460 Rowland

[EdMc]

Just thought I'd ask if anyone here had any first hand experience with the round. Recently ordered a Clark kit for a 1911. It will be put on/in a Para GI Expert.
Thanks.

[The_Shadow]

While I haven't loaded this one yet, just be mindful that these cartridges can run upwards up to 40K CUP.  I have collected some handloading data on this cartridge, but just remember that most original 45ACP designs were never designed for that amount of pressure  45ACP+P is only @ 23K CUP.

That being said they mostly run a compensators on these guns to reduce recoil and slide speeds...
Does your Clark kit include a compensator setup?

Best of luck with your project and be sure to report on how things work for your setup...Good, Bad or Indifferent! 

[EdMc]

Thanks Shadow, I was aware of the pressure difference. The kit from Clark includes the barrel, of course, a comp/brake, full length guide rod, two recoil springs, firing pin spring, bushing and bushing wrench.

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/slide-firing-parts/caliber-conversion-kits/1911-auto-460-rowland-conversion-kit-prod5003.aspx

They've been around for a few years and most reports I've seen were positive. I'm hoping the 'drop in' barrel will fit the Para with little problem.

[drdougrx]

Just got mine a week ago.  I'm loading a 230gr RN with Longshot...1/2gr off max.  It's like shooting a full house 230gr in a LW commander.  Barrel was drop in, spring install was a b***h!  Put it into a colt series 70 GM custom by Mike LaRocca (LaRocca Gunworks, Worcester MA).  Shoots the nuts!  I intend to use it on a hog hunt in TN in Oct.

[EdMc]

Thanks for the reply. I've read the stronger spring is a lot of fun to install. My kit doesn't fit my Para, nor series 70 Colt government model. Para barrel will fit the Colt. The hood is too long for the barrel lugs to engage the slide in both. Width needs just a little off the extractor side too. Trying to make up my mind whether to send in to Clark via their offer or do it myself. Probably should let them do it so I don't void the warranty. Whatever their warranty is. 

I'm going to try the EGW flat bottom fp stop with 25lb mainspring hoping to be able to use the 20lb recoil spring.

Ed 

[drdougrx]

I'd send it.  They have a fast turn around.  Ask for Clyde.

[EdMc]

That's what I heard. And, what I did. The kit and slide were shipped to Clark today.
Thanks again.

[Yondering]

I'm going to try the EGW flat bottom fp stop with 25lb mainspring hoping to be able to use the 20lb recoil spring.

Ed

Sounds like you're on the right track there. I wouldn't go any heavier on the recoil spring than you have to.

Probably a good idea to have Clark fit it; at good tight correct fit makes a difference in durability with these hot loads.

[EdMc]

Fitted the stop with a 1/16 inch radius before sending the slide off for barrel fitting.  I've got another in SS for use in my Delta with the same m/s to try with a 18.5 lb recoil spring.

With my luck holding true to form I found the plunger tube is loose on the Para. Could send it back but ordered a staking tool from Brownells instead. Maybe I'll get this thing together one of these days......

[EdMc]

A quick update for anyone interested. Kit and slide still at Clark's.......Gunrunner staking tool from Brownells worked quite well. Plunger tube is now tight as it should have been. Going to load some 200gr XTPs this weekend with Longshot or Power Pistol.

[EdMc]

Received the slide this week from Clark. Fitting was excellent, as I expected. Turn around one week. Loaded the 200 XTPs with 12.0 grains of Power Pistol and a heavy crimp.(not a max load) Next week before I'll get a chance to shoot the pistol. If things work out I'll take my chrono.

As drDoug stated, assembly is a 'fun time'. Used the 20lb spring as I'd changed to a flat bottom firing pin stop with 25lb m/s.

[EdMc]

Shot thirty rounds of the above load today. No drama.....recoil a bit more than a normal 45 ACP but nothing special. With the comp it pretty much pushes straight back with little rise/flip. Function was faultless even with the Para mags fully loaded with eight cartridges. I was more than pleased. 

Five shot average was 1361 fps for a 200 grain XTP 45. Not bad for an under max load. Good accuracy, I'm the limiting factor. No primer flow or severe flattening.

[EdMc]

Another chance with the chrono......
200gr XTP
WLP primer
COAL 1.250
13.2 gr Longshot

Average velocity was 1427 fps for a five shot string. Very good accuracy, some flattening of primers so see no reason to push any higher.

Same as above but with 12.0gr Power Pistol under a 230 gr XTP.....sun was affecting the chrono and never got a string to average. Around 1200 fps for the few that recorded. Not an accurate loading. These are half grain under max and mistakenly loaded at 1.250 in instead of 1.245. Oh well, try again.......sun was affecting me too, it was hot.

Still not failures to feed or any other problem with the conversion.

[The_Shadow]

Those are some very interesting velocities, what gun and barrel length are you using?  Heck post us a picture...

[EdMc]

As mentioned previously the pistol used was a Para GI Expert.....bought it new for a good price. The barrel in the Clark kit is a standard length 5 inch for a 1911 GM.  The comp helps with recoil as recoil isn't bad at all. More of a straight back push rather than barrel flip or rise. From what I've read 1300 fps is there to get with a 230 XTP. Buffalo Bore sells a 255gr cast load that they 'claim' 1300 out of.....cost too much for me to try. The brass is made by Starline...1/16th inch longer than 45ACP but supposedly stronger.

I'll take a photo to post but it looks like any other 1911 except for the comp and full length guide rod. So far I've been impressed with velocity and low recoil...all the things that were claimed by the people making the kit. I'm still using the 20lb recoil spring....included is a 24 lb. It does chunk the brass a good ways.... ....might try the stronger spring later.