accuracy in 1911

[Link]

How much can you tune for accuracy using your powder charge in a factory 45 acp?
I started with 4.0 of Bullseye and it wouldn't cycle well so I have jumped to 5.0 and all seems ok.
Max is 6.0 gr. Should I go up looking for better accuracy using 200 gr HPs.
I went to 1911.com and couldn't find what I was looking for.
thanks Link

 

[K22]

Since your post is about accuracy I'll try to address that aspect.

First of all do you have a match grade pistol? If you don't then the accuracy potential can be limited. You don't need a match grade pistol for defense purposes but if accuracy is your ultimate goal then pistol needs to be accurized meaning a match barrel and bushing and hand fitted.

Most target grade 1911's shoot accurately with lighter loads with either the 185 or 200 grain semi- wadcutters lead target bullets. It's been years since I competed but a match grade 1911 shot with match grade ammo off a Randsom Rest should hold a "X" ring at 50 yards. That was the standard when I competed.

Bullseye in a good powder for the 45 ACP but I had more success with 231 which is a tad slower, especially with 200 grain bullets.

 

[racesnake]

K22's advice is dead on. I built bullseye pistols for several years and guaranteed x-ring accuracy @ 50yds. I usually used a 185gr Federal SWC bullet and 5.0gr of W-W 231 for accuracy testing.

 

[fredhorace77]

In addition to what the others have said, personally I've seen bullet selection effect accuracy more than powder changes. Although I wouldn't rule out adjusting the powder charge.

 

[Dan Hall]

Different bullets and varying amounts of powder will definitely change the tune in your 1911 and most assuredly effect accuracy. Your on the right track though. Try 185 grain JHP Noslers and 4.1 grains of Vit N-310 powder. this is the Marine bullseye load and it shoots great in both my 1911s. I've shot several 1"or better 5 shot groups at 25 yards with this load. One time I even lucked out and got a 1/2" group out of my Ed Brown with this load. If your getting good accuracy with your 4 grain load put a lighter spring in your pistol and enjoy it or bump it up some and see if the accuracy stays with you when it gets enough power to cycle the gun.