Federal Ammo Light Primer Strikes

[Patrick Gookin]

Hey guys, I got one of the new value boxes of Federal 45 ACP. $30 for 100 rounds at Wal-Mart. It's the same price as WWB, so I figured I'd try it out. I ended up getting 3 light primer strikes just with that one box of ammo. Unfortunately, I didn't have any other ammo to shoot on that range trip, so I couldn't test it with other ammo. I've put a few thousand rounds of all kinds of ammo through this 1911 and never had a light primer strike. Any of you guys have the same dilemma with Federal ammo? The pistol is a Colt series 80 made in '83. I'm not sure, but it probably has the stock mainspring, which should be 23# I'm guessing. Is it possible my mainspring is just getting old and needs replacement?

 

[moxie]

The gun is a bit shy of 30 years old. Treat it to a new set of springs. A complete job. Also, when was the last time you had the firing pin and spring out and cleaned the channel?

 

[Patrick Gookin]

After every range trip. It's got a newish firing pin and recoil spring with probably 1500 rounds on them, so they should be good. I just have no idea how often to replace the mainspring. I'll go ahead and order one and try the ammo again.

 

[moxie]

I'd say once every 30 years wouldn't be overdoing it.

 

[Patrick Gookin]

Haha, alright, sounds fair.