Ammo for new 97BD?

[BKmetz]

OK, I'm back in the .45ACP club after I sold my Ruger P345 a while back. I think everyone would agree the 97BD is quite a move up! I should have my new toy next week.

I have a question about this pistol. Sometimes new pistols are sensitive to ammo until they break in a bit. Does the 97BD prefer a certain weight bullet, hard primers, etc, until broken in? About what is a good round count to consider the 97BD broke in? For example, I own a Canik TP9SFx and Caniks in general work better on 124g NATO for the first 500 rounds. Then they feed just about everything without issue. I've not read anything like that about CZs. My P09 doesn't care what I put in it and neither does my son's SP01. I assume the 97BD will be the same. In any case I thought I would ask.

I don't like to make a lot of changes to springs and stuff until a pistol is broke in and I've learned how it shoots and how I shoot it. I already know I'll have to change the grips as a lot of people do. My palms are largish but my fingers are average length so yeah, I too will have issues with the grip. I've held the 97BD at the LGS and it's a handful compared to a 1911 and the Ruger P345 I used to own.

I'll post photos as I add a holster, LOK Grips, etc. This should be a lot of fun.

Shoot more and worry less.

[DJK11]

I have about 2K through my 97B, all but 50 rounds have been my hand loads.  Ran about 400 hand loads before shooting some 230 g. HST.  185, 200 and 230 all ran without a single malfunction.  200g. SWC are my favorite.  I’m loading 45acp for four different pistols and a carbine, so one load run fine in all platforms.  Not spending the time to fine tune a load for each gun.

[NWDave]

Just picked up my NIB -97-BD today, after a mandatory wait, even with CPL, but then that's another tale to be told.

If the -97 were to be my daily carry, I'd be using the standard of 400-500 rounds without a problem noted.

Any problems with 185's and ejecting?  I had to change the recoil spring in my Sig 1911 because of 185's and was curious if I would have to do it again with the 97BD.  90-95% of my shooting is with my personal handloads.  I'm figuring that VV N320 will be my go-to powder for the 185's.

Interesting to note the comment about the SWC's.  I know some semi-auto's feed ramps just don't like the profile while others could care less.

I've read about the LCI problem, so, tomorrow I will do the first mod.....blue loctite.

[longgonedaddy]

"shoot more...worry less"   

My 97BE's eat everything feed to it.  @25 yds...

[lewmed]

 All my shooting has been with my own reloads and my 97 BD likes about any 200 grain bullet RN, FN, SWC, Lead, Plated, jacketed or coated. Right now I'm shooting my second 70 pound case of 200 gr. plated RN bullets from Everglades. I like the 200 gr. plated RN because they are accurate, clean and easy to load.  I only use two powders W-231 or Univ. and Fed. large primers I have left over from the 70's.

[BKmetz]

I picked up my 97BD today and the ammo question has been resolved. Looks like I'll be breaking it in with generic 230g FMJ since that's all I have.



Shoot more and worry less.

 

[NWDave]

Where has this gun been, all my life?   

Only had time for a quick drop by the range, 10 plate-plate rack, 30 feet, Lawman 230gr JHP (Speer), 10 plates down, no reload required.   

Time to start working up a 185 gr JHP (Montana Gold) with some VV powder.

Got a Vortex Venon Red Dot coming in this week from Springer Precision.  Already have the dovetail mount for the red dot.  Got my favorite gunsmith on standby if I can't do the changeover. 

[longgonedaddy]

The S&B 230g FMJ is my go to ammo for the 97BE's.  It is very high quality, accurate, and reliable!