RECOIL SPRING WEIGHT FOR 185gr SWC

[gdbabin]

I'm waiting on delivery of a DK from the factory--my first ever 1911. The specs state the pistol comes with a 16lb recoil spring that I assume is maximized for 230gr FMJ factory loads.

I'd like to reload, and be able to successfully run both 230 and 185gr rounds through my DK. Is there a suggested spring weight that will properly cycle both, or will I have to change springs to run the 185s?

Based on experience, what weight spring is best for a typical 185gr SWC target load?

Thanks,

Guy

 

[moxie]

In my experience with other, not S&W, 1911s, which shouldn't make any difference, your stock spring should be fine with 230s and 185s. If you get into really, really, light loads, and have weak ejection, you might experiment with 14 lbs. and if you go faster into the +P range a lot you can go up to 18, 18.5, or 20. But usually stock works well.

 

[Bruce51]

No problem

Moxie is correct in that your gun should work fine with the stock spring.
I have used the stock spring in a 945 for light target loads and prefer the faster return to battery I get as opposed to the reduced power spring.

In other makes I have shot target loads of 185 grains with up to a #22 spring and the guns would still function.

My advice would be to give it a try and see how far cases are ejected.
Springs are inexpensive and you can buy various weights to try.

Bruce

 

[gdbabin]

Thanks for the advice.