Ben86-
I don't own a subcompact 1911. However, I would like to add that IMO you should use the same ammo weight for your subcompacts as you do your full size handguns. Many people think they should use a lighter bullet for a shorter barrel because of the loss of velocity and therefore loss of expansion. Loss of velocity also means loss of momentum which means less penetration. When you decrease both the weight and velocity of the bullet you are really going to decrease its momentum. Sure they may expand less when shot out of a shorter barrel, but adequate penetration will be better assured.
Also, heavier (therefore longer) bullets loose less velocity than lighter bullets because they stay in the barrel longer than shorter, lighter bullets.
So I think you ought to stick with some premium 230 grain jhps or 200 grain at the lightest. I keep 124 grains in all my 9mms, I could go with 115 grain in the guns with 3'' barrels, but it seems like penetration is less than satisfactory from my patented "double jug" test. SD ammo must be able to pass through at least 2 full size jugs (milk jugs) filled with water and expand well to be up to par with me. That's just my philosophy though.
This is some of the best thoughts on the subject that ive read in many different threads like this.
Myself im all about penetration, And to get that you need 2 things. Weight and speed, But Weight being the biggest factor.
Ive read, Studied, And watched video's until i was sick of it and i found one thing thats true.
Its that paper lies. What you read on manufactures sites never seems to match real world testing threw chronometers. One caveat is you do need to research if a certain load will perform better than the maker says it will as many times if its a powder meant for a 5" gun it will cause velocity issues in a 3"
People read they get less velocity with shorter barrels, The problem is its a higher percentage the lighter the bullet is. The heavier bullet will not slow down as much percentage wise.
I never went threw this with my 1911 as i carry a full sized one. But my .40 is a sub-compact 3" and i battled over bullet weight in both threads and in my head.
With that gun i went with 165 gr as i wasn't pleased with the thought of a subsonic 180gr bullet mainly for expansion. But it will penetrate more then 2" more than a 165gr bullet.
I want a 3" 1911 also, And ive given this much thought also.
Ill either use a 230gr +p but most likely a 200gr +p will be what gets the job.
But as others have said feeding and expansion are more important than weight as long as you dont go too lite,IMO.
