loading 45 acp +P

Question
Hi Bob,
 I have here a rock island m1911 commander size pistol, Just want to know your opinion and suggestion. I bought a
magnatech 45 acp +P 180gr JHP ammo, in a Gun Show here in the Philippines. Is it just okey if I used a +P 185 gr. with my gun? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Rickie.

I am not personally familiar with the Rock Island pistols but from what I read they offer a low price point and no-frills basic quality.  There have been some reports of reliability and functioning issues, although this is probably true of any lower priced firearm.

To be sure about the safety of +P or +P+ ammunition you should check your owners manual.  If the manual doesn't mention the higher pressure cartridges then it was almost certainly not made to fire them and thus it won't be safe.  To be absolutely sure you could call the manufacturer directly.  Here is a link to a pretty decent review on a similar pistol:

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/RIA.htm

My personal rule of thumb is to avoid +P or +P+ rounds whenever possible in any firearm, but I might occasionally fire them in my highest quality firearms when the manufacturer has given the approval to do so.

If you can't get any normal defense loads for your firearm or you can't get in touch with the manufacturer then I would only use the high pressure rounds as a last resort for personal defense and not repeatedly for target loads, and even then I would have your pistol checked by a gunsmith first to make sure it is safe.

The bottom line is that +P and +P+ rounds can be dangerous, like detonating a grenade in your hand, so you really shouldn't take any chances.  Sometimes the metal may hold up for the first few dozen or even a few hundred rounds and then fail after continued stress.  It just isn't worth the risk.  Even if you are not injured there is a good chance that you will damage your firearm, and in my opinion the slight amount of extra power or velocity is not really going to make a difference for most people anyway.

Here is a search link for more info:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=rock+island+1911

Good luck!

Bob