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As one of the most popular handgun ammo calibers in America, 45 ACP has a long and storied history that has left its mark on the entire firearms industry. This round has been in use for over 100 years, and in that time, it has become a favorite amongst everyone from veterans to target shooters, competition shooters, and active duty military and law enforcement personnel. Whether you're thinking about purchasing a firearm chambered in 45 ACP or you just want to learn more about one of the most prolific and impactful rounds in the history of firearms, here's a quick rundown on everything you should know about it.
What Does 45 ACP Mean?
The term "ACP" stands for Automatic Colt Pistol, and refers to the project in which the caliber was originally designed and the pistol that it was intended for use in. Originally developed in 1904 by John Moses Browning, the 45 ACP cartridge was built for his prototype semi-automatic pistol. Browning was designing this pistol and caliber at the request of the U.S. Military, who wanted a replacement that provided more stopping power for their standard issue .38 caliber revolvers. After several designs and iterations, in 1911 the 45 ACP cartridge and the Colt Model 1911 semi-automatic pistol were born. This pistol and accompanying caliber were immediately adopted as the primary sidearm for U.S. service members, and remained in this position until 1985. Given the long service history of this caliber and handgun, they saw combat in nearly all of the most important conflicts of the 20th century, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more. This led to the inception of the rallying cry, "45 ACP won two world wars!" from supporters and fans of this caliber, usually in reference to it being superior to other handgun cartridges, such as 9mm.
How Powerful Is 45 ACP?
This handgun cartridge is known for its stopping power, as this was the primary purpose of its original design. .45 caliber is pretty large for a pistol, so the actual bullet is much wider and larger than some of the other most popular options, like .32, 9mm, and even .40 S&W. The strength of 45 ACP rounds is one of the primary reasons why it is popular as a concealed carry or home defense round, as it can punch through obstructions and stop an intruder easily. On the more technical side of things, the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute is responsible for listing standard pressures and designs for ammo, and 45 ACP is rated for 21,000 psi for standard, with +P rounds boasting 23,000 psi. While this is lower pressure than some lighter rounds, the size and weight of the bullet offset this and make it pack a devastating punch.
If you're looking for specific statistics on muzzle velocity and energy, you've come to the right place. Let's take a look at some standard target shooting ammo, such as Winchester USA 45 ACP 230 Grain FMJ ammo. This type of cartridge has a heavy bullet that is fully coated in a metal jacket, so it is designed for penetration and maximum energy transference. It features a muzzle velocity of 835 ft/s and muzzle energy of 356 ft-lbs. While this is fairly low compared to some other rounds, the weight of the bullet does lower the velocity, without sacrificing much stopping power. On the other hand, if you want a self-defense round for 45 ACP, the Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense 45 ACP 78 Grain +P Hollow Points are in a class of their own. Featuring 1,900 ft/s muzzle velocity and 600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, these rounds are extremely powerful. The lighter bullet travels much faster than an FMJ round, letting it slam into the target and expand easily.Â
What Is 45 ACP Good For?
Given the history of 45 ACP, it's no surprise it's a favorite option for self defense and military and law enforcement purposes. The round packs a serious punch, helping you protect yourself and put down a threat. However, it is not only useful as a combat or defense round. In fact, even though 45 ACP produces stronger recoil than some smaller calibers, it is easily manageable, especially with the relatively minor muzzle blast that accompanies it. This makes it an excellent choice for having fun at the range and even in certain pistol competitions. This round is useful in tons of shooting disciplines, as it is both accurate and well-rounded overall.
Shop 45 ACP Today!
When you need to stock up on ammo for your favorite firearms, our team at OpticsPlanet has you covered! We are proud to stock 45 ACP ammo from top brands in the industry, including Federal Premium, SIG SAUER, Hornady, and more, so you can get the exact style and type of rounds you need. We also have tons of red dot sights and pistol parts to help you customize your handguns.
