Kimber Eclipse Custom II - tweaks and loads

[spaniel]

After a 21 month wait, I finally have my Kimber EC II 10mm (yay).

After just a couple mags fired I made the following modifications:
-20# recoil spring
-EGW flat-bottom firing pin stop
-Kimber metal MSH/magwell

The gun had 1-2 failures to feed per mag both before and after mods.  Both factory mag and 2 Tripp mags. 

Chrono'd loads I'd made up before acquiring the gun and had on hand:
155gr hollowpoint, 12.2gr Longshot - 1620fps (!!!)
180gr FMJ, 9.2gr Longshot - 1280fps

Even with 200gr factory loads the brass went into orbit, even after mods.  But the factory loads were incredibly accurate.  Today I made the following mods:

- 22# recoil spring
- 25# hammer spring

Not sure why, but this really improved the rack-ability of the gun, despite the heavier springs.  Trigger also seemed somewhat improved, and the brass throwing was definitely tamed somewhat.

Any experience with loads specifically for this gun?  I find a lot of references for the 9.2gr Longshot load, and I've loaded up a few boxes of them, but they do not seem nearly as accurate as the 200gr factory loads I have....which I have not had the opportunity to chrono yet.  I also have 500 155gr XTPs on hand, but based on chrono data the gun is spitting them far faster than others' experience would indicate and I am going to back WAY off and work up on those.  My brass don't shot excessive pressure but at 1600+ fps I don't belive it's not there.

[harleyhopper]

What is the latest on your Eclipse? Still running the #22/#25 combo?

Since acquiring my Eclipse, I'm seeing stuff I've not encountered before. A #22 recoil is something I have not tried yet. I havebrass everywhere. Not consistent like my Rock 10mm. Which has a #20/#22 setup. Steve

[harleyhopper]

Today, I tried a #20 recoil and #23 main. That's basically what my Rock has.  Not a bad setup. I had a loaded mag of Remington that I shot 1st and this brass was thrown the furthest. Then I shot almost a box of Ga Arm's ammo. Brass was 5 to 15 ft. I'm going to try the 22/25 setup next. I had hoped the OP would get back and report. Steve

[spaniel]

What is the latest on your Eclipse? Still running the #22/#25 combo?

Since acquiring my Eclipse, I'm seeing stuff I've not encountered before. A #22 recoil is something I have not tried yet. I havebrass everywhere. Not consistent like my Rock 10mm. Which has a #20/#22 setup. Steve

I am still running the 22/25 setup, nothing has changed.  Once I stopped shooting a particular bullet with an unusually wide hollowpoint, I've had yet to have a single malfunction.  Accuracy is great.  Maybe 200 rounds downrange.  Wish it were more but I've been too busy finishing my new range setup. 

[harleyhopper]

Glad you got back to report. Yesterday, i shot 4 mags(32 rds) withe 22/25 setup. Not a bad setup but couldn't tell any difference between it and the 20/23. I put that setup back in today.

[judgedelta]

I just bought a used EC II on Gunbroker and haven't gotten it in yet.  I've never had a Kimber. Where do you get your springs, parts, etc...?  Thanks

[harleyhopper]

Gunbroker is where I got my Eclipse, too. Is yours used, as well?
Wolff springs sell replacement springs. Steve

[judgedelta]

Yes, mine (to be) is reported to have 485 rounds through it.  It has had a trigger job and an ambi safety installed (I am a lefty).  I have a Para Longslide, a Gen 4 Mod. 20,   and wanted a 5" 1911.

[BullittBoy]

I have had my Eclipse since 2005 or so bought it new.
Had a 22lb spring and finally settled on a 20lb spring.
It has been 100% with CCi Blazers, Georgia Arms 180 FMJ as both are my primary plinking ammo.
It is STUPID accurate with both those factory loads, I have shot 135 Nosler loads and they are very accurate too, 155 Gold Dots from Georgia Arms is my defense load and I have shot some 155 XTP's with good results.
I have not shot some 200 Noslers, this is next along with the new Federal soft point 180 grain load.
This pistol is one of the most accurate out of the box bone stock guns I have ever fired, and it shoots flat out to 100 yards.
Kimber screwed this one together right, great trigger and great sights regulated
Every person who has shot it loves it

[harleyhopper]

I have had my Eclipse since 2005 or so bought it new.
Had a 22lb spring and finally settled on a 20lb spring.
It has been 100% with CCi Blazers, Georgia Arms 180 FMJ as both are my primary plinking ammo.
It is STUPID accurate with both those factory loads, I have shot 135 Nosler loads and they are very accurate too, 155 Gold Dots from Georgia Arms is my defense load and I have shot some 155 XTP's with good results.
I have not shot some 200 Noslers, this is next along with the new Federal soft point 180 grain load.
This pistol is one of the most accurate out of the box bone stock guns I have ever fired, and it shoots flat out to 100 yards.
Kimber screwed this one together right, great trigger and great sights regulated
Every person who has shot it loves it

I'm liking the #20 recoil, too. I upped the mainspring to a 23. Did you leave the mainspring stock? Steve

[BullittBoy]

Yup
I feel weird as this gun has been one of the very few I left alone and it is awesome
If you want I can post pics of gun and ammo

[spaniel]

As for where to get parts, I got Wolf springs from Brownells, the MSH/magwell from Kimber, and extra mags from Tripp.