Or convert yours to .45 Super. The online specs show that for the Speer Gold Dot Ge the MV is 950 fps, instead of the 871 Bob shows. While the enduring popularity of the Colt Model 1911 has surely contributed to this, the vast selection of non-1911 handguns chambered in .45 ACP makes it clear that the round has also remained so successful due to its own strengths. Most of us gun enthusiasts understand the differences between the two ammo and how powerful it is. Longer than the standard .45, it has a higher volume and more potential as a powerful round. Also available in a +P load, the Winchester Ranger T-Series has a strong reputation among American law enforcement officers. While 45 ACP ammo technically does have a rim, its rim diameter is eight times smaller than that of the 45 Long Colt’s when you compare the rim’s protrusion to the base diameter of the cartridge. With all that in mind, it's no surprise that the HST is one of the most popular bullets used by law enforcement agencies in the United States. This cartridge had the best expansion (.91 inches) among all 31 products and fell in the FBI’s preferred penetration (14.18 inches). Good loads using JHP bullets are relatively scarce. 45 ACP +P OUTDOORSMAN 255 gr. NEXT: THE HENRY SMALL GAME RIFLE IN .22 MAGNUM: INITIAL THOUGHTS. In 1985, the US military replaced the .45 ACP with the 9mm round for its standard sidearm. Of course, the 45 LC is not a semi-auto handgun ammo, but the 45 ACP, and can be fired in both revolvers and semi-autos. And, it's more likely to continue to penetrate and expand afterwards. Penetration depth is right in the 12-18″ sweet zone, with great expansion on all five rounds, and good velocity for a shorter barrel. Tom McHale review his choices for the most reliable and best performing 45 ACP ammo to carry loaded in your self defense handgun. ITEM 45-255. .45 ACP +P BUFFALO-BARNES Low Flash Pistol and Handgun Ammo - Photographs may differ slightly from product BUFFALO-BARNES .45 ACP +P LEAD FREE - 160 gr. These attributes make them excellent choices for concealed carry or home-defense. The problem with the .45 ACP for self-defense isn’t the cartridge, but the pistols that chamber it. The Federal HST is another extremely popular self-defense bullet, and the fact that it's in such widespread use in cartridges ranging from .380 Auto all the way up to the .45 ACP speaks to its effectiveness. .45 ACP Ammo : Find out which online Ammo Shop has the best price, in-stock, right now. 45 ACP as it is commonly known. Honestly, there isn't much to say about the Winchester T-Series because it's just so darn good. Winchester 9mm 115 gr Steel Case $13.99. 45ACP+P ammo is externally/dimensionally identical to 45 ACP ammo and can be fired in any 45 acp firearm that is in normal operating condition. It's certainly among the best .45 ACP ammo for self-defense. Most of us gun enthusiasts understand the differences between the two ammo and how powerful it is. Hornady does have an entry on this list, but it's not the Hornady Critical Defense. [bc-description action="new description"] Technical Information Caliber: 45 ACP Bullet Weight: 255 Grains Bullet Style: Hi-Tek Coated Hard Cast Flat Nose 21 BHN Case Type: Ducta-Bright 7a Nickel Plated Brass Ballistics Information Muzzle Velocity: 925 fps Muzzle Energy: 484 ft lbs [bc-description action="end descriptio It was designed by firearms legend John M. Browning for Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in 1905. Be among the first to know when ammo prices drop. Even though it's not a bonded bullet, the Federal HST is still very well-constructed. Hard Cast FN @ 925 fps/M.E. The most recently released round on this list, G2’s Radically Invasive Projectile (R.I.P.) The following is a penetration comparison of the two ammo and it is the un-scientific approach. Being “stuck” in the middle, between the 9mm Parabellum and the .45 ACP, it is a cartridge which has been the focus of some debate. Gold Dot ammo is the best 45 ACP ammo for self defense due to its reliability. The following is a penetration comparison of the two ammo and it is the un-scientific approach. In fact, standard pressure 230 grain FMJ loads are, perhaps, the .45 owner’s best choice for bears since they penetrate deep and make wider wounds than non-expanding 10mm’s. The Buffalo Bore Heavy 10MM ammo is the result of many years of customers requests that we produce several such loads for the 10MM. Either way, the 9mm and the .45 ACP both pack a strong enough punch to neutralize any threat. Visit Double Taps website for more information. I think you'll agree with me when I say that there are a ton of .45 ACP ammo choices out there that claim to be great for personal protection. Since the penetration is an average of 14″, this round would likely be fine (no over-penetration) in longer barrels as well. At the same time, the XTP also has a jacket of varying thickness along the length of the bullet, which controls expansion past a certain point and aids in penetration. I would load a .45 Colt revolver with the Cor-Bon 200 grain JHP. Depending on your circumstances, this might be a good thing, as over-penetration is less of a concern with the Guard Dog ammo. (a 185 gr bullet). As a dedicated semi-auto cartridge, the 45 ACP features an extractor groove that provides a surface for a handgun’s extractor to purchase against during extraction. When considering the best 45 ACP ammo for self-defense available today, it makes sense to first understand the history of the cartridge. This load has all the same advantages of other Speer Gold Dot loads, making it an excellent choice for concealed carry. I have a Taurus Judge that I love. The +P version is not the best choice, in most cases, either for defense or bears. Aguila Aguila 380 95GR $22.99. The next pistol I tested was the Dan Wesson Bruin, which sports a 6.3-inch barrel. Recommended: This Is How China Would Invade Taiwan (And How to Stop It). Unlike specialized ammunition types, +P ammunition is simply regular ammunition made … STATS OF THE 450 SMC: 160 grain BARNES TAC-XP LEAD FREE 1740 FPS- MUZZLE ENERGY 1076 FT POUNDS. A few years ago, while interviewing some of the department’s firearms staff, I was told that the LVMPD issues all Speer Gold Dot ammo—subsonics in .45 ACP (230 grains) and .40 S&W (180 grains), but 124-grain +P rounds in 9mms. 62 thoughts on “ The Obsolete .45 […] Look at Double Tap for your hottest .45 ACP loads. The big bore .45 caliber for the Glock 21 is one of the best things you can buy at this … Bottom line, the .45 ACP is the better self-defense cartridge, and does its best work at standard velocity. Most high quality hollow point ammo produced for law enforcement and concealed carry is closer to $0.75 to $1.00 per round. In short, it's a really solid choice for self-defense with minimal risk of over-penetration. Despite all the competition out there, .45 ACP remains one of the most popular defensive handgun calibers, even more than a century after it was first conceived. TAC-XP LOW FLASH (1,150 fps) - 20 Round Box FREE SHIPPING - Purchase 12 or more boxes & get FREE SHIPPING! Federal .45 ACP 230 gr HST. of ME, so these kick more than any of the 45 ACP cartridges, even those that go up to 616 of ME ft. lbs. How powerful is the 45 colt caliber? It’s a big cartridge and requires a big pistol. But sometimes its good to see the visual effects of the ballistics. Palmetto State Armory offers a full line of handgun ammo from a wide range of major brands such as Federal, Hornaday, Winchester, Fiocchi, etc. The 9mm Luger or Parabellum is choice of many gun owners..40 S&W The “forty” Smith & Wesson is a very popular round with more recoil than the 9mm. Praised for being compact and easier to handle than its.45 ACP counterpart, the 9mm has become one of the most popular rounds in the world. Simple penetration and expansion test of the .45 ACP +P Buffalo Bore 230 grain JHP using a diluted form of SIM-TEST Ballistic Testing Media. 2 0. rick. Sporting a 6.3-inch barrel to get the most out of your .45 ACP ammo while offering a longer sight radius, the Bruin also features an adjustable rear sight, a high-swept beavertail and G10 grip panels. After looking at the data, we can reliably recommend a few cartridges as the best 45 acp ammo for self-defense, especially the Winchester Ranger Talon with 230-grain hollow points. Look at Double Tap for your hottest .45 ACP loads. The higher pressure .45's ballistics (hence the "+P") with its consequent increased velocity, are not too dissimilar from many 10mm loads—on paper. I fire .410 shells in it most of the time but I want to keep some more powerful rounds in case of something like a bear attack. … The 357 Mag (mentioned very briefly here) has the largest range of pre-manufactured ammo power wise or all calibers, and tops off at a hefty 900 ft. lbs. If it's a 1911 you have than you can also get a .460 Rowland barrel/comp kit from Clark Custom. While it's OK to use full metal jacket ammo for target shooting with your handgun, you should still plan on testing out your chosen defense ammo at the range sometimes, too. Most high quality hollow point ammo produced for law enforcement and concealed carry is closer to $0.75 to $1.00 per round. 45 ACP +P ammo is externally/dimensionally identical to 45 ACP ammo and can be fired in any 45 ACP firearm that is in normal operating condition. Beretta M9 It features a hollow… If possible, I'd like to also have the ammo not cause heavy recoil, so fast follow-up shots can be easier (even if one round itself is enough). Most 9mm brass cased full metal jacket ammo produced for range use averages between $0.15 and $0.20 per round, depending on brand and retailer. Find the best prices for the most quantity here! THE HENRY SMALL GAME RIFLE IN .22 MAGNUM: INITIAL THOUGHTS. In comparison, a standard 45 ACP cartridge has a 230 grain bullet and 850 fps muzzle velocity, giving it 369 ft lbs muzzle energy. G2 R.I.P. Since the penetration is an average of 14″, this round would likely be fine (no over-penetration) in longer barrels as well. Pick one or two these choices to test their accuracy and reliability. Because, they don't make a .46: Any modern bullet in .45 ACP will easily pass the FBI test. Although mostly replaced by the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridges in modern military and law enforcement applications, it enjoys plenty of success in the civilian sector. The Black Hills load is designed to offer maximum penetration (13.5 inches, with 0.72 inch expansion) with the Hornady XTP bullet. CCI 9mm Luger Ammo 115 Grain Full Metal Jacket Ammo $14.99. Recommended: The. Those JHP bullets hit hard and offer deep penetration in conjunction with reliable expansion. We've studied and examined nearly all available 32 ammo and find it wanting as a reliable means of self-defense, especially against a large, drugged up/ pain-free , determined attacker. The U.S. Army formally adopted the 1911 […] It typically weighs around 185 to 260 grain..45 LC, or long colt, is a round designed for revolvers. 484 ft lbs 50 Round Box. Honestly, there isn't much to say about the Winchester T-Series because it's just so darn good. They all offer a mix of outstanding penetration, high weight retention and lots of stopping power. Basically shoot at different type of objects and observe the effects. The Armory stocks a wide range of 45 ammo to satisfy the needs of plinkers, hunters, competitive shooters, and the avid ammunition aficionado. You can read more great articles by John McAdams on The Big Game Hunting Blog. All of the self-defense rounds on this list incorporate some of the most advanced bullet technology in existence and have been thoroughly tested using the FBI standards by Lucky Gunner. Different firearms often prefer different loads and bullet weights. Even the most compact .45s are still kind of big, and the smallest are harder to shoot as a result. Glock 21 Capacity. Get free Ammo-Alerts in your email inbox! The .45 offered affordable practice ammo, and many self-defense loads. The .45 ACP—or Automatic Colt Pistol—is a wonderful cartridge, it is simple, effective and easy to shoot. ITEM 45-255. Being avid shooters ourselves, we enjoy trying out new 45 ACP ammo and try to offer you 45 ammo at very aggressive prices so that you can share in our most favorite pastime. Like what you see here? Springfield so firmly believed in the viability of the venerable .45 that they introduced their brand new pistol in .45 ACP first, and then expanded to the ever-popular 9mm Luger a year later, followed by the … Most .45 ACP brass case range ammo sits at around $0.25 to $0.45 per round. ITEM 21B. The Black Hills load showed the most penetration of any load tested and the best accuracy. Not as fast as the 9mm, and not as powerful as the .45, the .40 round has seen its share of law-enforcement action, and is now being phased out. Our Picks: Most Powerful 22 WMR Ammo Self Defense: Hornady Critical Defense 45 Grain FTX Finally, invest the money and the energy into becoming proficient with your chosen self-defense gun. Or convert yours to .45 Super. It offers excellent accuracy and significantly more stopping power than a 9mm. lbs.) Like the Winchester Ranger T-Series of ammo, the Speer Gold Dot is another favorite type of ammo for law enforcement agencies. HOWEVER, because of the very limited size of the cartridge, it is plagued with limited power and therefore most of the existing ammo in 32 ACP suffers from not being reliable as a man-stopper. The 45 .ACP is a rather blunt round, it will go into the target, but it wont come out the other side, it will however cause massive damege where it does penetrate. Ammunition reloader & writer, Bob Shell, organizes a family reunion of the 45 caliber ammo, meet the many cousins of the popular .45 ACP handgun round. Just like the name states, Magtech First Defense Bonded ammunition features a JHP bullet containing a lead core bonded to the jacket. In today's post, I'm going to talk about why these are the specific loads you should be carrying in your Colt, Glock, Sig or other gun you entrust your life to. At the same time, it's designed to work even after penetrating though barriers or heavy clothing. 45 ACP +P OUTDOORSMAN 255 gr. But sometimes its good to see the visual effects of the ballistics. 484 ft lbs 50 Round Box. The round was tested over a period of six years alongside the Colt M1911 pistol. Most .45 ACP brass case range ammo sits at around $0.25 to $0.45 per round. Most shooters know 45 ACP as a classic caliber and plenty of self-defense reliant shooters still depend on the cartridge today. 9mm and .45 ACP come in a huge range of flavors, some that are amazing for home defense or EDC and some that are best for punching holes in paper – no matter what caliber you pick, we got you covered in our Best 9mm Ammo and Best .45 ACP Ammo reviews. Unfortunately, most .45 Colt factory loads come with 250-255 grain lead RN bullets. It also means they have a stellar reputation for high weight retention, deep penetration and reliable expansion. The .45 ACP is perhaps the most iconic of all pistols on the market today. But I discovered from Wikipedia that the Judge can be damaged by ammo that has an energy output equal to 44 magnum (about 1000 ft lbs.). Basically shoot at different type of objects and observe the effects. Recommended: We Went Aboard the Most Powerful Aircraft Carrier Ever Built. .45 ACP +P BUFFALO-BARNES Low Flash Pistol and Handgun Ammo BUFFALO-BARNES .45 ACP +P LEAD FREE - 185 gr. © Copyright 2021, WOS, Inc. All Rights Reserved. After all, you could literally be trusting your life to your ammunition, so it's important to choose wisely.