Ammo advice for wife's carry pistol

[Langenator]

Had a bit of luck this weekend...stopped by one of the local gunshops (Shooter's Choice in W. Cola) on the way back from the rifle range. There, sitting in the case, was a lovely stainless Kimber Ultra Carry. Used, but barely so by the look of it. Just what I'd been looking for for my wife's birthday. After a quick test fire by my wife, she now knows what she's getting for her birthday next month, right down to the serial #.

Now, having read Quarterboregunner's account of his ordeal, and other items on low velocity problems using 230 grn JNPs from 3" barrels (and that's what currently in the Kimber Classic in her nightstand), I'm tentatively looking at 185 gr JHPs for her pistol. I'm wary of the +Ps, both because of increased recoil (means she won't practice as much) and the fact that I don't trust myself loading +P stuff for practice ammo. Any advice for good, standard pressure, 185 gr JHP ammo for carry in a baby 1911?

 

[Preacherman]

The best non-plus-P 185gr. I've found is the Black Hills load - 1,000 fps (probably from a 5" barrel), with 411 fpe. Very, very accurate, and pleasant to shoot. I'd suspect you'd get about 900 fps from your 3" barrel, which is still nothing to sneeze at.

For details, see their Web site.

 

[rbernie]

I've been really pleased with the Remington Golden Sabre 185 (non +p). Shoots well, feeds without a hitch in my Kimber PCII-10 and CZ97, expands well (by all data I've seen), is relatively easy to shoot, and is readily available.

According to Remington, it steps out at around 1050fps in a 5" barrel.

 

[TBeck]

Federal has a 165 grain Hydra-Shok load in their Personal Defense line that was designed for smaller guns. It was extremely accurate out of my Glock 21 and the recoil was exceptionally easy.

 

[Dave T]

David DiFabio at AmmoLab recommends the Taurus/PMC 185g Solid Copper HP. My wife tried it in her Ultra Carry and found it quite controlable. Mr DiFabio says their tests indicate it expands down around +- 800 fps.

 

[Langenator]

Thanks for the advice guys. Looks like I'll have to buy a box of each and take my wife to the range.

 

[pyblood]

Speer 185gr. Gold Dots
Hornady 185gr. JHP
Winchester 185gr. Silvertips