This guy in this video Hk45 vs FNP 45 - YouTube chrono's some rounds out of a HK45 and the average FPS is 775. Slightly lower than 800 fps which seems to be the standard for .45 acp. With a shorter barrel I can only assume that the HK45c will shoot rounds at a slower speed. Has anyone tailored their carry load for the HK45c to ammo such as Speers Short Barrel Gold Dots?
I hope so. I didn't know if it was a stupid question or not but I never seen, heard or read of anyone doing it. I'm a big velocity guy (even though I'm still trying to learn the science of it) so I'd like to see what the HK45c can do with 230 grain .45 acp.
I load my 230gn FMJ RN to 750 f/s. There is a bit less velocity out of the compact, but it is not really much at all. The Winchester Ranger T standard pressure was 920-950 f/s.
A few months ago I was able to run my HK45C with a "ProChrono Plus" chronograph. The .45 ACP Federal HST +P (P45HST1) I tested averaged 929 FPS (440 Ft/Lbs) according to the chrono.
There is no significant velocity loss from the 3.9" HK45C barrel vs. a 5" 1911. Certainly not enough to worry about
Holy Sh*t I don't like that Military Arms channel dude. Sorry.
But anyways. Yes the velocity is going to be less because it isn't shot out of a 5 inch barrel, which I think the ammo is rated for if I am not completely off base. I have a video I am putting up here soon, where you can some of the bullets in flight as they leave the barrel. I am fine with 700-750FPS, it is still fast enough that the target can't move out of the way. I do like the 900-950 better, but 700-800FPS is just fine. I often find that the SD loads stay more true to their velocity ratings, vs the hard ball ammo. I have to get a chrono and test it out again. You have me doubting myself....
Edit, You will also notice of the Two pistols, the HK had the better velocity. Just food for thought.
Saw that video a while ago but it never really crossed my mind. I'm running 230g +p HST so guesstimating I should run around 900 with the 45c if this is any indication. LE: Ballistics Detail
No chrono so I cant check but then again, I didnt choose to carry a 45 because it was a fast round.
The "Short Barrel" stuff from Speer only comes with a low-flash powder to reduce muzzle flash which is more pronounced with a shorter barrel. It does NOT (!) ramp up the velocity of the bullet in any significant way in order to compensate for the shorter barrel.
Gun powder needs a certain amount of time to burn off and a longer barrel translates into a longer time of the bullet in the barrel = higher speeds. That's the exact same reason why +P ammo in short barrels is pretty much "useless" as a significant amount of the powder will not completely burn off in the short barrel.... resulting in a nice muzzle flash.
There is no "magic bullet" which will get you anything close to 5" barrel .45 ACP speeds out of a 3.5" (or whatever) barrel....
Keep in mind that the .45 ACP round was designed for a 5" barrel. If I recall it original specs called for ~820ish fps / muzzle velocity.
Modern bullet design can make up for some of that... but I'm still not a fan of the very short 3" Kimber 1911s and other compact .45s.
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