I’m curious what you folks recommend for .45acp self defense ammo. While I’m interested in specific brands I’m also interested in things like bullet weight, +P yea or nay, overall cartridge design, etc. Also, I have a few .45s, but for the sake of this post I’m primarily concerned with a modern Colt 1911. Let me also say that I realize any ammo will need to be tested in my specific gun, but just looking for a starting point.
2016 Recommended .45acp Ammo
- Thread starter BarryLee
- Start date
Jim Watson
New member
Nick's load kicks me too much.
I like the 200 gr XTP 900 fps #9112 for steel frame guns.
I actually load that bullet down to 800 fps for my Commander.
I like the 200 gr XTP 900 fps #9112 for steel frame guns.
I actually load that bullet down to 800 fps for my Commander.
"...to be tested in my specific gun..." You not reloading? You need to try a box of as many brands as you can to find the ammo your pistol shoots best. The price of it means nothing. Pop into your local gun shop and start with whatever is on sale.
Suggest you stick with a 230 RN though. They tend to give the least amount of cycling grief. A cast 230 will do as well as any jacketed bullet.
Oh and cast bullets instantly go flat when they hit hard stuff like bones. Or they might break up and cause more damage than any jacketed bullet. They do not require a lot of velocity to do it either. An HP, any HP, requires velocity to expand reliably. More velocity equals more felt recoil. Not that a .45 has a lot of that though.
+P is about pressures. Really makes no difference one way or the other. Accuracy is what's important.
Suggest you stick with a 230 RN though. They tend to give the least amount of cycling grief. A cast 230 will do as well as any jacketed bullet.
Oh and cast bullets instantly go flat when they hit hard stuff like bones. Or they might break up and cause more damage than any jacketed bullet. They do not require a lot of velocity to do it either. An HP, any HP, requires velocity to expand reliably. More velocity equals more felt recoil. Not that a .45 has a lot of that though.
+P is about pressures. Really makes no difference one way or the other. Accuracy is what's important.
Uncle Malice
New member
I always opt for Federal HST 230gr +P.
Is this due to some doubling of price being in CA or something?? XTP should be under $1/rd...
Is this due to some doubling of price being in CA or something?? XTP should be under $1/rd...Overkill777
New member
FairWarning
New member
I tend to you standard pressure HST 230 or Ranger 230 in my 1911, but always the +P versions in my HK USP full size since it is very soft shooting.
I sometimes use Gold Dot 200 +P, but never below 200 gr.
I sometimes use Gold Dot 200 +P, but never below 200 gr.
I purchased them from Midway. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/15...230-grain-xtp-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-20
I got my wires crossed - I was thinking 10 boxes made 100 rounds
Sorry. And good catch.
Side note: I load my own ammo. But all CCW and safety/defense training classes I've been through strongly recommend factory ammo for SD. Mostly due to legal reasons, civil litigation, etc.
They are potent. But I've decided they are manageable enough (for me) for home defense.
g.willikers
New member
Handgun rounds are reportedly notoriously ineffective, so too much thought about the ammo is probably unproductive.
Time might be better spent on effective technique.
That being said, the Corbon line of self defense ammunition seems to always get good reviews.
Time might be better spent on effective technique.
That being said, the Corbon line of self defense ammunition seems to always get good reviews.
I've used many. I've never felt the least bit vulnerable with W-W white box 230 grain ball ammo. After all, the .45 ACP's reputation was created with 230 grain ball ammo.
BTW, I never choose ammo upon expansion premise. I prefer though-and-through wounds. Were a projectile to expand along its way, I'd get a bonus.
BTW, I never choose ammo upon expansion premise. I prefer though-and-through wounds. Were a projectile to expand along its way, I'd get a bonus.
4runnerman
New member
I agree with Nicks post first off- No reloads for SD, Bad JuJu in court. also agree with the Winchester white box.
I haven't done a lot of testing of different ammo. For years I carried 45ACP ball and felt comfortable. I finally succumbed to the popular chorus and purchased some hollow point ammo in 230 gr. I alternated rounds in the mag, -- every other round is ball. Hollow point is first.
Any of these would probably suffice, in ascending KE.
Glock 21
Federal Hydra-Shok 230 gr. @ 846 fps / 367# KE
Federal HST 230 gr. @ 863 fps / 380# KE
Winchester Ranger T 230 gr. @ 931 fps / 443# KE
Federal Hydra-Shok 185 +P @ 1,060 fps / 462# KE
Remington Golden Saber 185 +P @ 1,069 fps / 470# KE
Glock 21
Federal Hydra-Shok 230 gr. @ 846 fps / 367# KE
Federal HST 230 gr. @ 863 fps / 380# KE
Winchester Ranger T 230 gr. @ 931 fps / 443# KE
Federal Hydra-Shok 185 +P @ 1,060 fps / 462# KE
Remington Golden Saber 185 +P @ 1,069 fps / 470# KE