PD round for a short barrel 1911

[rxer311]

Debated whether to put this in the ammo section or here...mods move if another forum is more appropriate.

I am in the middle of purchasing my first 1911 and have some questions about ammo. I will have an "officer's" 3.5" barrel Citadel 1911 as soon as it comes in. I know that the original 5" barrel 1911 was designed to use 230gr ammunition. Since the 3.5" barrel is significantly shorter than the original 5" barrel I have heard that the normal 230gr personal defense rounds will not accumulate enough velocity for proper expansion out of the shorter barrel. I have searched the net and have gone through a few pages on here and other sights for a definitive answer on what is the proper weight for a personal defense round for this model of 1911. I have seen a lot of opinions but nothing about actual ballistics that support those opinions. Can somebody point me in the right direction on where to get this information? So far I have heard to use a lighter weight round (185gr) out of this barrel length to increase velocity for proper expansion. While this makes sense, I was hoping there was a cut and dry answer to this question.

Thanks!

[DClan]

There is no real cut and dry here. The shorter barrels tend to perform better with the higher velocity 185-200 grain hollow points. I personally prefer the 200 grain rounds myself, as I think its the best combination between weight and velocity. I am sure there are those who would disagree, which is why I said it's not cut and dry

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...box-of-20.html

My personal preference for 4" or less in this combination.

[sprrdhawk44]

I carry Speer Gold Dot 230 grain in every .45 I own, regardless of barrel length. While it will be slower coming out of a shorter barrel, I highly doubt that the bullet is going to bounce off an attacker. Just my two cents.

[6SPEED]

Speer makes Gold Dot .45 ACP 230 grain SHORT BARREL rounds

Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection - 45 Auto

[Neko456]

What about powerball? I think that would make a good reliable powerful PD round for a short barrel 1911.

[cephas]

Some info you may find interesting: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/45auto.html
Also for those interested in history Browning original 1902 military design was for a 200 gr bullet:
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/background.htm

[dkf]

With the rep a lot of small sub 4" 1911s have I would advise to make sure you run plenty of rounds. (both FMJ and carry ammo)

I'm not really a big fan of Corbon Powerball as far as terminal ballistics and price per round go, however if you have a gun that is a picky eater the Powerball has a nice round profile which will help feeding.

[rxer311]

With the rep a lot of small sub 4" 1911s have I would advise to make sure you run plenty of rounds. (both FMJ and carry ammo)

I'm not really a big fan of Corbon Powerball as far as terminal ballistics and price per round go, however if you have a gun that is a picky eater the Powerball has a nice round profile which will help feeding.

I plan on it

[rxer311]

Some info you may find interesting: http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/45auto.html
Also for those interested in history Browning original 1902 military design was for a 200 gr bullet:
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/history/background.htm

This is an interesting graph to read. Wish they had more ammo on there, but this is a great start!

[Nigil75]

I don't know about officer's size 1911s but for SD/executive protection in my gov't model I use:

1. Winchester PDX1 Defender, 230 grain

2. Gold Dot 230 grain

3. Hornady Critical Defense 185 grain

4. Remmington Golden Sabre 185 grain