Wild Bunch Load

[PJ Hardtack]

My wife is finding my 4.1 gr Tite Group/200 SWC WB load a little stiff in her 1911.

How much lower can I go and still get reliable function?

[Abilene]

I'm not sure what velocity / power factor you are getting with that load, but I think any load that makes the WB power factor is going to function fine in a stock 1911.  Most folks seem to want a load that gives them the minimum PF plus a little more to be sure and to account for cooler weather, etc.

[DeaconKC]

Hodgdon's site lists 4.8 grains as starting and 5.4 grains of Tite Group for a 200 grain cast LWSC.

[PJ Hardtack]

After due consideration, I think I'll stay with 4 grs Tite Group. It functions the gun well and very accurate.

My wife can cope with the recoil and learn how to hang on to the gun.

I do find it odd that the PF gets so much consideration in WB whereas in the rest of CAS, it is basically ignored, bullets bouncing off of steel targets and even wooden props.

[Boggus Deal]

After due consideration, I think I'll stay with 4 grs Tite Group. It functions the gun well and very accurate.

My wife can cope with the recoil and learn how to hang on to the gun.

I do find it odd that the PF gets so much consideration in WB whereas in the rest of CAS, it is basically ignored, bullets bouncing off of steel targets and even wooden props.

Try 4.1 gr Winchester WST with a 230 grain round nose. The gun will be a lot less snappy than the 209 grain bullet.

[Baltimore Ed]

A 200 gr rnfp runs in all my .45s. Try a tubbs flat recoil spring, they have more coils and feel softer to me.

[wildman1]

My wife tried the 200g bullets and says to make pf they have more recoil than 230's.
wM1

[1961MJS]

Hi

Basically recoil and function in a 1911 is a balance based on the mainspring, the recoil spring, the powder charge, and the bullet weight.  Too much powder and too little spring will damage your frame.  To little powder or too much spring and it won't cycle.  If I knew anymore about numbers and such, I'd be a great smith.

Later

[Dirty Dick]

What is the power factor for Wild Bunch?  Curious minds want to know. 

[Baltimore Ed]

I do find it odd that the PF gets so much consideration in WB whereas in the rest of CAS, it is basically ignored, bullets bouncing off of steel targets and even wooden props.
[/quote]
PJ, I agree but if you say the 'g' word the folks who use those primer powered loads get all twitchy and defensive. Try one of the Tubbs 1911 flat springs in your wife's pistol. They have more coils being flat so the compression is spread out over a longer spring. If she doesn't like it I'll buy it from you.

[Abilene]

What is the power factor for Wild Bunch?  Curious minds want to know. 

150.  Example: 200gr bullet at 750 fps is 150.  Rulebooks are here:  https://www.sassnet.com/Shooters-Handbook-001A.php

[August]

In working with new shooters, I've noticed that they equate the intensity of the report to the amount of recoil.  Titegroup is a very loud powder.  Therefore, I feel it is a bad choice for the recoil sensitive shooter who may already have a problem with flinching.  Many of us have come to the same 'resting place' -- 4 grains of WST beneath a 230 grain round nose is the preferred load for minimizing recoil and noise, yet consistently meeting power factor. 

You really need access to a chronograph to play Wild Bunch.

[treebeard]

Who sells the Tubbs 1911 recoil springs--did not show on his website or a couple others i tried.

[Baltimore Ed]

There is a wilson 1911 flat spring listed on midway usa, don't see any on the tubbs site. Guess he stopped making them. Give it a try and I'll do the same deal with you. Btw, I also run the flat springs in my ARs for the same reason plus they eliminate the annoying 'sproing' sound that round springs create.

[Doc Holloman]

My Springfields run well with a 17 pound spring and 230gr coated bullets in front of 4gr of Clays

[Tascosa Joe]

The late Goatneck Clem shot 3.8 gr of WST under a moly-coated 230 gr RN.

[Dusty Boddams]

4 grains wst 230 round nose hitek coated bullet. Shoots great and always makes plenty of power factor while being very controllable.....