key holing at 25 yds ??

[irold]

Gentlemen....my GI 1911A1 Springer is key holing with factory ammo.  It is a totally factory pistol, except for sights....I'm using Winchester hardball ammo, the cheep stuff made for target, etc.  Its also doing it with Magtech 240 gr loads, though not as bad.  I haven't tried anything high priced through it.  It will feed everything I put through it,  does this sound like a barrel problem ?  At 10 to 12 yards its not very noticeable, soon as you move out to 25 yds it really rips the paper.  Any input would be appreciated...thanks

[Mikey]

irold:  normally I would say the bullet is moving too slowly to stabalize.  I found this with heavy slugs in my acp - they were moving too slow to stabalize and some would keyhole at 25m.  I would also look at the barrel to see if you have a nick or something at the end of the barrel that would throw the bullet off like that. 

If you are using slower moving target loads that may be one problem; the 240 gn Mag Tech loads - are they slower moving as well???  I wouldn't go for the higher priced stuff but rather just get a box of good quality 230 gn ball and see if she does the same - if so, I would contact Springfield to see what they say and they may send a new barrel or ask to have the pistol returned for evaluation. 

If your 45 performs the same with 3 different loads I believe the problem is with the barrel and new 45 barrels are not that expensive.  I would see what Springfield says first before going nuts trying to fix this yourself.  Mikey.

[Savage]

Make sure you have a good backing for your target and the target is firmly attached to your target board. If the target is not in firm contact with the target backing, it will appear that the bullets are tumbling. If accuracy is good at 25yds the bullets are most likely not tumbling. Start with a new backing and shoot a group with your springer. Then check the backing to determine if it is actually tumbling. You may find tears in the target paper and round holes in the backing.
Savage

[Questor]

Are you really sure it's keyholing? Those bullets are so short that you can get the appearance of keyholing if you fire at a target made of thin rip-prone paper. Try it on a piece of good cardboard or better yet, card stock. This will show you the profile of the bullet as it hit the paper.

Beyond that, if it really is keyholing, I think your barrel may be worn out. Fortunately there are drop-in and minimal gunsmithing barrels that will refurbish the gun at a reasonable cost.

[irold]

Think you guys are on to something.....I've been using a wire stand with the top of the target "clothspinned" to the top and I use a bungy cord on the bottom again "clothspinned" to that.  I thought it was a good idea, being the range backstops are worn out. also I could move it to specific distances.  Now that I think on it, the paper targets are pretty wispy on it.  I'll try a heavy backing next trip, hopefully your right and that will eliminate the appearance of keyholing.   I'll let you know.........Thanks a bunch!   Guess thats what these forums are for !  Thanks again,  Mike

[Lloyd Smale]

my guess to is your targets. White box ammo should be running plenty fast enough to stalbeize in your gun. round nosed ammo will put some weird looking holes in paper without a good sturdy backing.

[Savage]

irold,
Haven't heard back from you. Was the problem the target backing like we thought? Or, are you bullets really keyholing?
Savage

[irold]

Sorry guys, my job keeps me busy and away for various lengths of time, did get out to the range to shot last week.........as you suspected, seems to be my paper targets....with a heavy cardboard backing ...nice clean holes....I feel kinda dumb !  Now I've developed another problem,  but thats for another post......guess thats what these forums are for,  for help.....Thanks again, Mike