97 and hollow points

[martas]

Does anyone know if the 97 is still having issues feeding hollow points, or was it mainly the older models?

[CZ75BRocks]

Mine was a 2004 and Mike Eagleshield modified the barrel to feed JHPs.  It wasn't a 100% fix, however, it suddenly developed a love for 210gr SWCs.  I wouldn't carry it with JHPs for SD.  I was extremely pleased with the gun's accuracy, it was just to large for me.  Maybe one of the forum's members can comment as to the CZ97BD's JHP ability.

[jimbo-indy]

Mine is an older (2004) series 97B.  It originally had the problem with hollow-points even after a trip back to CZ-USA.  I found that using Witness 45 mags solved the problem.  My inspection indicates that the Witness mags hold the top cartridge just a little higher in the action and this solved the problem.  BONUS, the Witness mags are cheaper and easier to find.

[martas]

That's great to hear. Easy fix. Thank you for the reply.

[OldShooter]

I have a 99 vintage 97B, an oldie without the grip on the forward end of the slide. I haven't tried HP rounds in it, but it handles my 200 and 185 SWCs with no complaints and there have been no modifications to this gun.

[schmeky]

There may be a way to fix the HP feeding issue.  If the mag release were welded and recut to position the mag about 3/32" higher, the feed ramp widened and smoothed, and slide stop clearanced just a tad, this could be a potential fix.  I may play around with this.  

If you can make the nose of the bullet strike higher up to the chamber mouth, the more reliable the feed with any type of bullet.

Might order a barrel and a mag release from CZ and give it a try.  

[Nubes]

I just purchased a 97B new (older model) the test fire was originally from 2004, it had been sitting in the shop so long the price was to good to pass up. So far it has fed WWB HP fine but I don't know how it'll do with any others.

[CZ75BRocks]

Schmeky:  Mike Eagleshield modified my 2004 CZ97B's Barrel Feed Ramp (for free) to accommodate JHPs.  It was better, though not reliable enough to carry for SD with JHPs.  It did not detract from it's ability to feed FMJ. I will say that with 45acp I'm not all jazzed up with JHPs, especially 230gr JHPs.  The company I work for has done extensive testing and they aren't terrible reliable when going through a Leather Jacket/Sweater/T-Shirt combo into Ballistics Gelatin. Their testing was done at 2yds to 7yds.  In our line of work 25yds better not happen.

[schmeky]

CZ75BRocks,

I agree, the 45 was never designed (ala 1911) from the beginning to feed HP's.  Although I like HP's, I don't really see a great benefit in the 45, and your observation concerning clothing is valid given the relatively low velocity of the 230 grain slug.  I was told a long time ago, shooting a 45 FMJ is like shooting an already expanded bullet when compared to say, a 9mm.

Mechanically speaking, if a 97 were fed 100% consistent FMJ ammo, I don't see how it could ever malfunction unless something wore out or broke.

[ct70]

My 97 bd feeds hollow points without issue pretty much every time I've tried it. They will hang up on the feeding ramp when I put the magazine in and rack the first round in. I've found that pushing up on the magazine helps to correct this. Occasionally it will fail to feed a round and ill have to chamber the next round myself. Overall I think the issue is really with using hollow points in the 97 as a defense pistol. It would definately be an issue if it failed to feed in a life or death situation. As far as range shooting its really a minimal issue.

[CZ_Shooter61]

I picked up a brand new XD .45 Tactcal today for $502.00 with my LE. Discount. ( It came with 3 - 13 round mags  )
When I want to shoot hollow points I will use the XD.
I will stick with hard ball for the 97BD.

[Otto N Sure]

There is an alternative, try using Hornady's "Critical Defense" cartridges. They have a ballistic polymer tip inserted in the hollow. The bullet actually feeds like a FMJ, but performs like a JHP.



Otto

[schmeky]

CZ_Shooter61

If you have an XD (non-M), don't shoot any SWC's, the most popular bullet type in the 45 (next to the RN).  Ask me how I know 

BTW, the XD trigger can be improved dramatically, stock, it kinda sux.

[schmeky]

CZ_shooter61,

Read these.  The problem on the earlier XD's and SWC's is the rib on the slides underside is to shallow.  The newer M's supposedly have a taller rib.  My XD .45 Tactical had issues with SWC's.
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/xd-45acp-discussion-room/112695-semi-wadcutter-feed-mods.html
http://www.xdtalk.com/forums/xd-45acp-discussion-room/123419-continuing-mag-problem-part2-w-pics.html

On the XD trigger, it's pretty easy to get a very crisp, lite,  SA, with no over travel using all the original XD trigger parts, while at the same time retaining the stock striker spring for reliability.  I've done a few and the difference is dramatic.  Works better than the after market kits (I tried the Springer Precision).