Quote History Originally Posted By Glock4140:
because I was only using 3 grains and the pistol cycled?
Do you think it will cycle in a full size 1911? Or am I over thinking? Maybe the spring on the compact is heavier to make up for slide weight?
Maybe I’ll crank out a few more reloads and test again.
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I would chronograph the load as mentioned. Otherwise your left guessing.
If it were me:
- Try to find load data for that specific powder.
- If not, load a ladder up to 6gr in 0.5gr increments. Not sure if you want hot loads. If not, don't even try to go there. If it works with 3 gr and you like the way it shoots, stick with a load that's comfortable for you too shoot.
There's a thing called the 45 flinch. Lighter loads will help you avoid that. If your gun cycles that's all that really matters until you want to shoot further distances and need to aim high for your rounds to drop into the bullseye.
I used to watch my reloads drop when shooting a gov 45 at a 2" pipe 50 yds down range. Elevation was off, but windage was good.
- Compare recoil to off the shelf ammo. Should be able to feel if the difference and judge for yourself how much hotter the factory loads are compared to the reload. I did that for years before investing in a chrono.
I'd expect a compact should handle full charge weight loads. Yes the spring weight makes up the difference for the slide weight variation. You can also change spring weights, but that's off your topic...
ETA: Just reread your first post that you want to load light, so you might just as well stick with a load that you've already proven works in your pistol.