Really interesting feed-back...
I'm new to loading and shooting the .45-ACP, so I'm admitting I'm no expert ! AND I DERN-SURE DON'T WANT TO BLOW MY GUN APART !!!
So I am actually seeking information and advice here (I'm NOT trying to incite any internet riots, start any arguments or flame-wars, etc. )
My only semi-auto pistol '+P-pressure' reference point is loading and shooting high-intensity cartridges (.40-S&W & 10mm) in Glocks, which are known to have 'generous' chamber dimensions. I've NOT experienced the bulged cases that so many folks have commented on regarding brass ejected from a typical Glock chamber... And my early experiments shooting +P loads in my 1911 shows no bulged cases. (fewer than 200 rounds of +P, so maybe not a valid sample ?)
I've heard +P 38-Special loads may be UN-SAFE in some (older / weaker) revolvers, and I've also heard that +P .38-Special loads should only be used on a limited basis in several better-quality revolvers (to avoid early frame fatigue, etc.)
But in this case, the firearm manufacturer has said that their firearm is designed to handle consistent of use of +P ammo. (I'm shooting a Springfield TRP -- and SA has told me that this model is designed to safely handle a steady diet of +P loads).
Maybe the reasonable answer is to keep the 45-ACP loads on the more-accurate and milder-side ???
STILL, I remain very curious as to why it is considered SAFE to load .40-S&W rounds to a pressure of 33,000-CUP while the 45-ACP must be keep below 20,000 CUP in firearms of the same basic design ???
I don't expect my 1911 to become a .45-magnum, but if I can SAFELY load +P 45-ACP to pressure levels similar to other semi-auto calibers, and if the recoil doesn't preclude reasonable accuracy, then... WHY NOT ?
I'm thinking that the primary issues are to keep the +P loads SAFE by sticking with PUBLISHED LOADS. (Thinking that a published load has some margin of safety regarding randomness of powder charges and powder variations from lot-to-lot ???)
I've fired fewer than 500-rounds in a 1911, so I'm seriously seeking input from those of you who have been working with the 45-ACP and the 1911 design for several years (vs. my broad experience which now spans 'several days'
)
Also, I really don't want to get several hundred rounds of +P ammo loaded and have to dis-assemble it all.
Thanks --CC