Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Gun, shooting and equipment discussions unrelated to CHL issues

Moderator: carlson1

Post Reply
User avatar
marksiwel
Banned
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:35 pm
Location: Cedar Park/Austin

Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by marksiwel »

So I got a New Spring for my Browning Hi Power Mk III 9mm. The new Spring is 18.5 Pounds.
SO when Shooting, I got several Stove Pipes, it wouldnt lock back after emptying the Magazine, and some Failures to feed. I was using Monarch Cheapo Ammo, Am I using to strong of a spring? Should I try a couple of Boxes of Ranger Nato Ammo? Does the Spring need some breaking in? Should I get a spring that isnt as strong?
A Side note, I've never had a Failure to Feed or any problems with this handgun, ever, over 2000 rounds without a problem.

Any help would be much appreciated
In Capitalism, Man exploits Man. In Communism, it's just the reverse
stroo
Senior Member
Posts: 1682
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 11:46 pm
Location: Coppell

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by stroo »

I believe that is the same type of spring I used. Had a real tough time getting it in the first time, but none of the problems you are having. Wish I could help.
User avatar
AEA
Senior Member
Posts: 5110
Joined: Sat May 12, 2007 12:00 pm
Location: North Texas

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by AEA »

You are using too strong of a spring with cheap/standard ammo.

Stock Spring on the BHP is 17 pounds and that is what you should use for range work (standard loads......).

The 18.5 pound spring is good for +P and +P+.
Alan - ANYTHING I write is MY OPINION only.
Certified Curmudgeon - But, my German Shepherd loves me!
NRA-Life, USN '65-'69 & '73-'79: RM1
1911's RULE!
User avatar
marksiwel
Banned
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:35 pm
Location: Cedar Park/Austin

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by marksiwel »

AEA wrote:You are using too strong of a spring with cheap/standard ammo.

Stock Spring on the BHP is 17 pounds and that is what you should use for range work (standard loads......).

The 18.5 pound spring is good for +P and +P+.
yeah thats what I figured.
In Capitalism, Man exploits Man. In Communism, it's just the reverse
HankB
Senior Member
Posts: 1394
Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:03 pm
Location: Central TX, just west of Austin

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by HankB »

I have an 18.5 lb Wolf and a BufferTech buffer in my BHP MkIII. Most factory ammo is 115 WWB, I carry Remington 115 JHP +P. I also handload.

Zero malfunctions in well over 1000 rounds.

Could be the ammo.
Original CHL: 2000: 56 day turnaround
1st renewal, 2004: 34 days
2nd renewal, 2008: 81 days
3rd renewal, 2013: 12 days
User avatar
marksiwel
Banned
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:35 pm
Location: Cedar Park/Austin

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by marksiwel »

HankB wrote:I have an 18.5 lb Wolf and a BufferTech buffer in my BHP MkIII. Most factory ammo is 115 WWB, I carry Remington 115 JHP +P. I also handload.

Zero malfunctions in well over 1000 rounds.

Could be the ammo.
Yeah but I've shot Monarch through it with the old springs, never a problem.

I'm gonna try some Ranger Ammo, and try out my Speer Gold Dots.

What are the advantages of a stronger spring?
In Capitalism, Man exploits Man. In Communism, it's just the reverse
User avatar
marksiwel
Banned
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:35 pm
Location: Cedar Park/Austin

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by marksiwel »

AndyC wrote:You can shoot heavier loads and the frame takes less battering - too much, though, and you'll start getting smokestacks, misfeeds, etc because there's too much pressure for the slide to overcome using that particular load.
Good to know, you guys have been very helpfull.
I also have a heavy spring for my Browning in 40, its a 20 pound spring
In Capitalism, Man exploits Man. In Communism, it's just the reverse
ghostrider
Senior Member
Posts: 1758
Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:05 am
Location: Free Republic of Texas

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by ghostrider »

As recommended by Steve Camp, I only use 18.5lb recoil springs:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/9mm_ ... bility.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Hi%2 ... gevity.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've not had any problems, but I only use handloads and occasionally factory SD loads.
NRA Member
Amateur Radio Operator
Stephen A. Camp

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by Stephen A. Camp »

Hello. Sounds like it may be too much for the Monarch ammunition you mention. I have also been getting similar complaints of current lots of Remington UMC 9mm FMJ ammunition being noticeably lightly-loaded as well, but only within the last year or so. Try your Monarch with the standard power 17-lb spring. I use the 18.5-lb spring with standard pressure ammunition (115 to 147-gr) with zero problems in several Hi Powers but have not fired any Monarch in a great while.

Best.
User avatar
marksiwel
Banned
Posts: 1964
Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 4:35 pm
Location: Cedar Park/Austin

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by marksiwel »

Stephen A. Camp wrote:Hello. Sounds like it may be too much for the Monarch ammunition you mention. I have also been getting similar complaints of current lots of Remington UMC 9mm FMJ ammunition being noticeably lightly-loaded as well, but only within the last year or so. Try your Monarch with the standard power 17-lb spring. I use the 18.5-lb spring with standard pressure ammunition (115 to 147-gr) with zero problems in several Hi Powers but have not fired any Monarch in a great while.

Best.
Are you the same Steve Camp from the Browning Hi Power website? If so, wow, your website got me to be a Hi Power Fan for life
In Capitalism, Man exploits Man. In Communism, it's just the reverse
Stephen A. Camp

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by Stephen A. Camp »

Hello. Yes, guilty as charged.

Best.
ghostrider
Senior Member
Posts: 1758
Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:05 am
Location: Free Republic of Texas

Re: Browning Hi Power Spring Help

Post by ghostrider »

I highly recommend Steve's books:

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Products5.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
NRA Member
Amateur Radio Operator
Post Reply

Return to “General Gun, Shooting & Equipment Discussion”