Does .45 ACP Expand from a G30?

[Velo Dog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZEtzEv0C3g

[Bucky]

Is it weird that I read this entire thread and my only take away was “I need another HK in 45 in my life.”?

Well, my takeaway was “I need AN HK .45 in my life”.

I do have a .40 and a few 9s though.

[Glock17JHP]

The Short Barrel version especially has performed well in every test I have seen

https://www.brassfetcher.com/Handgun...Selection.html

This is the load (Speer 230 grain Short Barrel) I am leaning toward at this point. Detonics Combat Master 3.5-inch 1911's were designed to use 230 grain "Ball" ammunition at standard velocity. This Speer Short Barrel load is reported to be about 820 fps, IIRC. The other load I am considering is Federal 230 grain HST, but it has a slightly higher velocity, IIRC, and is not specifically designed for short barrels.

Advice is welcome...

[the Schwartz]

This is the load (Speer 230 grain Short Barrel) I am leaning toward at this point. Detonics Combat Master 3.5-inch 1911's were designed to use 230 grain "Ball" ammunition at standard velocity. This Speer Short Barrel load is reported to be about 820 fps, IIRC. The other load I am considering is Federal 230 grain HST, but it has a slightly higher velocity, IIRC, and is not specifically designed for short barrels.

Advice is welcome...

We tested the Federal .45ACP 230-grain HST JHP a few years back out of an HK45 (4.41" barrel) with excellent results—

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....=1#post1255790

Expect a bit less expansion from the 3.77" barrel of the Glock 30; terminal performance from the shorter barrel (-0.64") should be similar.

Also tested the Speer 230-grain Gold Dot from a Ruger American Compact with a barrel length of 3.75 inches here—

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....=1#post1491400

This test should provide a good indicator of what you can expect from your Glock 30.

[Glock17JHP]

Post deleted...

[Glock17JHP]

2 questions for anyone who might know...

1) Assuming Gold Dot Short Barrel #23975GD.230 grain .45 ACP goes 820 fps in a 4-inch barrel, what would the estimated velocity be in a 3.5-inch barrel?

And...

2) Assuming Federal HST P45HST2 230 grain .45 ACP goes 890 fps in a 5-inch barrel, what would the estimated velocity be in a 3.5-inch barrel?

Thank you in advance...

[Glock17JHP]

I'd be more worried about function in an old-school 1911 like the Detonics. IIRC, they were introduced when Silvertip was considered the hot setup.

Agree that function is very important. I want a hollow point load as close as possible to standard .45 ACP 230 grain FMJ @ about 830 fps as far as the same bullet weight, near the same velocity, and similar bullet profile where it contacts the feed ramp and chamber. So far, I am thinking Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .45 ACP or Federal HST .45 ACP, as mentioned above.

BTW, I shot it recently with Winchester 230 grain FMJ, and function was flawless, recoil was no worse that a full-sized 1911, and accuracy was good, even at long distance (100 yards). It was very pleasant and fun.

[Ghost Dog]

I’m similarly curious, except regarding the best load for a HK45C rather than a Detonics, but similar barrel length (well, 3.9” on the HK45C)

Quality Polygonal barrel I believe will give a bit better velocity than what Revchuck posted, and most likely can treat it like a 4.25" standard lands and grooves Commander barrel. I wonder if you search online if you can find real world numbers.
Typically under 4.25" you need to be selective in .45

IE HST probably #1 it has a very low expansion threshold and great performance window (In ORGANIC GEL NOT always in CLEAR BALLISTICS), though Golden Sabers (FBI DATA), and probably Winchesters etc will all work well enough (for G30 3.77" I'd air more towards HST/Golden Saber/Gold Dot then Winchesters).
And it handles recoil so well 185+P (that is what Seal Team 6/Devgru may have been carrying in them FYI) or Critical Duty 220+p could be used as well if you have good recoil control.

[Ghost Dog]

Quick search HK pro for HK45C

"Others have posted;
HK45C with a "ProChrono Plus" chronograph. The .45 ACP Federal HST +P (P45HST1) I tested averaged 929 FPS (440 Ft/Lbs)

Winchester 230gr Ranger T (standard velocity, not the +P load,) through my HK 45C last week that averaged 886fps.


I believe the Polygonal rifling may give a slight velocity advantage.

More general numbers:
HK45C
Ammo Bullet Weight/Style Accuracy Velocity
Extreme Shok 185-gr. hollow point (HP) 3.25 inches 1,029 fps
Speer 230-gr. Gold Dot HP 2.50 inches 801 fps
Hornady 230-gr. TAP CQ 2.50 inches 827 fps
Winchester 230-gr. Bonded HP 3.25 inches 853 fps
Corbon 230-gr. +P HP 2.75 inches 937 fps
Federal 230-gr. +P EFMJ 2.25 inches 940 fps"

[Ghost Dog]

Quick Search on G30 velocities from different posters

"Out of a factory G30 barrel, standard velocity Speer Gold Dot 230 gr., 5 shot average of 808 fps, ES 46, SD 17. Out of the same barrel, Buffalo Bore 255 gr. hard cast flat nose +P, 5 shot average 923 fps, ES 25, SD 12. Fired over an Oehler 35 approximately 12 feet from the muzzle. Shot both loads out of a G30 KKM barrel and got almost the same results, with the Speer being 10 fps faster and the Buffalo Bore 4 fps faster."

"Ranger T 230 gr. chronos an average of about 850 out of my G36. Very pleased with that number. On the other hand, the Speer Gold 230 gr. was closer to the 800 mark."

"I have tested a couple of loads, they are all non plus P, speer GD 230gr Short barrel @762FPS, Win FMJ ball, @775fps, Win SXT @836fps, and Fed Hydro shok @825FPS, Rem Golden saber 775fps. Thats all I have for now. Hope it helps. MB"