Commander vs Government : Bullet performance question.

[Alan Fud]

I've been told by more than one person that a 230grn bullet shot out of a 5" barrel is best that one can expect for the .45ACP caliber. These same people have said that from a 4.25" barrel one would be better served with a 200grn, or lighter, bullet rather than the 230grn and that neither one would be as good as the 230grn out of a 5".

Is this true? Am I better off with 200grn in my Commander? Is the difference significant or marginal? Would I be better served with the Government model? I got the Commander because it was easier to conceal and easier to draw but not, after hearing this stuff, I'm beginning to think that maybe I should have got the Government model instead.

Thoughts? Comments? Opinions? Suggestions?

 

[45Fan]

Better as in CCW stopping power? The shorter barrel should produce slightly lower velocity, so dropping bullet weight should help to keep speed up. As far as should have gotten a bigger gun, thats just a personal preference. I am sure that if you find yourself in a self defence situation, the person isnt going to stop and chastize you for missing 3/4" barrel

 

[Lucky Derby]

The shorter Commander length barrel is fine. you may loose a slight amount of velocity, but not enough to worry about.
Shoot several of the various SD loads available in different wieghts and go with the one that you can shoot the best in this gun.

 

[bdb benzino]

Not enough velocity is lost to even worry about it at all, I think where it starts to matter is when you get down to a 3 1/2'' or 3'' barrel.

 

[gofastman]

If I were to own a .45 it would have a 5" barrel (been eying an XD tactical myself)

4.25 should be plenty of barrel length however.

I personally would run +P's, in either 200 or 230gr flavor (In any barrel length)

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/45auto.html

 

[NOLAEMT]

In my HK USPc .45 (which has a 3.8 inch barrel) I get averages of 950fps out of double taps 230 gr gold dots. They rate it at 1010 fps out of a 5 inch 1911.

certainly not enough velocity loss to loose sleep over.

 

[gun guy]

Extensive field tests between my government model, and commander can be viewed on steves pages, terminal ballistics. Dad and I did 45's. Any questions, just email me.

 

[Steve C]

My Colt Combat Commander delivers statistically the same velocity as does my Government model with ammo I've run over the chrono.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Is the difference significant or marginal?

Marginal. Very.

 

[ttheel]

Dude you are worrying over nothing. A commander length 1911 is a good weapon. No problems in my opinion.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

I carry a 4.25" 1911...and have chrono'd more than a few rounds through it.

+P ammo out of the Commander barrel exceeds standard pressure ammo from a 5" barrel...in my gun anyway. (That is most factory ammo)


With reloads, and the right powder...(Power Pistol or Unique) loads can be made to do all sorts of things.