I'm interested in whether anyone has any experience with the "premium" brands of .45 ACP hardball ammo - the 230 grain FMJ, standard velocity loading. The only ones I've seen are the Hornady Custom and the Federal Premium Match ammo. Are these any better or more reliable than the standard loadings at less than half the price?

I'm thinking of using these as self-defense loads for the ultimate in reliability. I'm familiar with the JHP versus FMJ arguments; I would just like to know if anyone has used these or other premium hardball loads and what their experience has been.

Using the FMJ semi-waddcutter style target ammo, you might find them, depending on the particular gun, to be no more reliable then HP ammo, due to the bullet style. In reality, almost any high quality pistol will feed HP's reliably these days.

As for FMJ ball ammo, over the years, I have shot many thousands of rounds of dept. supplied Winchester white box 230 FMJ round nose without a single issue, in a variety of different weapons. Its good stuff.

Larry

Than it's curious why you would choose to use FMJ.

If your gun won't run major manufacturer 230 grain hollow point ammo, 100%, you need to have it repaired, or use another gun. Today's HP's rarely have feeding issues in modern, quality guns.

I've shot lots of Federal Match ball. It's very accurate, (more so with better shots than me), but like other match loads, it will tend to be loaded on the soft side, for good function in light recoil spring match guns. I'd worry more about it not feeding, than I would with a good hollow point load. It's terminal performance, like other FMJ .45's, will be dismal. Regardless of what Uncle Harry said about his experiences on Iwo.

I have shot a BUNCH of 230gr Hardball 45 ACP over the years, including regular Civilian ammo and military brown box and white box Match.

The most accurate at 50 yards was the Military white box Match.

As far as reliability I consider them all equal.

Lately I have shot a buch of Winchester white box and regular Remington factory ammo.

If you can find some of the Hornady 230gr Flat Point, and your gun will feed it, that is good stuff.

If You want more punch with your 230 Hardball, try some of the Buffalo Bore 230gr Flat Point +P.


If you want a good HP take a look at the Remington 230 Golden Sabre.

It has fed perfect in several unmodified Colt 1911's.

It feeds as good as Ball ammo, and I have shot it in several 1911's, and seen it shot in several 1911's.

Including Commanders and Officers models.

I have run Federal American Eagle, inexpensive 230gr FMJ across a chronograph, and was surprised at the velocity figures. Higher than the standard 230gr w/ 5gr Bullseye load, something over 900fps. Proper crimp, consistent seating depth, very reliable ammo despite the price. No doubt the Federal Match Ball is very good also. I have also had good experiences with WWB 230gr in the past.

Winchester PDX-1 has a rounded bullet profile that flows through my guns just like FMJ. It is an excellent self defense load. If your gun runs ball well it should run PDX-1 no problem, and if it can't the gun is at fault more so than the ammo IMO.

I would never recommend FMJ for personal protection, that that decision is for you to make, not me.

The new nickel case Remington UMC "Target" ammo
is offered in 230 FMJ and seems to be of very high quality.
Also never had an issue with WW White Box.

I also prefer premium ball and generally use the
nickel case Remington in my 1911 even though
it will feed anything.