition, including PMC Bronze and Blazer Brass. Malfunctions observed included failures to fully chamber and stovepipes, suggesting these types are not ideal for this specific firearm setup.

Which ammunition types were found to be more reliable in the Colt Mark IV Government .380?

Flat nose and hollow point ammunition, particularly those with a steep angle on the projectile's tip, performed more reliably in the Colt Mark IV Government .380. The reviewer noted that hollow points worked 'great' and flat nose ammunition 'seemed to work okay'.

What impact did the 13 lb Wolff spring kit have on the Colt .380's reliability?

While the 13 lb Wolff recoil and firing pin springs were installed to improve reliability, they did not fully resolve issues with certain ammunition types. The heavier springs may have required lighter loads to have enough velocity to cycle the slide completely, leading to malfunctions with some rounds.

Why is it important to test ammunition in a firearm before carrying it for self-defense?

It is crucial to test ammunition for reliability in your specific firearm because guns can be 'picky.' Malfunctions during a self-defense situation, especially with the first few rounds, can be critical. Until 100% reliability is confirmed with a chosen ammo type, carrying the firearm is not recommended.

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