45 +P in Colt Double Eagle

[MMH]

I just picked up some Federal HST +P for my Colt Double Eagle. This pushes out the 230 grain bullet at 960 fps for 470 ft-lb of energy. Is this too much for my pistol? I don't want to tear it apart. Is +P necessary for personal defence w/a 45ACP?

[GRIZ]

I am not a fan of +P in most calibers. I will use +P and +P+ 38s in a 357 but that's as far as it goes. Semi autos were designed to work in a specific pressure range. Too low a pressure will not cycle it; too high a pressure will at the very laest accelerate wear.

There are those who say go to a stronger recoil spring. Don't they think John Browning thought of what weight spring should be used? Also a stronger spring slams that slide forward a lot harder than the gun was designed for.

Standard pressure 45 ACP is about as good as it gets for a SD round. If you feel you need more power I suggest getting more gun than a 45.

[fingers80002]

Caliber has nothing to with effectiveness.

Shot placement is what you need to focus on.

[knight0334]

+P isn't necessary for personal defense.. Heck, the standard 38spl has worked just fine at standard pressures for the last 100 years, at half the kinetic energy of the standard .45acp.

As for the Colt Double Eagle, +P should be fine in it. But like using any hot loads, they will wear the gun out faster than standard loads.

[nlcrsn]

Originally Posted by knight0334

+P isn't necessary for personal defense.. Heck, the standard 38spl has worked just fine

Just something to think about, sometimes just fine isn't. Any edge is still an edge, it boils down to personal preference and training.
http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/723...ht-police.html (man hit 9 times with .45 and continues to fight police.)

[kpw]

Originally Posted by knight0334

Heck, the standard 38spl has worked just fine at standard pressures for the last 100 years, at half the kinetic energy of the standard .45acp.

If by "just fine" you mean launches bullets, yes. An effective stopper, not so much. Even less so when fired from a 2" barrel.

Some calibers benefit greatly (.38 Spl.) from +p ammo. Some (.45 ACP), not so much. Most people cannot afford to shoot a steady diet of +p unless they roll their own. A limited amount won't hurt most firearms and as long as it doesn't drastically change your POI, affect control or reliability, go for it.

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by nlcrsn

Just something to think about, sometimes just fine isn't. Any edge is still an edge, it boils down to personal preference and training.
http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/723...ht-police.html (man hit 9 times with .45 and continues to fight police.)

Its easy to cherry pick events in one's favor.. But there is no doubt that a 38spl has kick plenty of folks in their tracks.

[knight0334]

Originally Posted by kpw

If by "just fine" you mean launches bullets, yes. An effective stopper, not so much. Even less so when fired from a 2" barrel.

Some calibers benefit greatly (.38 Spl.) from +p ammo. Some (.45 ACP), not so much. Most people cannot afford to shoot a steady diet of +p unless they roll their own. A limited amount won't hurt most firearms and as long as it doesn't drastically change your POI, affect control or reliability, go for it.

There will always be the few individuals that fail to get stopped, even after being hit by a 50BMG. However, do not buy into the "effective stopper" mindset, it will leave you disappointed with everything short of a thermal nuclear device.

+P's aren't needed.

[nlcrsn]

Originally Posted by knight0334

Its easy to cherry pick events in one's favor.. But there is no doubt that a 38spl has kick plenty of folks in their tracks.

Not trying to pick just stating nothing is a guaranteed so any advantage is welcomed

[fingers80002]

Originally Posted by knight0334

There will always be the few individuals that fail to get stopped, even after being hit by a 50BMG. However, do not buy into the "effective stopper" mindset, it will leave you disappointed with everything short of a thermal nuclear device.

+P's aren't needed.

Quoted for truth.

There was a man in Perry Co. killed by an air rifle a few mo. ago.

That kinda put this caliber debate BS to rest..........

And if anyone still wants to debate calibers, I have 24 hr access to a range you come here, stand 15 yds, down range, I'll shoot a 9mm at you, then you decide if 9mm is an ineffective round..........

still waiting on takers for this test...........