[paul788]

What is a .45 Super? I've seen it mentioned recently in magazine articles and need some background. Can anyone help?

 

[wishbone]

The SUPER 45 is like a 45 Magnum cartridge. Some 45s can shoot the super, some can't.Check out the HKs if you want to get a 45 that will handle both.

 

[colorado]

I'd suggest taking a look at the Springfield V16 Long Slide in 45 ACP/45 Super. It's the only factory gun I'm aware of. It's a classic 1911, ported barrel. I only wish it was in the same stainless finish as the tropy match model...

 

[kbear38S]

The 45 Super as a cartridge is pretty much in a state of limbo because of copyright or patent issues and licensing. Triton Ammo (http://www.tritonammo.com/) is making an equivalent cartridge called the 450 SMC.

STI International (http://www.stiguns.com) offers several models for the 450 SMC.

 

[paul788]

Is it a new cartridge with different dimensions than .45 ACP? Or is it a high pressure version of the old war horse? Several ads I've seen imply you can shoot either cartridge in the same gun. Is this true?

 

[SaxonPig]

The Super is physically the same size as the 45 ACP but it uses cases cut down (or custom made) that are thicker and heavier in order to withstand much higher pressures. The complete conversion includes a barrel with a fully supported chamber (the bottom of the case will be blown out if fired in the usual unsupported chamber), heavier recoil springs, a new firing pin, and the ejection port must be enlarged because the slide moves so fast with this much recoil energy that jams occur without making the window bigger. I suspect that regular 45 ammo could be used in a converted gun by changing back to the normal recoil spring, but I am not positive as the firing pin may not work. Anyway, never even think about firing Super ammo in a normal 1911.

 

[shane45-1911]

Moving to "Ammo Can" forum...

 

[Rocklobster]

Check out Acecustom45.com.They have all the info you need.

.45 Super brass has more meat in the web area,and is subjected to a special heat-treating procedure to allow it to handle the higher pressures.Texas Ammunition Co. makes factory ammo in this caliber,and loading data is available from several sources.

Do not assume that any standard .45 ACP factory handgun will also handle the much-hotter .45 Super-you're likely to be holding a handful(and face-full) of shrapnel.

 

[LAK]

From what I understand, the .45 Super offers a substantial increase in performance with a pretty modest pressure increase.

I seem to recall an article by a tester ran along the lines of using heavier springs and shok buffs as being all that was necessary to use any standard good quality 1911. Hence the reason the overall outside cartridge dimensions were kept standard.

I don't think the pressures run even anywhere near those of the .40, .357 SIG or the 9x23 - somewhere around 25,000 psi - sort of .45 +P+ territory.

In any case, I like the idea better than a 10mm. Much lower pressures; bigger and heavier bullets.

 

[paul788]

Thanks to all. The info at Ace Customs was what I needed. Shooters are some of the best people breathing. Thanks.