[viper1973]

Guys,

I'm totally new to 1911's and just purchased my first, a Kimber Tactical Custom II. (Be kind, I'm still learning )

In an effort to become familiar with the platform I've been searching the various web forums. Unfortunately, some of what I've read about the aluminum-framed Kimber's comes from several years ago and is somewhat concerning.

Therefore I'm hoping that those of you more experienced can help me...

From what I've read, many 1911's are temperamental when it comes to hollow point ammunition and I may have to try a couple of kinds to find one that my particular firearm likes.

What concerns me more is that I've also read that some hollow point ammunition will seriously damage or gouge the feed ramp on those Kimber's that have the polished aluminum ramp made as part of the frame (which mine does).

Is this still a concern on current production Kimber's or was this a thing of the past?? And, if so, is there a hollow point that is 'safe' to use with these guns?

I'm planning on making the gun my primary carry mainly due to it's insane accuracy and would like to use hollow points.

Thoughts??

Any advice or recommendations are much appreciated.

 

[pbsdaddy]

I polish the feed ramp on every autoloader I buy. I did with my Ultra Carry II. I don't have problems with feeding on any of my guns and I believe that is why.
That said, some hollow points are capped with soft lead or aluminum. These materials are softer than copper and can increase the resistance to feeding.
Just be selective and look at the rounds you intend to use. Stick with the full copper jacket like Hornady, Remington, PMC and other makers produce and you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[CliffB]

I don't think you have much to worry about ammo damaging the feed ramp. If anything some damage may occur from certain followers in magazines but I've read that is rare also.
As for ammo, if you're really concerned look for stuff with a more rounded nose profile, I know guys that only carry Hornady critical defense or Corbon because they've had feeding issues with others. Personally my carry ammo is Winchester Ranger which have a fairly flat nose but are full copper jacket. I put 80 of those through the other day while shooting my super carry pro the other day with no issues.

 

[Mike240]

My experience with those guns used at work that I have assessed due to problems. Don't take offense as I am not slamming your choice per se

Talking Kimber 45 models. One cannot compare Ultras to Pro or Custom models. The Ultras have ramped bArrels and the Pro and Customs do not. The bullet on the latter strike the frame ramp.

Since Kimber (who I like and own several steel frame guns) insists in spray painting instead of hard anodizing their alloy frames, I will not own one. They once did anodize.

They obviously cut the ramp, apply Kimpro then attempt to remove the Kimpro from the ramp by unknown to me means. Often times leaving Kimpro on it in spots. This Kimpro gets hot and sticky with friction heat of bullets striking it. This impedes feeding. If the ramp is silver it is soft unprotected alloy which will damage. If it black or grey Kimpro it will stick in feeding. Further polishing the exposed alloy removes metal much quicker than on steel and since the ramp on the full size is 31.5 degrees, the geometry can be easily and quickly ruined, if it was correct in the first place. The ramp needs to be smooth but not polished like a mirror.

If you gun required a mirror like polish ramp to run, there is another problem elsewhere being overlooked that is more critical. You are just relieving friction at the front end so that energy can used to force the round through true problem.

Choose ammo as close to 230 FMj shape and length as possible. Shoot FMj as much as possible. Use followers with nylon followers like Wilson 47s.

I have seen several chewed up kimber alloy guns that do not have ramped barrels. And will not own one.

 

[slickab]

If I found myself inadvertently owning an aluminum frame Kimber without

a ramped barrel, I would use FMJ when practicing, or all the time would be

all right too. A 230 grain slug lumbering along about 850 fps, punching a

45/100" hole through flesh and breaking bones into splinters should not

be discounted. I know well educated people who carry FMJ's because of

the grief lawyers will cause you if you have to shoot someone with HP's

in self defense. A syrup bucket like a Gold Dot would be out of the question.

A Remington Golden Saber has the roundest profile I can think of. I have

had a truncated cone shaped Critical Duty hang on a feed ramp at the

juncture of the hollow point and the rubber plug.

 

[Gmountain]

If I found myself inadvertently owning an aluminum frame Kimber without

a ramped barrel, I would use FMJ when practicing, or all the time would be

all right too. A 230 grain slug lumbering along about 850 fps, punching a

45/100" hole through flesh and breaking bones into splinters should not

be discounted. I know well educated people who carry FMJ's because of

the grief lawyers will cause you if you have to shoot someone with HP's

in self defense. A syrup bucket like a Gold Dot would be out of the question.

A Remington Golden Saber has the roundest profile I can think of. I have

had a truncated cone shaped Critical Duty hang on a feed ramp at the

juncture of the hollow point and the rubber plug.

I have to say, that is simply a myth. Unless, of course, you live in some non free state like New Jersey.

 

[sbubrick]

Been to several concealed carry classes here in Nevada, they all say the same thing use Law Enforcement Hollow Point cartridges in your every day carry weapon. Do not use Full metal jacket!

 

[Fleamac]

Been to several concealed carry classes here in Nevada, they all say the same thing use Law Enforcement Hollow Point cartridges in your every day carry weapon. Do not use Full metal jacket!

Agreed! Fmj could end up being a through and through. Then where's the round going...

 

[pbsdaddy]

The court issue comes in when someone gives the attorney a reason to look deep. It's far from a myth. The bottom line is, if you have to use the weapon and the shoot is justifiable, you will probably never hear anything about the ammo. Save maybe a cursory question to ensure you were using factory ammo.
It's the guys who build special loads or use unusual factory ammo that draw attention to themselves. A good attorney will make the case for a planned, (premeditated), shooting based on all the prep. made in the ammo, gun type, training, (or lack of it), number of shoots fired, etc.
Stick with standardized ammo and training and there should be no issue.