I'd like to know more about spring #'s for different bullet weights and size gun (etc. gov't, commander).  I would just like to become more informed on these different applications and what not. I've never been quite taught or learned which spring # applies for which gun and or gun size.  I know that typically for a government size pistol, a 16# is standard issue(for 230gr) and that some of the custom guns use 18.5# in theirs.  Why do they(Baer, Wilson, etc) seem to use a heavier one.  Someone tell me something about this. Thanks

There is an entire forum dedicated to this subject at the brian enos forum.  Its hard to go wrong with a good 16# spring in a 5"gun  for all around use.  Remember the recoil spring will feel different with different mainspring weights as well.   For my play gun I use a 17#main spring and a 14# recoil with shok buffs.