+P ammunition and alloy frame 1911's.

[Buckshot John]

So I purchased a Sig C3 for a carry weapon. I ran the pistol in with 375 rounds this weekend and had zero malfunctions of any type with ball ammo. I did however have 2 failure to feeds while shooting 25 rounds of federal hi shock 200 grain holow points. I am trying to decide on a reliable self defense round for carry. I am just going to assume for some reason or another my C3 didnt like the federal round. Now to get to my question. As many in here already know the C3 has a light alloy frame. I dont have the desire to carry a hot +p round but many of the self defense rounds out there are . Is it advisable to stay away from +p with a light frame? My 2 main choices right now are some golden sabers and the winchester ranger series. I am also looking at some speer gold dots and corbons. Any input is welcome.

[interpol]

What kind of magazine were you using?

[dsk]

I stay away from +P rounds even in steel framed guns, personally. The .45 is powerful enough as it is, and I really don't need to beat my guns as well as myself up trying to push the edge of the envelope.

[Buckshot John]

I used the factory magazines and some kimber pro tacticals. The ftf happened with both magazines.

[supervel]

Originally Posted by dsk

I stay away from +P rounds even in steel framed guns, personally. The .45 is powerful enough as it is, and I really don't need to beat my guns as well as myself up trying to push the edge of the envelope.

I will second that.

[220swiftfn]

If your feeding is "iffy" I'd go with the Golden Sabers 230gr. STD pressure. Their nose is really close to ball profile....


Dan

[WobbleZone]

I carry my Dan Wesson CCO (alloy frame) loaded with185 gr. +P. I generally shoot at the range with 230 gr WW White Box JHP, but shoot enough 185 +P to assure reliability. My reason has nothing to do with power level, though.

I do it because the Dan shoots overly high at 15 yds with 230 gr ammo, but dead center with the lighter bullet. And I haven't wanted to change the sights because the CCO is a hoot to shoot at 100 yds because the sights are dead center with the WWW 230 gr at that range.

[DeltaKilo]

With the right springs and setup, you should have no issues.

For those who see no reason for +P, I'll point out that the higher velocity and energy equates into deeper penetration and better consistency.

YMMV, of course.

[Buckshot John]

Originally Posted by 220swiftfn

If your feeding is "iffy" I'd go with the Golden Sabers 230gr. STD pressure. Their nose is really close to ball profile....


Dan

Yes after doing some reading on the golden sabers thats why its my first choice. I have been reading that they feed very reliably. And the fact that there available in std pressure. I figure I will get a few boxes of what ever I decide on and see how they cycle.

[DeltaKilo]

Originally Posted by Buckshot John

Yes after doing some reading on the golden sabers thats why its my first choice. I have been reading that they feed very reliably. And the fact that there available in std pressure. I figure I will get a few boxes of what ever I decide on and see how they cycle.

Also look at the Federal HST standard pressure. It's a better choice and feeds as reliably as Golden Saber.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by dsk

I stay away from +P rounds even in steel framed guns, personally. The .45 is powerful enough as it is, and I really don't need to beat my guns as well as myself up trying to push the edge of the envelope.

I third that...

[chrysanthemum]

I see more negatives/risks than positives associated with using +P in an aluminum frame 1911. I personally use +P only in connection with a lighter weight Barnes all-copper bullet and a compensated 4" all-steel 1911 (Wilson Carry Comp).

The only real benefit would be if you were in the one-in-one million circumstance where a normal P round would fail to stop a BG but a slightly -- very slightly -- greater penetration of a +P round would stop that same BG. What are the odds of that specific scenario occuring in your lifetime? But this, of course, is your choice based on your perception of the risks/benefits involved. There are some who feel inadequately protected even with a regular carry gun, a backup carry gun, multiple magazines, a premium combat knife, a tactical pen, etc. So everyone's a bit different here.

[zulu]

great question!!!! Looking for a carry load for my Sig Ultra--Golden Saber & Fed HST will be my next range ammo to check out in my gun.

[HAIL CAESAR]

Originally Posted by DeltaKilo

For those who see no reason for +P, I'll point out that the higher velocity and energy equates into deeper penetration and better consistency.

YMMV, of course.

I agree.

Any handgun is weak, compared to it's shoulder fired weapons of larger caliber and power.

Use the best bullets with the most power you and your gun will handle.

"They all fall to a 45" is nonsense.

[supervel]

Originally Posted by WobbleZone

I carry my Dan Wesson CCO (alloy frame) loaded with185 gr. +P. I generally shoot at the range with 230 gr WW White Box JHP, but shoot enough 185 +P to assure reliability. My reason has nothing to do with power level, though.

I do it because the Dan shoots overly high at 15 yds with 230 gr ammo, but dead center with the lighter bullet. And I haven't wanted to change the sights because the CCO is a hoot to shoot at 100 yds because the sights are dead center with the WWW 230 gr at that range.

Why would you feel +P's would insure reliability in a shortened alloy framed gun. I believe you maybe going in the opposite direction. If the recoil spring is two strong sometimes shooting hotter loads to compensate for it reduce's reliability. Just curious I use to feel the same way, and do not do it any longer myself.

[HAIL CAESAR]

Originally Posted by supervel

Why would you feel +P's would insure reliability in a shortened alloy framed gun. I believe you maybe going in the opposite direction. If the recoil spring is two strong sometimes shooting hotter loads to compensate for it reduce's reliability. Just curious I use to feel the same way, and do not do it any longer myself.

He meant he shoots enough 185 +p's to make sure the gun is reliable with then. Not because the 185's make the gun reliable.