ltwguns.com

I'm a bit of a newbie here but have looked and can't find this topic discussed. I wanted opinions of those in the know... as to whether there is a benefit to having a ramped barrel in a 5" standard sized .45acp?

I've been looking to purchase my first high end (what I'd consider high end) 45 and have seen a few w/ramped and a few w/out ramped barrels.

Are there any benefits or drawbacks either way? Any links to discussions and what-not are appreciated.

Thanks for the help.

Eric

I'm no pro but from the articles I've read and people I've spoken with, the ramped barrel is useful when you are using an aluminum frame. The large nose of the bullet usually strikes that area and tends to wear that area out. That's why sometimes you see aluminum frames with modified steel inserts in that area too. So the addition of a steel ramp or insert remedies that stress point. Steel frames won't have an issue of wearing out because the frame is already harder than the bullet head. I know that some do it just for the fact that they can. With regards to function, the ramp is not necessary due to the large nose of the bullet. Then again, if your frame's ramp was not properly polished or angled correctly, then the ramp can definitely be an option for repair.

I'll leave it to the pros to scrutinize my understanding of it. Please be gentle.

As the previous poster - I am not a professional, I just help contribute to several's retirement funds !

Seriously, other than the possibility on an aluminum frame, like a Commander, there is no real need in .45 acp for a ramped barrel. The cartridge is not a high pressure round, like the .38 Super. The one-piece ramp barrels came onto the the market with the rise in use of comped .38 Supers and hot loads in IPSC, with the efforts to make major with what was considered a minor caliber. The case was not well supported enough with the standard barrels, and would let go. Prior to the one-piece ramp barrel, Charley Kelsey (and maybe others) came up with a pinned-in ramp in the fame to support the higher pressure case.

Some current smiths, such as Novak's, go so far as to specifically recommend against a one-piece ramped barrel in .45 acp, claiming they don't feed as well as the standard configuration. All of my LW Commanders have had the standard set-up, and I have had no problems with damage to the frame. Of course, I only put hardball through mine, so there is no danger of a JHP tearing up the feed ramp.
YMMV.