45 ACP Ammo

.45 ACP ammunition is the most well-known of John Browning's series of pistol cartridge designs, and for good reason. Used in a variety of iconic firearms including the M1911, Thompson SMG, and Glock 21, this cartridge delivers strong performance for self-defense purposes. Its recoil, though stout, is typically described as a heavy "push" than a "snap." These days, you'll find reliable training and defensive rounds for sale from the top manufacturers in the ammo world, like PMC, Federal, Winchester and more.

The classic "ball" .45 ACP load fires a 230 grain full metal jacket bullet at around 850 feet per second; jacketed hollow points (JHPs) often feature a lighter 185 grain bullet fired at velocities approaching 1,000 feet per second. This produces better expansion while still making full use of the .45's high caliber.