45 ACP
45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) Ammo is a popular handgun cartridge that is perfect to use in legendary 1911 pistols. These hard-hitting rounds are well-known around the world for both stopping power and reliability. The muzzle energy of 45 ACP ammo ranges between 300 and 500 ft. which is higher than most 9mm cartridges. Introduced in 1904 by John Moses Browning, this rimless straight-walled handgun standard cartridge operates at a low chamber pressure rating of 21,000 psi.
Ballistic Properties of 45 ACP Ammo:
Bullet Weight / Type
Velocity
Energy
185 grain / Bonded Defense
1,225 feet / second
835 Joules
185 grain / Jacketed Hollow Point
1,050 feet / second
614 Joules
200 grain / Jacketed Hollow Point +Pressurized
1,080 feet / second
702 Joules
230 grain / Federal Hydra-Shok
900 feet / second
561 Joules
230 grain / US Army Ball Full Metal Jacket
830 feet / second
477 Joules
45 ACP Ammo is available from 68 grains to 300 grains. Rounds under 100 grains and over 260 grains are specialty rounds. 186-grain and 230 grain are the perfect for reloaders and target shooters. A 230 grain round travels at about 830 ft/second when fired using a 1911 pistol.
45 ACP Ammo Specification:
Case type: straight, Rimless,
Bullet diameter: 11.5 mm (.452 in)
Neck diameter: 12.0 mm (.473 in)
Base diameter: 12.1 mm (.476 in)
Rim diameter: 12.2 mm (.480 in)
Rim thickness: 1.2 mm (.049 in)
Case length: 22.8 mm (.898 in)
Overall length: 32.4 mm (1.275 in)
Case capacity: 1.73 cm3 (26.7 gr H2O)
Rifling twist: 406 mm
Maximum pressure (CIP): 19,900 psi (137 MPa)
Maximum pressure (SAAMI): 21,000 psi (140 MPa)
The 45 ACP started development in 1905 by Colt with the assistance of John Browning by enlarging a .41 caliber cartridge already being developed when the US Cavalry requested a .45 caliber cartridge to replace the ineffective 38 Long Colt being issued at the time. After several revisions and improvements, it was officially adopted in 1911 for the US military.
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) History
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) Usage
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) Usage
The 45 ACP still finds use with the US military and some Law Enforcement Officers and remains one of the most popular choices for personal defense. It is also used by some competition shooters for its proven accuracy and performance and is available in pistols, revolvers, carbines and submachine guns.
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) Trivia
The .45 ACP was selected after being tested on its ability to kill cows in the Chicago Stockyards (Look up the Thompson-LaGarde Tests). It is the longest serving pistol cartridge of the US military, with continued service with some special operations units after the 9mm Parabellum was selected for standard issue.
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) Trivia
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) Design
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) Design
The 45 ACP is a rimless, straight walled cartridge with an overall length of 1.275” and a case capacity of 26.7 grains (H2O). It fires a .452” diameter bullet and uses large pistol primers with a maximum pressure of 21,000 PSI.
.45 Auto (.45 ACP) Types
There are several modern bullet designs offering choices in different weights from 165 grains to 230 grains, including cast lead, full metal jacket, and hollow point options depending on intended use. Its slower velocity is compatible for suppressor use without customizing loads.
