1911 FTE issues.

[socal s&w]

Okay fellas.......
I have a relatively new 1911 Keonig model, about 3 months old, and it will not eject relaods every time.
I understand that maybe this could be a reloading issue too.
I tried 3.5 gr of Bullseye with a 185 gr LSWC and WW primer, no go. I then tried 3.7 gr and get some of the rounds to eject, about 30%.
My contention is that unless the stock recoil spring is too strong, these rounds should function properly.
I am not limp-wristing upon firing.
I also tried a buddies reload that functions in his Kimber and it also would not eject.
Does anyone know what the factory spring weight is on one of these? What would you recommend for light target loads, a Wolff kit? In what weight? Do you think a lighter spring is the answer? Could it possibly be a lubrication issue? I lubricate with heavy oil and STOS, it has been cool here lately, but not cold enough to freeze any lubricate, lowest about 40° or so.
Any answers would greatly be appreciated!!
Thanks!

 

[socal s&w]

Okay fellas.......
I have a relatively new 1911 Keonig model, about 3 months old, and it will not eject relaods every time.
I understand that maybe this could be a reloading issue too.
I tried 3.5 gr of Bullseye with a 185 gr LSWC and WW primer, no go. I then tried 3.7 gr and get some of the rounds to eject, about 30%.
My contention is that unless the stock recoil spring is too strong, these rounds should function properly.
I am not limp-wristing upon firing.
I also tried a buddies reload that functions in his Kimber and it also would not eject.
Does anyone know what the factory spring weight is on one of these? What would you recommend for light target loads, a Wolff kit? In what weight? Do you think a lighter spring is the answer? Could it possibly be a lubrication issue? I lubricate with heavy oil and STOS, it has been cool here lately, but not cold enough to freeze any lubricate, lowest about 40° or so.
Any answers would greatly be appreciated!!
Thanks!

 

[pred]

The 1911 platform is a sound one, and when running right, Limp wristing is NOT an issue.
Your ejection issues are what??? Stove piping?
Anyway,,, take an empty case with an UNLOADED gun, Slide it under the extractor, WIll it hold it there? If not extractor needs adjustment,
Try with a loaded round,,, It should fall out.
I would also look on Wilson combat site and order a spring kit, It comes with 5 or 6 different # springs. I would think that an 18lb recoil spring should be about right.
Please explain the issue with more detail, and try different mags.
Heavy oil is a nono,
They need very little oil and will run dry,
A gun oil is fine.
Just 1 drop on each side of slide when apart.
Peter.

 

[tomcatt51]

3.5 gr of Bullseye with a 185 gr bullet is a PLENTY light load. A lighter spring is in order. Try a 14lb. Could easily need less than that. 10 lb springs in Gold Cups is pretty common with 50' bullseye target loads. The other "fix" is more powder.

 

[Bruce51]

Socal, If you have time bring the gun by. I can compare your springs to stock ones I have on hand. I can also check for other issues as well. I need to know the spring weight first as if it is more than a #16 and needs some break in time 185's may not function the action. Have you tried 230grs as these will function a #22 spring with 3.5gr load of Bulleye where a 185gr won't. Just trying to help and I am pretty close. Bruce

 

[socal s&w]

The empties sometimes get stuck in the extractor so I know that it can hold them. Some will stove pipe, while others will not and the slide captures them, usually denting the mouth of the case on some.
I have also noticed that when it does eject, most of the empties will hit me in my shooting glasses, nose or chest, they do not exit to the right as most semi's do, but go straight over the top. Pretty annoying.
I have also tried McCormick mags with the same results.
I initially started with around 4.5 grains and they functioned okay, but since I am punching paper, I was trying to go low for less recoil and battering of the gun.
My other thought was exactly what Bruce Lee suggested, using a heavier bullet and see what that produces.
It's odd that the KImber works with this load. I would assume that it may have a lighter spring, thus my questions.
Bruce, if I can't get her running soon, I will contact you for some assistance. Thank you for the offer.
Thanks for the suggestions so far boys!

 

[Spotteddog]

That's a "softball" load. It will require a softball recoil spring to operate with. The suggestion of a recoil spring selection with graduated ratings is the way to go. Stay as high in weight as you can, without sacrifice of functioning. That way you won't beat the snot out of the frame needlessly. Many times they'll run with TOO low a rated spring, which will cause trouble eventually? Just remember to swap out the spring (back to OEM), before going back to ball or defense loads. Tell us how it works after please!

 

[shovelwrench]

A 200gr with that load will cycle a 16# spring.

In my opinion that load is too light for a 185gr bullet.

Is it accurate? What does it chrony at? Where did you find your load data?

 

[socal s&w]

Shovel -

Yes, this load is accurate, it keeps them all in the balck at 25 yards. The load data came from a 1970 Speer reloading manual. It is supposed to produce 734fps. I realize that there are many loads out there, but again, I am trying to keep low for the paper and not batter my gun. I can see where there are other loads with a heavier load of Bullseye such as 4.2 @ 750fps (Sierra) and 4.6 @ 700fps (Hornady). The 48th Lyman edition also confirms the 3.5 gr of Bullseye, but that is with a 185 gr JSWC, which should put it in the same neighborhood.
I did not chrony this load as I do not have access to a chronograph unfortunately.
I'm just trying to figure out if I need to increase the load or try a lightened spring since this load functions well in my buddy's Kimber.

 

[Spotteddog]

Socal,
Lyman #43 indicates
A 185 grain (452389)
3.8 gr. Bullseye as-740 FPS(suggested start load)
4.9 gr. """""""" as-970 FPS(sug. MAX load)

Speer #9 doesn't list any info for a cast bullet that light? Their lightest info, is for a 200 grain SWC.

That's a very light load. It doesn't surprise me that out of a relatively new, well fitted gun with tight clearances AND a hard ball spring, she doesn't want to run?

 

[Spotteddog]

See the entry under recoil calibration packs

http://www.gunsprings.com/1ndex.html

 

[socal s&w]

I thank you one and all for your valuable input. Now I have a little bit of home work to do to put all that you have suggested into action.
I will post when I figure it all out.

mike

 

[shovelwrench]

It does'nt matter which one you adjust, powder/spring, if the gun is accurate. After all accuracy with less muzzle jump is the name of the game.

Go to wilsons sight and get one of their spring kits.
http://www.wilsoncombat.com/a_spring_caddy.asp

Great item in the world of the 1911, target springs all the way to +p weight(5" guns).

 

[wsteps]

Another vote for a lighter recoil spring or a little more powder. I had the same issues with my reloads. I load pretty light and had some ejection problems. A little more powder and the gun functions properly. I have some lighter springs on order and suspect that they will allow the gun to function with my lighter loads. I have a lighter spring in my 4506 and eats up all my loads.

 

[shovelwrench]

Originally posted by wsteps:
I have a lighter spring in my 4506 and eats up all my loads.

You have to be carefull running lighter springs.. You should'nt be shooting standard ammo and a lighter spring, it's beating something up.

Lighter springs are for target loads only, unless the gun just won't run otherwise.

 

[socal s&w]

Okay fellas, here is my range report from today.
I tried a little more powder with the stock spring and it worked.
I then tried a lighter spring, 16# with the lighter load of 3.5 gr and a 185 gr LSWC as before and it also ran perfectly.
So, I am leaving the lightened spring in the gun as I only shoot paper. If sometime down the road I wish to shoot something a little stouter, I will replaace the lightened spring with the stock spring.
Thank you once again for all of your valuable input. It worked!

 

[Spotteddog]

No Socal,
Thank YOU, for getting back to us with an update!
No one else can broaden their knowledge, unless someone shares theirs.

 

[shovelwrench]

Originally posted by Spotteddog:
No Socal,
Thank YOU, for getting back to us with an update!
No one else can broaden their knowledge, unless someone shares theirs.

+1

Loading target loads for an auto can be quite a bit of trial and error till you get it cycling like you want with the lightest load possible.

Were all glad to help.

NOW, fit a square FPS and see the recoil drop some more!!!!!

http://egw-guns.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_i...6339a8e893e86b7c7192