45 acp ammo for 3" Barrels

[HarleyDave]

If you have a compact or micro compact 45 acp w/ 3" Barrel, what 45 acp what brand, grain and do you use +p ammo in your 3" firearm?

Just purchased the Springfield 1911 micro compact w/ 3" barrel so I'm curious since I heard not really to use 230 grain that on the shorter barrels, should use a different grain.

New to collection, that's why selling the Lady Smith

Thanks and welcome all information.

[Sidro]

Have shot various brand 230gr fmj, Speer 185gr GDHP and +P 165gr Pow'RBall out of our 3" Kimbers. No problem of any kind with any of the ammo out of these guns. Tested the GDHP and Pow'RBall for function only and not for accuracy so can not comment on that.

[ntexaschl]

I use plain ol' wwb 230 gr at the range. Corbon has various personal defense rounds. I use the "Compact Gun Load" for carry. It may not be called that any longer. At any rate, it's a 160 gr load...barnes X bullet...velocity 1050 fps...energy 392 ft/lbs.

[Pawpaw]

Winchester Supreme Elite PDX1 - 230gr in a Kimber Ultra CDP II.

I've put about 180 rounds of that ammo through the pistol. Who said not to use 230gr in a 3" barrel? I've never heard that before.

[The Annoyed Man]

In my 3" Ultra Carry II, I carry 230 grain Federal HST. Shooting 230 grain ammo out of 3" barrels isn't that big of a deal. That said, I wouldn't waste my time on +p ammo in 3" barrel.

[Excaliber]

If you have a compact or micro compact 45 acp w/ 3" Barrel, what 45 acp what brand, grain and do you use +p ammo in your 3" firearm?

Just purchased the Springfield 1911 micro compact w/ 3" barrel so I'm curious since I heard not really to use 230 grain that on the shorter barrels, should use a different grain.

New to collection, that's why selling the Lady Smith

DSC00314 (800x600) (640x480).jpg

Thanks and welcome all information.

There is no problem at all with shooting 230 grain ammo through a 3" .45. I've got thousands of rounds of it through my Kimber Ultra Carry, and it just keeps chuggin' along.

I don't see any significant benefit to using +P ammo in any .45. Gun Tests Magazine did an article on this a few months ago, and came to the same conclusion. Terminal performance of both +P and non +P ammo were so close in their testing that the added expense and sharper recoil with an accompanying reduction in combat accuracy for the +P's couldn't be justified by the results.

[Greybeard]

Gold Dot 230g Special "Short Barrel" ammo. Actual chrono speed from STI Escort (3'): 844 fps

[HarleyDave]

Great information from everyone, keep it coming as I'm learning alot and helping out in my decision process, then I'll test which one works for my new Springfield micro compact. Thanks again and keep the input coming.

[b322da]

In my SF microcompact GI, 230 gr. FMJ from trusted manufacturer for practice, and Hornady Critical Defense 185 gr. for carry. One should look into the characteristics of various carry ammo available and select that which most closely fits his or her subjective desires, after giving it a lot of thought. It is unlikely that one size fits all.

It is important to test-fire your choice in carry ammo, notwithstanding its likely expense, to insure that it functions reliably.

Elmo

[Dave01]

You have a quality pistol right there. I've shot all manner of 230 grain through mine, from cheap to expensive without a single issue. Buy what fits your budget and have fun!

[Pete92FS]

I've shot Speer Lawman 185 gr., WWB 230 grain and carry Remington Golden Saber 230 gr. JHP and have not had a problwm with any of them in my Kimber Ultra Carry II.

In fact, the Kimber manual says "For proper break-in of the firearm shoot 400-500 rounds of Quality Factory Ball (230g. FMJ) Ammunition, cleaning and lubricating the gun every 100 - 150 rounds". What does your Sprnger manual say?

[HarleyDave]

Pete92FS well, it's about the same but so far shot 100 rounds through it with no issues at all so happy about that and cleaned it as soon as I got home. Love the new Springfield, I even have the 4" Kimber Super Carry and so far the Springfield Micro has the upper hand, just a little. but not sure as I enjoy the Kimber as much. I shoot the Federal 230 gr from Walmart but trying to get an Idea what folks carry for PD?
Thanks

[Pete92FS]

I shoot the Federal 230 gr from Walmart but trying to get an Idea what folks carry for PD?
Thanks

I currently carry Remington Golden Saber 230 gr. JHP for SD.

[Excaliber]

I consider any hollowpoint round from a major manufacturer to be suitable for self defense. Small differences in expansion potential in various mediums are largely insignificant - the round is already big enough to do the job with adequate placement and penetration.

Expansion is a bonus, but not as critical a performance element as it is with smaller calibers. I don't generally use +P rounds because the downsides in price, recoil, and effect on practical accuracy exceed the very small upside of the extra velocity.

Some of the rounds I've used include:

MagSafe Guardian Gold
Hornady XTP
Gold Dot
Golden Saber
Winchester Silvertip

Availability and price are major considerations for me at the time of any given purchase.