Modern .45 ACP ammo safe in 1917s and Brazilians?

[DCWilson]

I think I know the answer to this, but I am asking out of an abundance of caution.

I would never shoot +P loads in a 1917, but I would think that ordinary Winchester .45 ACP 230 gr ball ammo should be fine.

I am not clear on the preferred loadings for these guns. Are lead roundnose bullets better in these revolvers? I remember something about 1917s having shallower rifling than other revolvers, and I am not sure what that implies about the best bullet to use.

I'm just trying to learn the lay of the land before moving up from the .38s and .44s I have been shooting for the last year or so. Thanks for any insight and advice you all can offer.

 

[38-44HD45]

Standard pressure modern .45 ACP should be fine in these guns. As to preferred bullets, I have been told, but do not know for sure, that the barrels of 1917s are somewhat soft, so that lead bullets might be preferred over jacketed. Given that hardball was the standard load back when these were made, I'd think that jacketed bullets would be fine, too.

One thing you may find in these old guns is that the chamber throats are often oversized. If so, it is nearly impossible to find jacketed bullets for .45 ACP in diameters other than .451" or .452". If you need .454"-.456" bullets, as you well may, you'll have to load up some cast bullets. I cut the group size of my 1917 by 2/3 by going to .454" cast bullets.

 

[DCWilson]

Thanks. Exactly the kind of info I was hoping to hear.

 

[Pigirondan]

230 grain RNL loaded to 830 fps or less would be safest.

While the copper jacketed Ball would probably be fine, the RNL would be operating at a bit lower pressure.

 

[J.P.60]

I have a commercial reloader who loads 225gr copper plated/clad, flat tips for me that travel 830-835fps. I use them in all three of the 1917's, the Night Guard and the 22-4.

I also use them in the full size Ed Brown's and the Commanders, which I carry every day. They flatten very nicely and do not lose their weight. They will also punch thru a car door and eliminate a threat.

Just my way...