[corky]

Despite a number of trips to a pistolsmith, my Springfield .45 ACP Champion has occasional (2%) feeding problems with JHP ammunition; however, it reliably feeds FMJ ammo. Consequently, I am trying to decide on either 165 gr. PowR'Ball or Federal 200 gr. EFMJ as a defensive load for this little pistol. Springfield unfortunately doesn't recommend +P ammo in the Champion, which both are; so assuming that both function well in this pistol, which would you use? I lean toward the Federal based on its reputation for more conservative pressures that those of Cor-Bon. Of course, either would be used sparingly. Thanks-- c

 

[Josh Smith]

I would go with the EFMJ. I tested it in 9mm and it impressed me with its consistency.

However, and this is just a personal opinion: If a pistol isn't 100% reliable with any ammo I care to put through it, I won't carry it. My 1911 had the same problem and before ditching it, I decided to try one more fix that worked. It now functions 100%. What mags are you using?

But yes, the EFMJ is preferred by me if I have to carry a non-hollowpoint.

Josh <><

 

[corky]

Thanks, Mr. Smith, for your response. I have tried a variety of mags that have given me good service in a pre-Series '70 National Match, but the occasional hang up with JHPs continues. I do plan to have another gunsmith check it out. Its reliability with FMJs suggests that its problem is correctable.

--c

 

[adguy]

I was about to ask this question.

I'm thinking of getting either PowR'Ball or the Federal EFMH for a 3" Kimber Pro Carry.
I wanted a lighter bullet to reduce recoil. I've ordered a 21 pound recoil spring from Wolff. I think that will help with the recoil.

I also found that there is DPX available in both 165 and 185 gr. I guess the lighter the bullet the less recoil???

I've seen photos of the EFMJ shot in wet packs and gelatin and it looks like it expands all the time. I wonder if anyone has seen any testing with 3" barrels?

Thanks

 

[BarryinIN]

I also found that there is DPX available in both 165 and 185 gr. I guess the lighter the bullet the less recoil???

Maybe, maybe not. The lighter bullet is probably traveling at higher velocity, which could offset any recoil reduction gained by the lighter bullet weight (depending on how much faster it is).
Of course, if they are traveling the same speed or even close, the lighter bullet should give less recoil.

I've not compared those two in DPX form, but CorBon's standard JHPs in 165 and 185 felt about the same to me.

Many can often tell a difference in recoil between a light/fast bullet and a heavy/slow bullet in the same round. One is not neccesarily "heavier" than the other, but it just feels different.
As an example, I'll compare the "stiff", but not +P, CCI 230 Gold Dot and the +P CorBon 185. To me, the 185 CorBon feels sharper, or recoils "faster", but the actual recoil effect on my control is about the same. The recoil is just delivered differently.

But back to original EFMJ vs PowRBall:
While I would much rather get the gun fixed to feed what I really wanted, I would choose PowRBall...all things being equal such as reliability, no big point of impact shifts, huge accuracy drop-offs, etc.
In most tests I've seen, I haven't been impressed with EFMJ's penetration. I was really impressed with Mr Camp's 38 Super CorBon ammo test, where even with the high velocity (as pistols go) the PowRBall actually penetrated quite well.

I must admit that I have some 9mm 124 +P EFMJ and it is very accurate stuff. I keep a stash of it around for shooting groups. That, and CorBon 115 JHP, are my accuracy "control" loads in 9mm.

 

[andersongw]

It's contrary to popular opinion but if I had a 1911 that would only feed fmj, I'ld load it with good ball and go happily on my way. Reliability is number one, I carried ball for years and never felt unarmed.

I would definatley carry ball that I shoot regularly and not Powrball or EFMJ I have shot occasionally.

Is Powrball or EFMJ a better choice than ball? Maybe, I haven't seen a lot of actual shootings that prove it. What I have heard of EFMJ hasn't impressed me either)