3 inch .45 Sufficient?

[s+w1911]

Hello group,

What is your opinion about a 3 inch 1911 vs a 5 inch?

I know about the velocity loss, but is there really an expansion issue?

I have a Kimber ultra cdp 2 and use federal hydro-shok 230 gr. Plus p's

I use the plus p's to add some lost velocity.

Am I very well armed?

[Lotsdragon]

LOL I wouldnt want you shooting it at me, specially if you know how to do your job................

[s+w1911]

lol me eigther, but I want to know you won't have time to shoot back, I guess that is the ?

[s+w1911]

Bump

[hogger129]

As for 1911's -
I own a 5. Have a friend with a 3 1/2. I can honestly tell you that because of the way the gun is designed, the 3 1/2 is more prone to problems. The barrel has to be conical for everything to clear when you rack the slide. Because it's a smaller frame, he can only carry 7 rounds where I can carry 8. The smaller size means more recoil. His gun is more prone to feed problems because the ramp has to be steeper due to the shorter barrel. For a conceal carry, your best bet is to go with the 4 1/2 Commander size. A full-size can be carried for conceal and carry though with the right holster and the right belt - it's an issue I am currently working on fixing. I have a weak belt and a nylon IWB holster and it's tough to carry a full size 1911 with those. I have been told to get a good strong belt and a leather holster for a full size 1911.

and for concealed carry, you should use hollowpoints, not the 230 grain fmj. i have 230 grain fmj, and some semi-wadcutters, but i decided to use hollowpoints when i'm not on the range, cuz i'm afraid if i ever had to use my weapon, it would go through something and possibly into the neighbor's house, or ricochet and hit someone else or just something else that i didn't intend to shoot at. hollowpoints are also proven to have better one-shot stops over fmj. stick to jhp for self defense.

[s+w1911]

Hi guys,

I'm not concerned with reliability, mine is flawless with 10k rounds. I'm asking about the velocity loss causing expansion issues.


Thanks,

Dave

[rancherodad]

In theory your going to shooting within twenty feet check out ballistc by the inch web site I think your going to be fine if you do your part

[308 at my gate]

I do not believe that there is enough loss in velocity to worry about proper expansion from a shorter barrel. Most self defense shooting is going to be at close range and I do not think it is something to be concerned over. I reload for 5 different 45 semi autos that I own. One is a short barrel Para Ordinance. I have a Colt series 70, A spring field style 1911, A Glock sub compact, and a Sig Sauer. I just happen to like 45's.

[oscarmayer]

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/?ammoland check out this site for more detail of how barrel lenght plays into performance.

[Double D]

I carry a colt defender 3". I doubt seriously that anybody you shoot at 20 ft or less is gonna know there was any velosity difference. If you plan on shooting people from a distance then maybe. You are well protected.

[rocklinskier]

I do know that a couple of manufacturers (speer for one) do make HP ammo specifically for short barrel pistols. I beleive the diff is the burn rate of powder, and the 'openess' of the hollow point.

That being said, I don't think that any round from any length of .45 is unproductive, but the SB ammo appears to be designed for max effectivness for just that application.

[Ed K]

I carry 3 inch CDP Kimber loaded with CarBon 185 gr load supposedly designed for short bbl gun no expansion or velocity issues no function issue or I wouldn't bet my life on combination of gun and cartridge

[oscarmayer]

no doubt anyone shot with a short barreled 45 would notice the difference even if the speed of the bullet isn't enough to open the hollowpoint on impact the hole will be plenty big enough to get someones attention but i do believe you're right there are loads that are designed to work better from shorter barrel lenghts

[hogger129]

are you shooting it in like competitions and stuff? for a conceal carry weapon, i don't think it matters because at the range you will need to use it, how accurate do you really have to be? i'd think a longer barrel would have higher accuracy though.

[jacksonco]

I shoot and carry 200 grain hp in my 3 1/2" bbl 1911. I carry 230 grain HP in my commander and full sized 1911.

I would not be concerned with the 3" bbl length as long as the gun worked as it is supposed to.

[s+w1911]

Thanks guys.

I appreciate the info and opinions. Hopefully we will never have to use them.

[hogger129]

Originally Posted by jacksonco

I shoot and carry 200 grain hp in my 3 1/2" bbl 1911. I carry 230 grain HP in my commander and full sized 1911.

I would not be concerned with the 3" bbl length as long as the gun worked as it is supposed to.

what brand of bullets do you buy? i thought hollowpoints were usually 185 grain. fmj tend to be 230. at least around here from what i see on the shelves.

[oscarmayer]

you can get a 230 gr hollow point lots of different makers produce that size. federal and corbon comes to mind.

[s+w1911]

Yes I use Federal 230 grain hydro-shok +p jhp's

230 grain is (I believe) the absolute most common grain for .45acp

As stated above, almost any manufacturer makes 230 grain jhp.

[rocklinskier]

The reason you may only see 185's is that the 230's are bought up!

Locally, I have seen 230 JHP's in:

Winchester
Corbon
Remington GS
Speer GD
Federal HS

[NonPCnraRN]

I shoot 230 gr truncated cone (lead flat point) in both my Star PD and full size Milspec. The velocitiy is a little slower with the PD but of not much significance to the guy on the receiving end. I don't worry about whether there is enough velocity to open up a lollow point. Deer are killed regularly with a 44 spl 250 gr SWC bullet at 900 fps. With solid projectiles it is meplat size and striking velocity along with penetration that determines whether you eat venison or peanut butter. The lead flat nosed 230 gr 45 ACP meplat is very similar to the 44 special SWC meplat used for hunting. I know that SD and handgun hunting are different puruits. But if a deer can be taken at 25-75yds with one or two shots, don't you think a human can be stopped with a mag full of 45 fmjFP at point blank range to 7 yds?

[jacksonco]

Originally Posted by hogger129

what brand of bullets do you buy? i thought hollowpoints were usually 185 grain. fmj tend to be 230. at least around here from what i see on the shelves.

I load my own ammo. I use Hornady XTP HP bullets in both my 200 and 230 grain cartridges.

[s+w1911]

I realize a mag full of .45 anything is going to work, but I hope each shot does the job, because even the best trained mis on occasion.

As someone extremely well trained, I can tell you when the time comes, your performance WILL be far less than you think.

Tunnel vision, adrenaline and fear will cut your marksmanship atleast in half.

[Shooter45]

Dave, in my honest opinion, you have made a good choice. With proper break in, good mags ( Wilson Combat ) and recommended recoil spring changes,the weapon will be completely reliable. I wouldn't worry about ballistics from the 3" barrel. Most deadly encounters, as you well know,are at close ranges.

[Terry_P]

They are starting out at .451 so whether they expand or not isn't a big deal. The 45 acp has been doing the job for 100 years mostly all with ball ammo.