.45 ACP Ammo Specs?

[char.zard]

So, I just bought my first handgun, a Colt Commander 1911 .45, and I was wondering what I need to look for when it comes to purchasing ammo, i.e. grains, casings, etc. I'm a total novice with this stuff, so any information will be much appreciated!

[rg1]

Lots of options and brands but I'd recommend Winchester 230 FMJ white box available most everywhere including Walmart. Not too expensive and good brass for reloading. I prefer 230 FMJ for plinking and target shooting in all my 45's. I do shoot a lot of Hornady 230 XTP, Speer 230 Gold Dot, and Remington 230 Golden Saber. I prefer 230 grain for everything in several different 45's and do not shoot any all lead bullets. Have fun with your new Colt.

[ar15robert]

230 hardball hard to go wrong with it.

I reload and mostly reload the 200 swc just because i save a few bucks and they are accurate in my gun too.

[TomReloaded]

When I get a new gun I like to buy a box of Winchester white box or American eagle, then a box of the cheapest crap on the shelf, and a box of whatever else.

If you can get 3 different weights, that's even better! Test all for function.

If they all pass, narrow it down to what shot best. Most guns will run well to this point, and it becomes preference.

[mjmagee67]

Look for 45 acp ammo. All my 1911 have eaten everything I've thrown at them.

[Fishslayer]

Standard load is a 230 gr Full Metal Jacket. Winchester White Box is generally the cheapest you'll find and will suit your purposes. PMC is another good brand. SGAmmo.com is your friend.

Pro tip: Save your brass. Chances are you will be reloading it eventually.

[aspenvalley]

Any 230 FMJ should work for you. If you want to reload go with brass cased and pick up you brass. If not you can get some of the Aluminum cased stuff and save a few bucks. My 1911 runs everything from steel to brass. Stay safe.

[aspenvalley]

I have good luck with the S&B stuff as well.

[stilly]

So, I just bought my first handgun, a Colt Commander 1911 .45, and I was wondering what I need to look for when it comes to purchasing ammo, i.e. grains, casings, etc. I'm a total novice with this stuff, so any information will be much appreciated!

The heavier the bullet weight the heavier the felt recoil.

Lighter bullets do not recoil as much and are much faster.

If you paid around $500 for a 1911, then you might want to purchase a few Wilson 47D or ETM mags for it to fix the jamming issue. - First go ahead and load up some FMJ 230 or whatever weight you choose and see if you have a jamming issue. THEN buy the mags after shooting... This typically applies to RIA GI models and many GI models though, I am not sure if the Colt Commander falls into that category as well.

[TomReloaded]

In a handgun, lighter bullets recoil more in general. They also generally have more energy, sometimes significantly more energy.

It's the opposite of a rifle round.

[___M|9||___]

umm if its a 1911 or a glock or any other gun that takes 45 ACP, according to mfg and saami specs your gun should shoot anything, regardless the case, grain and mfg, so long as its factory new, if it does not work properly then its either your gun or the ammo. But to answer your question, dont look for anything other than 45 ACP ammo. Goodluck!

[char.zard]

Thanks for all the responses, it has definitely been helpful.

[stilly]

My Dardas 150gr SWC shooting around 1200+ FPS feel like handling a .22lr...

And my 230gr RN certainly push back much more than those do. Maybe they are just mixed up. I will tell them to act accordingly, but I know what they will reply with...

They never got the memo.

[DueceMcGurk]

Congrats on your new Colt Commander. Buy factory spec ammo and shoot, shoot, shoot. Resist the urge to tamper and tune until you have shot 500 rounds and can hit where you aim. Then shoot another 500 rounds and consider changes. Then, leave it alone and keep shooting. :-)

[noylj]

Look for .45 Auto or .45 ACP. The manufacturer has taken care of everything else, just like with all cartridges.

Wasn't JMB's original design for a 200gn bullet, but the Army wanted a heavier bullet to match the .45 Colt? I find the 200gn is the best all-around bullet and does everything well.