45ACP+p vs 45ACP +p+ vs 45super in a H&K USP45f

J

J.T.King

New member
Hello!

Ok, let me lay it out... I have gotten into reloading in this last year, and am looking to start pushing the high performance envelope a little more now.

I am planning on loading +P rounds this next time around. I am aware that Triton's web site suggests that 45 super is fine to shoot in a USP45f. Is there such a thing as a 45acp +p+ and has anyone ever sent this through a USP?

These would idealy be targeting around 22,000-23,000psi pushing a 230gr FMJ to around 950-1000fps.

My questions are, how well will the USP hold up to HOT +p rounds?

If I plan on shooting these on a regular basis should I upgrade the recoil spring? The standard recoil spring is 13lbs, and I know that Wolff sells them at 14lbs and 16lbs....

Any reason not to go to the 16lb spring for safety and a little more buffering of the recoil?

Also.. (although this probably more belongs on the handloader forum), will the +P brass hold up to this ok?

Thanks for any thoughts!

BTW, to all those who feel compelled to ask why I want to shoot +P loads much less +P+ throuhg such a nice pistol, this is expressly WHY I went with the USP was its reputation as a (parden the pun) bullet-proof performer who ate 45acp +P for lunch and had a few rounds of 45 super for desert!

I *want* to fire powerful rounds through it. I *like* powerful autos that are still practical sized for me. And no, I dont care if I only get 30,000rnds out of the frame instead of 80,000rnds or what have you. I just dont shoot THAT much for it to be a big deal. I may shoot 2500 rnds a year and thats about it.

thanks for any feedback!

J.T.
 
I am not sure about the rest but, I think if you go with the 16lb spring, you may have trouble cycling regular factory ammo reliably. Freezin1
 
Suggest Alliant Power Pistol for 45ACP +P-type reloads.
Also recommend sticking with new cases, sized, for 'hotter' loads.

Safety first.

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
I have no doubts that a USP45 will standup to +P loads without a problem. The 2nd recoil spring which buffers the barrel separately from the slide really dampens felt recoil and along with that lessens stress on the frame. I really don't think the 16lb recoil spring will present a problem except with light weight(185gr) target loads. I know that for reliability 40 cal Glocks use the same weight spring as their 9mm Glocks. The 40s are undersprung because there is a broad overlap in the power that a spring will handle. If I were going to shoot 50 rounds of +P per week in my USP45 I would change the 13lb spring to the 16 lb. I have exclusively used Power Pistol for +P loads. But I have only used 185 gr and 200 gr bullets, never 230s. I have pushed the 185 gr to 1100 fps(497 ftlbs ME) which has stressed the cases a little bit(some I have to throw away). The 200 grainers I have pushed to about 1000(444 ftlbs ME)without any stress on the cases. By the way, Triton Hi-Vels in 185JHP are real screamers at 1150fps. Don't bother reloading these cases.

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As a matter of fact, I just bought some Power Pistol to do this with. I normally reload 5.4gr Bullseye for my 230 FMJ practice rounds...

So new cases only?

And since I never shoot anything but fairly hot 230 through this should I go ahead on the spring then?

thanks!

J.T.
 
HK's service dept will tell you they have seen some USP45s damaged by 45 Super. You can over do anything, and some people do. :)



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http://home.att.net/~brokenarrrow/
 
If you want to load up your own 45 Super you need to get 45 Super brass(Starline is the only company I know of that sells it). It is beefier than standard 45 ACP in the web area, down near the base. That's the area near where the case is unsupported in most barrels at the 6 O'clock area. Start up slowly and inspect your cases after each session. Once you start to see "smiley faces" a bubbly shaped bulge in the web you are pushing the maximum and might do well to drop off a few tenths of a grain. Once a case gets a smiley face, throw it away. Don't leave it on the range or some brass scrounger like myself might pick it up!! Good luck!!

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