Hollowpoint vs. ball ammo

[samdavisrises]

This is my first post. I am assuming that this is the right place to post, and is not reloading only, so please move this if needed.

That said, in the opinion of the gathered sages, how much more effective is hollowpoint (or other stopping rounds) than ball ammo. From what I have seen on this site, the 1911 was designed for military ball ammo, and this is what most versions shoot best, including the Rock Island I hope to soon purchase as my first 1911.
Is there enough difference in end ballistics and impact to compensate for the decreased feed reliability that many posters have indicated. I am currently carrying a nine millimeter so regardless, 45acp is an improvement. Are my assumptions terribly off?

[mybad]

Some pistols, such as those built by Wilson Combat (I have a CQB), actually function best with modern hollowpoint ammunition. Wilson actually recommends the Federal 230 grain Hydra-Shock and Remington Golden Saber as the most reliable ammuntion for their guns. Most 1911 designed for defensive purposes should run perfectly with quality hollowpoint ammo. Once you get your gun, get some different hollowpoint loads from various manufacturers, and see what your gun likes the best.

As far as bullet performance, the street record for 45 ACP hollowpoint ammunition is VERY, VERY GOOD!! Ball ammunition has a tendency to over-penetrate, but with the 45 ACP, if you can get your rounds on target, you should be able to protect yourself. My opinion would be to stick with a quality JHP round for self-defense. Maybe others in this forum will have differing opinions, but that is what makes this site so wonderful!

By the way, welcome aboard!!

[samdavisrises]

Thank you for your exceedingly fast response mybad. I am planning on carrying hollowpoints, unless after I work lots of several different brands there is a difference in reliability.

[horse 91-A1]

Sometimes I think if I could put garbage in a mag, the Colt 1991 would shoot it. A few months ago I bought a Springer GI and ran some Magtech 185gr JHP that chronoed about 1140fps and it pulled a sub 1.5" five shot group at 25yds. I have one 1911 that I only shoot ball or Golden Sabers thru, but it looks like the Springer is going to be more like the Colt; I'll know in another 500 rounds. :)

Bob

[Woodman]

Functionally, ball ammo is designed to penetrate and wound. Due to the penetration factor, it has the potential to exit the target (bad guy) and hit whatever happens to be behind said target. (walls, small children, pets, expensive TV that target is trying to liberate from your home, etc.)

Hollow point ammo is designed to penetrate then expand. This does two things, slows the bullet dramatically and makes a big ol hole of damaged tissue inside the target. This big hole and slowing bullet will be more likely to stop the target from causing any more harm while also preventing the likelyhood of the bullet exiting the target and hitting something you don't want shot.

Nothing's foolproof, so a hollow point COULD go thru a bad guy and hit something else, but it's not as likely as with ball ammo.

[Hunter]

I have had no trouble with JHPs feeding in my 1911s so in a modern or quality 1911 that I do not think will be an issue. The JHP is the better choice as a defensive round due to expansion and the lessened chance of overpenetration. I would carry JHP defensive ammunition such as the Federal Hydra Shock which offers a even better chance of expansion. Remember there are no guarantees on expansion but at the very worst you will still have similar performance from a non expanded JHP as a ball round which ain't bad. Another thing to consider is that the ammunition you carry as defensive should be marketed as such for legal reasons as was explained to me by my CCW instructor.

[horse 91-A1]

The new bonded Golden Saber ammo can be found here:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM528-41542-207.html

Just waiting for Remington to offer the bonded GS as a component. :)

Bob

[memphisdude1911]

I have a llama minimax 2 .45 acp and 230 gr federal hydroshox does not seem to extract as well as ball ammo.What do you think the problem is

[ArmscorBA]

SORRY!!!
:dead_hors :dead_hors :dead_hors :dead_hors
Ivan

[MD45]

The new bonded Golden Saber ammo can be found here:

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM528-41542-207.html

Just waiting for Remington to offer the bonded GS as a component. :)

Bob

Can you reload those cases?

[horse 91-A1]

Remington ammo is reloadable with both brass and nickle cases.

Bob

[PursuitFRC]

I don't think overpenetration should be worried about. You're more likely to cause collateral damage by missing.
I think hollow points should be carried over ball because they make a bigger hole, so long as they have enough power to go deep. For instance, Federal lists two types of 230g Hydrashok: Law Enforcement, and Premium Self Defense. The premium self defense has a lower muzzle velocity, obviously to aid people in shooting, but probably at a cost of penetration. 9 rounds in the X of your bad guy might not stop him if they don't go deep enough. I opt for the full charge Law Enforcement round.

[PursuitFRC]

SORRY!!!
:dead_hors :dead_hors :dead_hors :dead_hors
Ivan

Even well hashed-out topics need refreshing now and then. The only thing constant in this world is change.