Will the Norcs usually feed JHPs out of the box?

[Lee M.]

So far, I've only shot some ball with the Norinco. Before going out and buying expensive hollow-point ammo, what do you all recommend to start out with. Is a throat job necessary on the Norcs since they are suppose to be a mil-spec gun or do they usually do good with JHPs out of the box? Which ammo do you reccomend to start with?

[1911Tuner]

Hi Lee. Welcome aboard.

The answer is subject to the individual gun's preferences...ort of box. Some high-dollar semi-customs won't feed hollowpoints...but it's rare.

I've been researching Norincos and Norinco owners for about 3 years now, and nearly every one that I've known of has fed about anything reasonable that you can find. I've got three guns that ate everything that I stuffed in'em, including the 200-grain H&G cast lead semi-wadcutter reloads with nary a hitch.

Best bet is to try some Winchester 230-grain hollowpoints, or if you can find'em...the Ranger Talons...both low-end +p rounds. The Remington Golden Saber is another good one. My nod goes to the Winchester rounds. My original 1919 Colt, and other various GI pistols will eat'em like grease thru a goose...with the standard non-throated barrels from the original GI "Hardball" magazines.

If you have a problem, it's likely magazine related rather than the gun. Get back on the board and ask some questions. Somebody here will help ya squash your bugs and get it goin'.

[Lee M.]

Thanks for the reply 1911Tuner. I love this forum. It is very professional compared to others that I have visited. Good constructive advice. Again, thanks.

[robertbank]

Hi and welcome. I have three Norincos. A commander, and two a1's. All eat military ball and every conceivable bullet I have fed it without a hiccup. I reload and have shot Saeco 200gr truncated, H&G 200 gr LSWC, 220 gr RN, 200 gr JHP, 200 gr Soft point, and even some 220 gr lead hollow point Lee molded bullets all with a hitch.

I have not heard of any style of bullets the darn guns won't eat with pleasure. You have a winner in your Norinco and they are definitely worth customizing if you have a desire to.

I did two of mine and kept the third stock, have a fourth, a 9MM Norinco in the 1911 format on it's way.

Best of luck with your gun I am sure it will become one of your favourites.

Stay Safe

[htmn2468]

Most of the newer HP loadings have bullet shapes close to FMJ ammo so it feeds with little or no problems, especially ef you stay with 230 gr loadings.

[stans]

htmn2468 hit the nail on the head. Most of the newer hollowpoint designs in 45 ACP do feature a rounded ogive that pretty well matches the contour of the 230 grain FMJ bullet. Years ago, most hollowpoints were of a truncated cone design and the edge of the hollow cavity would snag the bottom of the barrel or the flat ogive would wedge in the upper portion of the chamber. With the rounded ogive, most of these problems are eliminated.

[Gary Brommeland]

Every Norinco that I've owned, as well as those that belong to my buddys will all feed emply cases right out of the box. I've never had one jam - even w/ Cor-Bon and Speer "Flying ashtrays" - both of which have pretty non-user friendly profiles.
As others have said, if you choose a bullet w/ an ogive that resembles ball ammo, you'll probably never have a problem.
The basic rule of thumb is to shoot 200 rounds of whatever round you wish to carry without any malfs (this is done after the weapon is properly broken in - 200 rounds minimum). If the gun accomplishes this without a hiccup, then it is presumed to be reliable enough for defensive use.

[knight0334]

My Norinco has never failed to feed or extract anything in the last 13 years I've owned it-except some CCI shotshells I used on rats in the garage..

Everything else from dirt cheap ball ammo to custom load JHP's work fine for me. Some more accurate then others.. but feed none the less.

[DienBienPhu]

my Norinco feeds any JHP I feed it