45 or 40

[SoonerPast]

I've heard some people's rationale that they can use the same loads for Limited or SS. Then there's the idea that the shooter gets used to the same dynamics no matter which divsion they are in competition.

I've tried to simulate the feel of a 40 in my 45': loaded 185 grain 45 at @900 fps. That should have felt like a 180 grain 40 at about the same velocity. But, 200 grain bullets feel a whole lot better in a 45.

I've recently acquired a 1911 in 40 and WOW!!! There is a big difference. This gun shoots flatout FLAT, it cycles fast and there is very, very, very little muzzle rise. Now, I'm thinking that all the BS about economy in loading only one load might be true, but there is something else going on.

My anticipation might be a little out of control, but at this weekend's match, I'm going to have some fun.

[waktasz]

I don't shoot SS, but if I did, it would be a .40 for sure...because I'm lazy and hate changing my press settings.

[mikeg1005]

Originally Posted by SoonerPast

I've recently acquired a 1911 in 40 and WOW!!! There is a big difference. This gun shoots flatout FLAT, it cycles fast and there is very, very, very little muzzle rise. Now, I'm thinking that all the BS about economy in loading only one load might be true, but there is something else going on..

I have found the exact same thing... I like 1911s in 40 more than in 45 as well... Flatter shooting, and the faster recoil translates into a push into your hand, instead of a muzzle flip.

Mike.

[want2race]

The .40 load (powder type and amount) also change the feel. It's more than just the
.050" difference in diameter.

I've shot .40 1911's that felt like hand cannons (175pf with Titegroup), and I've shot some that were soft (172pf with Universal). OAL and crimp also change the feel as it effects the pressure. My .45 load is 185gr over Clays, 172pf. It's pretty flat and feels just like my .40 load with Universal. I do like my old 200gr load (also over clays) but my fixed sighted gun likes the 185gr load better.

In the end, we shoot whatever works best for our current skill set. I'm building a .40 1911 just so I don't have to swap my SDB over.

[ripdog28]

The lighter bullet requiers more FPS for PF. The .45 in 185g sucks in recoil for PF compared to the 230g. I like the 200g swc but love to shoot the 230g lrn because of the much lower powder charge. I really notice a big difference between these.

Shooting a .40 with the smaller weight uses about the same powder charge as the 200g and 230g depending on the powder used. Some say (depending on mfgr) a 1911 in .40 is heavier then the .45 because the .40 has a heavier/thicker barrel. This could contribute to the reduced felt recoil.

[RH45]

I shoot crappy with both!

[want2race]

I for one would not be able to feel a recoil difference due to barrel thickness. Tritop vs. round to slide yes, but that's because it reciprocates. Hollow gi rod vs. flgr yes, but the weight difference is larger.

I say have both, shoot both, have fun.

[SoonerPast]

My 45 Wilson magazines worked pretty good, until they didn't. Any advice about which magazines to use? Looks like the choice is between Wilson and Tripp. I am loading and overall length of 1.18 to 1.20 at the longest. Also, even if they did feed, dropping a partially used mag wasn't a 100% sure thing.

[B.Reid]

Originally Posted by SoonerPast

My 45 Wilson magazines worked pretty good, until they didn't. Any advice about which magazines to use? Looks like the choice is between Wilson and Tripp. I am loading and overall length of 1.18 to 1.20 at the longest. Also, even if they did feed, dropping a partially used mag wasn't a 100% sure thing.

I have have good luck with Tripp mags, can't say the same for Wilson.

[simonsay]

Tripp

[RH45]

Originally Posted by SoonerPast

My 45 Wilson magazines worked pretty good, until they didn't. Any advice about which magazines to use? Looks like the choice is between Wilson and Tripp. I am loading and overall length of 1.18 to 1.20 at the longest. Also, even if they did feed, dropping a partially used mag wasn't a 100% sure thing.

Are you using them in a .40 caliber gun, or, a .45 caliber gun?

If you are using them in a .45, why are you loading so short?

Do your magazines drop free when they are empty? It sounds like you should send the offending magazine(s) back to Wilson.

[SoonerPast]

I was using them in the new .40 1911. A good 45 mag with a strong spring will feed .40 well. If your stage plan includes dropping a partially used mag, the succeeding top round may have eased forward enough to drag on the frame and prevent the magazines fall.

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: I like the 45 better in single stack than the 40. I have played with different loads and slide weights but the 45 with 200 grain Precision Moly bullets and Hodgdon Clays powder is great. I also use a Briley aluminum guide rod to keep weight down. It seems the top single stack shooters are also using a 45 but some use 230 grain bullets and the others are using 200 grain. If you are loading for 40 already then go ahead a get a 40 single stack. The single stacks in 40 seem to like 180-185 grain bullets. I have tried 200 grain and 155 grain bullets but the magic happens with the 180-185's. At least for me Thanks, Eric

[55bird]

+1 on .45 200gr precision bullets and clays or titegroup for SS.
Limited it's .40 all the way.I used 200 grain 40's when precision made them,now 185.Guns last lots longer with lower pressure loads relying on mass versis velocity.You really see it in the open guns.

[want2race]

Gettting a .40 1911 to run 100% is a process. Everything has to be right.

For mags: If you call Tripp, the part number is "Corey Mags". Those are the ones you want.

[SoonerPast]

I talked to Mr. Tripp last Friday. Shot a local indoor match last night; this gun has some magic in it, I guess. If I could just get my feet to move faster.....

[ken_mays]

I'm using a combination of Wilson 47D .45 mags and some Dan Wesson 10mm mags. Both work well in my two .40 single stacks. My current load is a 175 gr SWC loaded out to about 1.180" over 4.6 grains of Titegroup. I'm using a 14# ISMI recoil spring, which shoots considerably flatter than a 16# spring.

[Mick0610]

I'm using a different load but loaded long as well and the 14# spring is much better...

[BillD]

I would love to have a .40 SS. Unfortunately, I have a lot of money tied up in .45 SS's and I am not going to get that back. (one rarely gets their "upgrade" money back, even if it's a lot of money).

Now, if I could get someone to trade me their .40 Trojan for my .45 Trojan and I get the same Metaloy HC and 2# trigger.....

[Duhbob]

Originally Posted by SoonerPast

My 45 Wilson magazines worked pretty good, until they didn't. Any advice about which magazines to use? Looks like the choice is between Wilson and Tripp. I am loading and overall length of 1.18 to 1.20 at the longest. Also, even if they did feed, dropping a partially used mag wasn't a 100% sure thing.

Tripp is the winner in this contest. Not only are the mags super easy to clean at a match, the followers are durable and dependable; I have Zero wear after 15,000 rounds through 2 different guns.
Also, when I ordered new spring plates, they shipped twice the number I requested for the price of shipping. In other words FREE!

[Icopy1]

I used to have a Colt Ten Forty, which was set up with both a 10mm and 40S&W barrels. I loved shooting it in 40 S&W. The Tripp mags worked best for me. Can't believe more people don't shoot the 40 in a 1911 platform.

[BillD]

The .40 can be problematic to get run in a 1911. I've seen several that required multiple trips to the gunsmith to run 100%.

[2MoreChains]

My personal feeling: unless you can discern a difference in the felt recoil (and it actually helps you), shooting .40SW in a 1911 in Single Stack is more of a logistical advantage (same caliber as your Limited gun, easier to find pick-up brass, don't have to use a barney mag at LAMR, and slightly cheaper to reload for than .45acp). Otherwise, the tried and true .45acp 1911 is still a work horse for SS division. .40SW in a 1911 platform works, and I know guys that found a load they really like that swear by that caliber.

I have 1911's in both caliber, and I find myself shooting the .45acp more.