Question on .45acp ammo
- Thread starter tipoc
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john in jax
New member
F.p.s.
Speed - - Elmer Kieth and a lot of the "old-timers" advocated LSB's (Large Slow Bullets). But now-a-days it's all about smaller, faster bullets.
Most 230grns manage 800-900fps, while some of the 185grn +P+ manages to get just over 1,000fps.
Speed - - Elmer Kieth and a lot of the "old-timers" advocated LSB's (Large Slow Bullets). But now-a-days it's all about smaller, faster bullets.
Most 230grns manage 800-900fps, while some of the 185grn +P+ manages to get just over 1,000fps.
roger-ruger
New member
"Speed - - Elmer Kieth and a lot of the "old-timers" advocated LSB's (Large Slow Bullets). But now-a-days it's all about smaller, faster bullets."
Can't be the resurgence of the 45acp in different pistol brands says it all. But to some it may be. But for me im sticking it out with the 45acp.
Can't be the resurgence of the 45acp in different pistol brands says it all. But to some it may be. But for me im sticking it out with the 45acp.
Jim Watson
New member
That is news to me.
The first .45 JHP that ever saw, in the late 1960s, was the 190 gr Super Vel. The only other hollowpoint then on the market was the 230 gr Norma, which did not amount to much.
The original Remington, Federal, and Winchester (Silvertip) JHPs were all 185 grains, best I recall. I believe the thinking was that the hollowpoints of the day could not be counted on to expand until at or near 1000 fps, so they made them light enough to make it.
Well, not to inject TOO much cynicism into the discussion-- but there's a wise saying that goes "Whenever you ask 'Why don't they make...' the answer is always 'money.'" It follows that whenever you ask "Why do they make...?" the answer is also "money."
Not to say that 185 gr. hollowpoints aren't good; not to say that any of the available weights aren't good. But whether they're good or not doesn't really matter. They appear because the manufacturers think they're going to sell. It's as simple as that.
Not to say that 185 gr. hollowpoints aren't good; not to say that any of the available weights aren't good. But whether they're good or not doesn't really matter. They appear because the manufacturers think they're going to sell. It's as simple as that.
Jim W.,
I assume you're correct so the answer to my question "Why the 185 Gr. JHP" would be...Super Vel was an innovator in bullet design. Lee Jurras came up with the concept of a light hp round at higher velocity that would more reliably expand than either the few JHPs of the day or the FMJ or LSWC bullets of the time.
I know Super Vel developed similiar loads (lighter bullet, JHP, higher velocity) for the .38Spl., 9mm, .357 and a few others. Didn't make the connection with the .45acp. Thanks.
Why is it favored by some today? Does it "work better" out of shorter barrels? 230 gr. JHPs tend to work quite well so what is the point?
tipoc
I assume you're correct so the answer to my question "Why the 185 Gr. JHP" would be...Super Vel was an innovator in bullet design. Lee Jurras came up with the concept of a light hp round at higher velocity that would more reliably expand than either the few JHPs of the day or the FMJ or LSWC bullets of the time.
I know Super Vel developed similiar loads (lighter bullet, JHP, higher velocity) for the .38Spl., 9mm, .357 and a few others. Didn't make the connection with the .45acp. Thanks.
Why is it favored by some today? Does it "work better" out of shorter barrels? 230 gr. JHPs tend to work quite well so what is the point?
tipoc
Alot of people still hold to the benefits of higher velocity - real or otherwise; some love those big Energy numbers posted on the box. In shorter barrels they give you more fps then the 230s, which can still give an edge for expansion anjd help with recoil. I picked 200gr (XTP) in my Commander to try to get the best combo of weight and speed, as I wanted the extra zip w/o +p recoil.
Love&Hate12
New member
I have chronographed the Corbon 185 grain at 1200 fps out of my Sig220.
Not too many rounds are going to top a 185 grainer at that speed, that's 10mm range and also has 10mm recoil.
I load 230's for the less recoil and honestly the weight makes up for the lack of velocity somewhat, 230's hit very hard and the foot pound measuring can't measure the felt impact completely so I hear, the 230's aren't going to be as intense as those +p 185's though .
If I only had one shot I would choose the fast 185 grainer because that one has to hit really hard for a pistol round.
Not too many rounds are going to top a 185 grainer at that speed, that's 10mm range and also has 10mm recoil.
I load 230's for the less recoil and honestly the weight makes up for the lack of velocity somewhat, 230's hit very hard and the foot pound measuring can't measure the felt impact completely so I hear, the 230's aren't going to be as intense as those +p 185's though .
If I only had one shot I would choose the fast 185 grainer because that one has to hit really hard for a pistol round.
Sounds about right.
I chose a 185gr. bullet for my snubby Taurus PT-145 because I chronoed some 230gr. loads, and found that short barrel was only giving me about 750fps. I was worried JHP's wouldn't expand at that low velocity. The 185gr. load gave me about 900fps. I figured I'd get better performance at that velocity.
Just my opinion.
I chose a 185gr. bullet for my snubby Taurus PT-145 because I chronoed some 230gr. loads, and found that short barrel was only giving me about 750fps. I was worried JHP's wouldn't expand at that low velocity. The 185gr. load gave me about 900fps. I figured I'd get better performance at that velocity.
Just my opinion.