I've heard from various sources that the R51 only likes heavier bullets in higher-quality ammo - well, I decided to see for myself today... I shot 50 of the American Eagle (i.e. Federal) 115 grain rounds and 50 of a brand I had never even seen before called "GECO" (made in Germany and cheap!) in 115 grains as well. Much to my surprise, I only had one malfunction and that was with the first mag (shooting the American Eagle) - for some reason, it ejected a live round and then kept on working! I didn't even notice except for the fact that I was counting my shots and thought, "Hmmm... I coulda sworn I loaded 7 plus one in the pipe". After the last round and the slide back, I looked down and there was a live round on the ground! That was the only malfunction in 100 rounds of ammo that I assumed would have lots of problems. I am convinced that the R51 is one of those pistols that really needs a break-in period - mine has now gone through 200 rounds and seems to be functioning perfectly.

I am now ready to make this one of my carry guns as soon as my holster arrives. I REALLY like the way this pistol shoots! Light recoil, accurate, and (now) reliable.

Quote from: plunkster on February 27, 2017, 01:49:42 PM
I've heard from various sources that the R51 only likes heavier bullets in higher-quality ammo

Several people have reported that their particular R51 seems to run more reliably with hotter ammo, and often with heavier bullets.  YMMV.

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

Quote from: plunkster on February 27, 2017, 01:49:42 PM
I've heard from various sources that the R51 only likes heavier bullets in higher-quality ammo - well, I decided to see for myself today... I shot 50 of the American Eagle (i.e. Federal) 115 grain rounds and 50 of a brand I had never even seen before called "GECO" (made in Germany and cheap!) in 115 grains as well. Much to my surprise, I only had one malfunction and that was with the first mag (shooting the American Eagle) - for some reason, it ejected a live round and then kept on working! I didn't even notice except for the fact that I was counting my shots and thought, "Hmmm... I coulda sworn I loaded 7 plus one in the pipe". After the last round and the slide back, I looked down and there was a live round on the ground! That was the only malfunction in 100 rounds of ammo that I assumed would have lots of problems. I am convinced that the R51 is one of those pistols that really needs a break-in period - mine has now gone through 200 rounds and seems to be functioning perfectly.

I am now ready to make this one of my carry guns as soon as my holster arrives. I REALLY like the way this pistol shoots! Light recoil, accurate, and (now) reliable.

plunkster,
     After your gun gets really broken in, it will shoot anything.  I shoot +P, 115 grain and even some 100 grain.  Plus Ruger ARX which is 65 grain + P.
Mine will shoot anything I put in it.  But kI have not tried Reloads..  Some remans yes, but no reloads.  Above my pay grade to reload.
Lots of luck with your R$1.
Blackie

Quote from: 1911SHOOTER on March 01, 2017, 08:37:15 PM

Quote from: plunkster on February 27, 2017, 01:49:42 PM
I've heard from various sources that the R51 only likes heavier bullets in higher-quality ammo - well, I decided to see for myself today... I shot 50 of the American Eagle (i.e. Federal) 115 grain rounds and 50 of a brand I had never even seen before called "GECO" (made in Germany and cheap!) in 115 grains as well. Much to my surprise, I only had one malfunction and that was with the first mag (shooting the American Eagle) - for some reason, it ejected a live round and then kept on working! I didn't even notice except for the fact that I was counting my shots and thought, "Hmmm... I coulda sworn I loaded 7 plus one in the pipe". After the last round and the slide back, I looked down and there was a live round on the ground! That was the only malfunction in 100 rounds of ammo that I assumed would have lots of problems. I am convinced that the R51 is one of those pistols that really needs a break-in period - mine has now gone through 200 rounds and seems to be functioning perfectly.

I am now ready to make this one of my carry guns as soon as my holster arrives. I REALLY like the way this pistol shoots! Light recoil, accurate, and (now) reliable.

plunkster,
     After your gun gets really broken in, it will shoot anything.  I shoot +P, 115 grain and even some 100 grain.  Plus Ruger ARX which is 65 grain + P.
Mine will shoot anything I put in it.  But kI have not tried Reloads..  Some remans yes, but no reloads.  Above my pay grade to reload.
Lots of luck with your R$1.
Blackie

The chamber on my R51 is tight.  It's in spec but I have to crimp the case mouth of my reloads to about 0.376 or so.  SAAMI spec for the max outside diameter for 9mm Luger at the case mouth is 0.380".  When I set my die to crimp down to 0.380, they would not plunk at all.  They'd stick in the chamber and I'd have to use the Pedersen block to pull it out.  The same cartridges would plunk in other barrels.

I miked some commercial ammo (PMC Green and Hornady Critical Duty) and the outside dia of their case mouth was 0.375".  These plunk just fine in the R51.  So when I cranked the crimp down to 0.376" they plunked.  My problem with that is that it's pushing the crimp to its limit on my die.  Any further and it would be a roll crimp, and I'm not exaggerating.  I think I'm going to have to invest in a FCD. 

Peace favor your sword,
Kirk

Just got back from another range trip where I shot 124 grain Remington and 115 grain Winchester white box as well as a mag each of Hornady CD and Ruger ARX. Not a single problem of any kind - even though it was in the mid 30s with a lot of wind and even a little snow! I now officially trust this pistol!