LW Cmdr. FTF's

[1911WB]

Got a used .45 LW Cmdr & took it to the range. With a variety of mags if I load over 3 rounds, I get nose-up FTF's. This is with my reloaded 230 gr. FMJ, 5.1 grns Bullseye (1.250 aol) which function fine in all my other 1911's. I put in a new 20 lb. Wilson recoil spring before going to the range. Is this spring possibly too stout for my loads? Mags are either near new or have new springs in them. Any ideas?

[Mikey]

1911WB:  it sounds like a magazine problem.  I have exactly the same pistol but run 22 lb recoil springs in it and I have not had a FTF with the heavier springs.  I have a whole bunch of magazines, some milsurp I have had for over 30 yrs, some new Chip McCormick 8 rounders, and a handful of others.  I have one magazine that stovepipes my rounds - par'n, I HAD one magazine that stovepiped my rounds and it became target fodder.  

Anytime a magazine allows the nose of a cartridge to stovepipe up, the magazine's lips are not holding the cartridge properly in the magazine to allow for the slide to pick up the case and move it into the chamber as it goes into battery.  Methinks you need some new magazines.  I would get a bunch of Chip McCormick 8 rounders, or some of the others - I think Star brand magazines and possibly Meggar are available too.  Get some with a warranty so you can get them replaced if they screw up on you too.  HTH.  Mikey.

[1911WB]

Thanks for the info and advice. What type of ammo do you use in your LW? I reexamined the pistol last night and put inchanged a Brown extractor. Didn't notice anything else remarkable. I'm going to try an 8 round Wilson mag and a Megar. If I still have a problem, I'm going to turn the thing over to a great 'smith like Yost or Brain.

[Mikey]

1911WB:  I use Sellier and Bellot 230 gn ball ammo.  It is very inexpensive, newly manufactured ammunition in reloadable cases.  The muzzle velocity of the S&B ammo, about 850'/sec, is very close to milspec at 875'/sec, is accurate and cycles my autos without problem.  HTH.  Mikey.