reloading for WW11 1911

[swamphunter]

Hey folks,
Just purchased an Ithaca made 1911, and am planning on reloading for it. It was apparently carried in the Korean war by a Canadian soldier.  He had "dragon" abalone inlaid grips installed on it. Anybody with information on the Ithaca made 1911, I would appreciate it.  Anyway, I bought some 230grn. round nose plated bullets, used brass, and large pistol primers.  I see that the Lee manual has a couple of recipes for 4756 which I have on hand.  I also have some 4227, but don't see any loads. Is the load data for plated bullets the same as for jacketed?  I have some 250grn XTP's for the muzzle loader that I would also like to try.  Will these feed OK? Any suggested loads?
Thanks again,
Swamp

[securitysix]

Plated bullets usually fall somewhere between jacketed and lead bullets.  Just use jacketed data and you should be fine.

4227 is a bit on the slow side for the .45 ACP, I do believe.

The 250 grain bullets may or may not feed.  Only way to know for sure would be to load up a few and give them a try.

I've always liked Unique for the .45 ACP.  As for exactly what charge to use, I won't say.  Consult your manual and you shouldn't have trouble finding a good load.

As for your 4756, I've never tried it, so I can't recommend it one way or another.

[buck460XVR]

I like Unique with plated bullets in my 1911. W231 works well also and is what I usually use for jacketed. I use Berry's plated bullets and they recommend using low-to mid-range jacketed data.

[shot1]

Don't try the 250 Hornady XTP because they are .452 diameter and your pistol needs .451 Jacketed bullets. The cast bullets that you need are .452. The 250 XTP is also a bit too long of a bullet to work in the 45 ACP. The standard WWII era 45 ACP was loaded with 5 grs Bullseye and a 230 jacketed RN. This load has worked for years for me.

One other thing you should do is replace the recoil spring with a new 18 1/2 pound spring. They are only around $8.00 . The spring that is in the pistol most likely has lost some of it's strength in the 60 to 70 years of service. The new spring will save your pistol from being battered, which can crack your frame, and save the old fellow.

[grizz]

My old ithaca 1911 wouldnt feed anything but round nose bullets.. plated bullets should be loaded with with cast bullet data or low jacketed data..

[PawPaw]

The very first handgun I ever shot was an Ithaca made 1911, issued to me during the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox in 1976.

I qualified with it, cleaned it, and turned it in.

[swamphunter]

Thank you all for your information.  I haven't picked the gun up yet, as am waiting for my ATT to come through. Where should I get the recoil spring?  Does anyone know of a good spot in Canada?  It's seems to be a little dicey ordering gun parts from the U.S.
Thanks again,
Swamp

[shot1]

I don't know anything about gun parts in Canada. They make different poundage springs for the 1911 so be sure that you get an 18 or 18 1/2 pound spring. This is the standard weight spring for use with standard 230 gr ball ammo. Springs are made by Ed Brown, ISMI, Kember, Wilson Combat, Wolff. If there is a gun shop in Canada they should be able to get you a spring.

[skarke]

Keep your 250s for your ML, imho. Consider a 230, and I just moved to a 200 for plates and general fun. I like 231.

Get 2 new springs, an 18 and a 16. I use sprinco variable compression springs, but lots of folks make good ones.

Last, I'd definitely get some nylon bumpers.

[nicholst55]

Thank you all for your information.  I haven't picked the gun up yet, as am waiting for my ATT to come through. Where should I get the recoil spring?  Does anyone know of a good spot in Canada?  It's seems to be a little dicey ordering gun parts from the U.S.
Thanks again,
Swamp

MARSTAR is a good source for parts for milsurp weapons in Canada.

http://www.marstar.ca/index.shtm

[swamphunter]

Thanks again, I'll give Marstar a try.
Swamp

[swamphunter]

I was looking in the Lee loading manual.  The diagram that gives the dimensions of the cartridge lists the bullet as .452.  Was this for a cast bullet.  I thought the original bullets would have been jacketed.
Thanks,
Swamp

[shot1]

Lead bullets are .452 and jacketed are .451 for the 45 ACP. The military bullet is a RN FMJ in .451 diameter and the original loading was a 228 gr bullet then latter it became 230 gr at 850 fps.

[Lloyd Smale]

with an old classic like that id make sure the springs are good and replaced often and i wouldnt run full power ball ammo. It would no doubt take a steady diet of it but i wouldnt want to take a chance on beating up and old timmer that could be worth a few bucks.

[zoner]

a couple things....in general the 4227 is too slow to perform well in the 45 acp. Go with bullseye,unique,etc. my favorite is 231 and it's all i use for 45 acp. Lloyd's right about your old frame.....try 200gr cast bullets with 5 grs 231. Get a 18lb and a 16 lb spring...use the one that matches up best to the load you finally settle on. When you replace the recoil spring buy and replace the firing spring spring also. If your firing spring gets weak your gun can go full auto on you. And get the shok buffers....i use the one that goes on the factory plug,never went to the full length recoil spring guide myself....never needed to. Good luck with yer 1911,buddy

[zoner]

one more tip....IMO the best thing you can do for your 1911 accuracy wise is to have a match grade oversize barrel bushing fitted to your barrel and slide. When done properly you won't be able to remove the bushing with your fingers to break down the gun...it takes a wrench....but it makes your barrel return to a more consistent position every time when the slide goes forward and will be more accurate