.45 ACP Guide: Ammo Choices and What to Look For in a Pistol

The .45 ACP has been a service and sporting cartridge for over a century. It uses a large, heavy bullet at modest speed, and it is known for a firm push rather than a sharp snap.

Common Bullet Weights

The 230 grain FMJ is the classic load. Lighter 185 and 200 grain bullets run faster. Heavier 230 grain hollow points are a common carry choice.

Ammo Types

FMJ and round nose loads suit practice and are the least expensive. Hollow point loads are for defense. Match loads give tight groups for steel and bullseye. +P loads need a pistol rated for them.

Pistol Considerations

Compare magazine capacity, since .45 ACP magazines hold fewer rounds than 9mm. Check grip size, weight and recoil feel. Single stack pistols are slim to carry. Double stack models hold more but have a wider grip.

.45 ACP vs 9mm

9mm is cheaper and holds more rounds. .45 ACP offers a larger bullet and many shooters like the recoil feel. Try both at the range if you can.

Suppressor Hosts

.45 ACP is naturally subsonic with most loads, so it is common on suppressed pistols.

Practice Costs

.45 ACP ammo costs more per round than 9mm, so many shooters buy in bulk for practice. Reloading is common with this cartridge because brass is plentiful and easy to handle.

Magazine and Barrel Notes

Use magazines made for your pistol, and keep spares. A threaded barrel opens the door for a suppressor and extra accessories. For long term reliability, keep the pistol lightly lubricated and replace recoil springs on the maker schedule.

Choosing a Load

Test two or three loads for accuracy and feeding. Keep a notebook of the groups they shoot at 15 and 25 yards.

See also our ammunition by caliber hub and the handguns by brand page. Questions about fit or availability? Call or stop by BMTC USA in Palmetto, FL.