45 acp question

[Gillis2]

Hi all,

Is there a significant loss of velocity in a 4,5 inches barrell compared to a 5 inches barrell ?
I am talking mainly using a 230 grain FMJ factory ammo.

Thanks

Gilbert

 

[fire@will]

It would certainly be measurable, but it wouldn't be significant for me. I'm gonna' guess around 20-30 fps, at most.

 

[yodave]

you might find that a 4.5 inch barrel is a bit faster, depending on the powder load. With a handgun you'll find that most of the powder is still burning after the bullet is long clear of the barrel, you get a bigger flash with more powder with insignificant gains in velocity. there is a point where more powder results in no gain or sometimes even a loss, same can be said for a half inch of barrel, the trade off is a longer sight plane and a better grouping gun

 

[SUPER TENERE]

As stated ,you'll lose 25-50fps in the shorter barrel. Commander length guns usually have more FTF than the government length models.

 

[tgt40]

Seek and ye shall find

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/45auto.html

 

[Gillis2]

Thanks guys for your input. I might go with a standard 5 inch length 1911 anyways.

Gilbert

 

[yodave]

interesting that the hi shock 230 grain is running faster in a 3.5 inch barrel then a 5 inch barrel