ltwguns.com

I have the opportunity to trade a quanity of 9mm rounds I have collected over time for 45 ammo. I get to specify the brand and Load. My ACP is a Wilson Compact (4" slide on a LIGHTWEIGHT Officers Frame). Due to logistics that I won't bore you with, I need to close the deal by the end of the week. I haven't had much time to research the balistic performance of the latest defensive offerings. Three questions:
1. Re: defensive ammo- What offerings are kinder and gentler to my aluminum feed ramp while still performing well as a tactical round?
2. If the gun only gets four or five thousand rounds of the defensive fodder during its service life and the rest is ball, Do I even need to be concerned about this?
3. Any speculation as to the expected service life of this platform when used primarily with ball?

thanks.

trade, just an idea but how about having an EGW steel feed ramp insert installed on the frame and not worry about?

Don't know if any of the LTW smiths have done anything like that but just an idea.

Will

I know John Harrison will insert a steel feed ramp, probably many others also.

RZ

Richard/ Dea-

Good thoughts and I have considered that but:
1. Probably $200+ with shipping
2. then the wait
3. I need to trade the ammo anyway.
4. Insert voids the Wilson warranty
5. Eventually I would like to move this one and go to a full blown custom

A penny for your thoughts

Tradewind, Usually, Remington JHP's are shaped more like ball ammo (don't know about the Golden Sabers though), and as such, probably would be less likely to cause you feedramp a problem. Perhaps Silver Tips as well. However, since your frame is a Colt frame, which is of a decent alloy, and assuming that's it's been anodized to protect it's surface, I doubt you'll have a problem as is. Regards,

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

tradewind.... an excellent defense round that also feeds with exceptional reliability AND is kind and gentle on a feedramp is CorBon PowRBall. It's a 165 gr. engineered defense load which has developed an excellent reputation as a fine performer. A perfect choice for short barrel 1911's and those with softer aluminum feedramps. Of course, there's always a price to pay... no free lunch. They are on the costly side.

http://www.corbon.com/

I'd suggest shooting the gun freely and if and when you should need a steel ramp insert... then send it off to EGW... George will fix you right up if necessary.

I would also look at the Federal expanding FMJ. Look at ammoman.com for the full specs. They are pretty impressive.

It feeds like ball ammo but expands like the best hollow points out.

Ah yes, good call dbltap.... +1 on your suggestion... that's a great load too!

You shouldn't have a problem with Hydra-Shok or Golden Saber... I am not sure about other "newer" brands. However, I know the old 200gr Speer "flying ashtray" and some of the other sharper HP loadings would ding up my Baer (LW Commander sized) pistol's feed ramp.

I ran the Golden Saber... Mind you this was 12yrs ago. I've dumped all my LW framed 1911s, but I bet the Winchester Ranger would run just fine.

The Federal EFMJ is not a very good round performance wise, it does not consistantly expand... It is something you use if you live in a non-HP state, ie: NJ.

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Julian

I just wanted to quickly correct you on this point. It is not illegal to own or use hollow points in NJ. It is illegal to use them while in the commission of a crime or carry them if you are not an LEO. You can have them in your home or buisness and you can use them at the range or in a shooting match.

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"Domari Nolo"

Thanks for the correction Pete.

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Julian

Thanks very much for the responses. Great to have a resource like this!
Based on the feedback, I'm thinking the powerball, UNLESS- the consensus is that the 165 will have a significantly diferent point of vertical impact than the 230 ball for which I'm sighted in. I still have the opportunity to go w/ 230 golden sabre (also in stock). I define significant as greater than 2" difference @ 25yd. What say ye?-

I'd like to throw in a disqualifier here which may keep me out of hot
water with the moderators. I'm still thinking of this as a mechanical question related to the limitations of aluminum feed ramps vs. a discourse on balistic performance of ammo brands

I still say go with the expanding FMJ, it will feed like ball ammo so there will be no ill effect on the feed ramp. Others opinion may varry. If I was to stray from that the other choices for me are Golden Sabers and Hydrashock. Just my .02