springs with full power loads?

[mas]

I'm running a #14 with buff in my .45 government model. Given that I will be using standard factory loads for a little while longer, is #14 too light? I'd go even lighter if I knew that the frame wouldn't get pulverized.

[Detlef]

I shot 50k major rds through my .40 Para w/ 10 lb spring, no buffs, and am still waiting for signs of pulverization.

--D.

[.40AET]

I had 2 Para's. I ran about 15k through a .45 and 15k through a .40. Both were setup with a 14# recoil spring and a cominolli tungsten guide rod. No problems in either with the light spring. I used nothing but factory loads in the .45.

[rhino]

I use an 18.5# recoil spring in my guns, but all I shoot is full power and +P factory loads.

How low you can go depends on how heavy your mainspring is too, as it helps slow the slide during the cycle along with the recoil spring.

[Kingman]

his mainspring is about 20#

[mas]

Bob: I was just about to order a new mainspring....hahah....good timing.

Guys, I asked the wrong question....I am *ok* with a 14 lb. spring, but curious about going even lighter using full house loads. Has anybody tried this?

[mcoliver]

I can vaguely remember our own Duane Thomas mentioning about using a 10# spring in his 45 even without buffs, no frame damage.

[MAXM]

I use an EGW oversized FP stop , only slightly rounded on bottom, and 14 or 15 lbs springs, and with them my Colt 45 ACP 5" functions well with light and heavy loads.

[mas]

Excellent, great to hear, guys.

[Steve Moneypenny]

14 is about as light as feels good in a single stack with 190 PF loads (win white box) lighter than that it hit's the frame hard.. may not damage it but totally slams your hand.

i think your setup with the 14# is about perfect. Wear out the mainspring dry firing? if not why change it?

[Duane Thomas]

I can vaguely remember our own Duane Thomas mentioning about using a 10# spring in his 45 even without buffs, no frame damage.

Yes, but that was with 170 pf match loads. For carry ammo I switched to a 14-pounder.

[mas]

Duane, with the 14 pounder for your carry ammo, do you use a buff?

Steve: changing your mainspring to a ligher poundage can have some beneficial effects....if you compare a 22 lb. to an 18 lb. you'd see and feel the difference.

[Duane Thomas]

Duane, with the 14 pounder for your carry ammo, do you use a buff?

Nope. I found quite a bit less felt recoil without a buff, actually.

[cking]

When people say the fell less recoil without the buff, they are probably having spring bind with the buff installed. Check this out. Loat of variance in the length of spring tunnel. Especially with replacement plugs. Upto 5/16 differenc.

[Derek45]

I've been running a 14 in My single stack for a long time.

170 Pf