handgun ammunition newbie question

louthepou

louthepou

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Hi folks,

Just got my third handgun, a Norinco in 45 ACP. My question is, how should I select my ammo? I mean, I see some TMJ, FMJ, lead RN and lead SWC... different bullets to say the least. I can only suppose that velocity will vary, but in terms of wear on the pistol, and accuracy at the range, what are the differences?

Thanks for any insight or tip...

Lou
 
Only one way to find out which will be most accurate and reliable. Jacketed will be cleaner.

Buy a few boxes of whatever you see, try it, and then stock up on the most affordable and satisfactory from what is available.
 
Since you don't appear to be reloading, yet, you'll have to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo your pistol shoots best. The price of said ammo means nothing.
A lead SWC may not feed well. Pistols need to be set up to feed them reliably. Has to do with the shape of the bullet. Mostly just extending the feed ramp up the sides of the back end of the chamber using a fine jeweller's file. If you're at all worried about doing it, pay a smithy. It's not terribly difficult though.
A 230 grain(lighter bullets need a bit of fiddling too. So does a Flat Point.) RN will feed out of most .45's with no fuss. A TMJ/CMJ are the same thing from different makers. They're plated with the plating completely enclosing the lead. An FMJ has exposed lead on the base of the bullet. Like all jacketed bullets, they get expensive to shoot quickly. So does factory ammo of any kind.
"...Buy a few boxes of..." One box is plenty.
 
1911's were designed to feed 230 grain ball reliably, other bullet profiles may or may not work well. Only one way to find out, as others have stated buy some different ammo and try it. Congrats on your new purchase.:rockOn:
 
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