.450 SMC - 10mm power out of a .45 ACP pistol with no modifications necessary?!

First of all, comparing a .45 ACP to a Volkswagen is all kinds of wrong...

Second, it's completely safe to shoot .45 Super/.450 SMC out of a USP, it's kind of a selling point of the gun, that they're overbuilt, and if you've ever heald a full-size USP, much less an Expert, Elite, or especially an Mk23, you'd know immediately that they could take it. The things are built like tanks and have a service record to prove it.

Lastly, because modifying things to make the stronger, faster, and better is an incredibly fun as well as rewarding experience, so even those who are modifying old 1911s to run hotter ammo have their reasons.

Youse gun, youse $$$. Have at it. In the end the turtle won the race........Not the hare.
 
O.K., I will inquire further...

An H&K USP45 is stated to be ready to go. I've read of GLOCKs with 20+ lbs. recoil springs being an acceptable alternative...

There are other pistol in 45 acp that are rated for regular/continuous use of +P ammo: one being the Ruger American 45.

I happen to have one: what is your opinion as to its suitability for occasional use of the 45 SMC ammo?:confused:

Cheers?
 
My concern is the reliability of a semi-auto pistol shooting very heavy for caliber bullets.

A few years back at least one maker had to redesign his 220gr 10mm bullets for this reason.
 
O.K., I will inquire further...

An H&K USP45 is stated to be ready to go. I've read of GLOCKs with 20+ lbs. recoil springs being an acceptable alternative...

There are other pistol in 45 acp that are rated for regular/continuous use of +P ammo: one being the Ruger American 45.

I happen to have one: what is your opinion as to its suitability for occasional use of the 45 SMC ammo?:confused:

Cheers?

Since my sole experience lies with the USP, I couldn't comment on the suitability of other .45 ACP pistols as a host for .45 Super. Because my particular firearm can safely shoot it sans modifications, I've never had to dabble with such things.

The Ruger American looks to be a beefy pistol, and Ruger has a reputation for manufacturing robust firearms, so it's definitely worth looking into, but I wouldn't know personally.
 
Interesting

O.K., I will inquire further...

An H&K USP45 is stated to be ready to go. I've read of GLOCKs with 20+ lbs. recoil springs being an acceptable alternative...

There are other pistol in 45 acp that are rated for regular/continuous use of +P ammo: one being the Ruger American 45.

I happen to have one: what is your opinion as to its suitability for occasional use of the 45 SMC ammo?:confused:

Cheers?

I also have a ruger American pistol in .45acp. It takes the recoil of the hotter buffalo bore and Underwood +p rounds really well. So I am also curious as to what would happen with an occasional magazine of .45 super. Not willing to be the Guinea pig myself though. I like my hands to work and look normal
 
I'd never heard of the .450 SMC until I saw this thread. Sierra's top .45 ACP +P loads with 185 and 230 grain bullets are within 100- 150 fps of the figures depicted on the boxes of ammo in post #12.
 
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Simple physics also comes into play here.

For every action (increased Muzzle Energy) there is an equal and opposite reaction (felt recoil). :rolleyes:
 
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