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.
Handguns chambered in .45 ACP are popular for suppressed use as the .45 is inherently subsonic; even more powerful loads will not produce the sonic "crack" that high-velocity cartridges typically do.
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Hornady Custom 45 ACP +P 230 Grain XTP JHP - 200 Rounds
$274.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Hornady Condition New Bullet Weight 230 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Brass Quantity 200 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 9096 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 10090255390961 Cost Per Round $1.37 per round If you can handle the added recoil, this .45 ACP +P load from Hornady is a formidable choice as a carry load. Best suited to larger or heavier pistols, these rounds can be counted on to stop assailants quickly and decisively with good shot placement.
Each round in this case of 200 fires a heavy 230 grain Hornady XTP jacketed hollow point bullet at 950 feet per second. The XTP bullet is a time-tested design known for its strong penetration.
Hornady ammo is loaded in Grand Island, Nebraska using non-corrosive primers and reloadable brass cases.
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Hornady Critical Defense 45 ACP +P 185 Grain FTX – 200 Rounds
$294.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Hornady Condition New Bullet Weight 185 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) Use Type home defense Casing Type Brass Quantity 200 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 90923 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 10090255909231 Cost Per Round $1.47 per round We hope you never have to use your 1911 or other 45 ACP handgun for self-defense. But you don’t have it because self-defense is never possible. That’s why we also hope you’ll keep your pistol in healthy supply of Hornady Critical Defense ammunition.
Superlight 185 grain bullet. Overpressurization. These two forces account for this +P round’s abnormally high 1,150 fps muzzle velocity. That’s supersonic – a rare feat for the 45. Don’t fire this ammo in a gun that can’t handle above-standard chamber pressure. Do rest assured that each shot will hit the target with about 20% more kinetic energy (compared to a standard-pressure 185 grain equivalent).
This round’s not just potent. It also makes intelligent use of its power, because it is loaded with Hornady’s own Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) projectile. It’s their normal jacketed hollow point, albeit with one crucial addition: polymer, which sits inside of the nose cavity so as to prevent debris from compacting there. That enables the bullet to pass through barriers without losing its ability to mushroom out wide and inflict more damage to the threat! -
Hornady Critical Defense 45 ACP +P 185 Grain JHP – 20 Rounds
$30.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Hornady Condition New Bullet Weight 185 Grain Bullet Type Flex-Tip-Technology (FTX) Use Type home defense Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 90923 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 090255909234 Cost Per Round $1.54 per round I remember back when I was a little boy living at my dad’s house in the woods at the end of a long road in the middle of nowhere. It was late, late at night when some stranger’s high beams cut through the dark and shone through our windows. “Do you know who that is?” my dad burst into my room to ask. I did not. I was 8. He considered this. “Man,” he said. “I sure would hate to have to shoot somebody.”
Fortunately, those high beams apparently belonged to some lost motorist. They went away. And my dad never did have to shoot anyone (after 1973, at least) – but if he did, I have little doubt the 1911 would have come out in the event that shotgun proved inadequate for the task.
Dad would have appreciated this Hornady Critical Defense 45 ACP +P ammo. He’d have respected its above-standard chamber pressure, which lobs its lightweight bullet to a breakneck muzzle velocity of 1,150 fps to secure a laser-flat trajectory and superior striking power. He’d have favored its FTX bullet: a jacketed hollow point which shields its nose cavity against obstruction via a little polymer insert. He’d have valued its low-flash propellant, which prevents the shooter’s eyes from shifting out of night vision mode upon ignition. He’d also have appreciated Hornady’s stellar craftsmanship.
Here I am, using the past tense like he’s no longer around to form opinions on ammo. Maybe I’ll send him a few boxes, just in case the next set of high beams proves not to be neutral. -
Barnes TAC-XPD 45 ACP +P 185 Grain SCHP – 20 Rounds
$31.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Barnes Condition New Bullet Weight 185 Grain Bullet Type Solid Copper Hollow Point (SCHP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 21555 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 716876145010 Cost Per Round $1.59 per round Solid Copper Hollow Point (SCHP) ammo that's as ready as you are for home defense, Subsonic. Made by Barnes, this 45 ACP (Auto) ammunition is Nickel-Plated Brass-cased, Boxer-primed with a 185 Grain bullet. These are trusted New rounds so sleep easy knowing you're picking up 20 rounds of 45 ACP (Auto) that promises reliable feeding and extraction shot after shot. -
Hornady Critical Duty 45 ACP +P 220 Grain FTX – 200 Rounds
$319.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Hornady Condition New Bullet Weight 220 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 200 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 90926 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 10090255909262 Cost Per Round $1.6 per round This impressive Hornady Critical Duty 45 ammo meets the FBI protocol for terminal handgun performance. Each cartridge contains a Flexlock bullet that performs consistently in high-stress situations. The Flexlock design features the famous Hornady flex-tip technology that prevents bullet clogging, enhances bullet expansion, and maximizes penetration. The Critical Duty loads also feature low-flash propellants and high-quality components. This really is great ammo!
Hornady has provided law enforcement and tactical professionals with advanced ammunition that will perform in situations you need it most. When it comes to your life, trust Hornady!
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Speer Gold Dot 45 ACP 230 Grain JHP - 20 Rounds
$32.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Speer Condition New Bullet Weight 230 Grain Bullet Type Hollow-Point (HP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 23966GD Primer Type Boxer UPC Barcode 604544647280 Cost Per Round $1.64 per round If you are looking for superior performance from a .45 ACP self-defense cartridge, then look no further than this outstanding round from Speer. With this box, you’ll get 20 of the most reliable and consistent jacketed hollow points available. The 230-grain bullet ensures the fantastic energy and terminal performance you need to stop any threat, while the reliable primer and powder combination ensures consistent ignition.
With a muzzle energy of 404 foot pounds and a muzzle speed of 890 feet per second, these round deliver the controlled expansion and penetration you need. The nickel-plated brass casing gives you smooth feeding, and combined with the jacketed bullet, it is far less likely to jam in the chamber.
Speer is one of the top ammunition choices for self defense and training. They create the popular Gold Dot and Lawman series, and have options for nearly every popular handgun caliber. They are a trusted source for both law enforcement and private citizens.
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Hornady 45 ACP +P 220 Grain Critical Defense FTX - 20 Rounds
$32.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Hornady Condition New Bullet Weight 220 Grain Bullet Type Flex-Tip-Technology (FTX) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 90926 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 90255909265 Cost Per Round $1.64 per round You can get top-quality self-defense .45 ACP ammunition by ordering this 20-round box from Hornady. You’ll have rounds that are fast, powerful, and consistent, giving you the internal and external performance you need to protect your home, yourself, and your loved ones.
These rounds have a smooth, consistent design that is made for optimal performance. The 220-grain jacketed hollow point bullet will come out of the barrel with an initial velocity of 975 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 464 foot pounds. They have a FlexLock design and low-flash propellants for greater reliability in low-light situations. The nickel-plated cartridge cases enhance the smooth cycling of these rounds.
Hornady is one of the country’s best brands for ammunition. They have a large supply of options for many different firearms, including most popular handguns and rifles. With various rounds for hunting, self defense, and target shooting, Hornady is trusted by many gun owners across the country.
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Speer Gold Dot 45 ACP 185 Grain JHP – 20 Rounds
$35.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Speer Condition New Bullet Weight 185 Grain Bullet Type Hollow-Point (HP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 23964GD Primer Type Boxer UPC Barcode 604544647273 Cost Per Round $1.79 per round Speer Gold Dot ammunition is the defensive load of choice for many concealed carriers and police departments due to its effective performance and reasonable cost. Gold Dot bullets are optimized for every caliber and bullet weight to produce the best possible results. This .45 ACP version comes in boxes of 20.
Each cartridge in this box propels a 185 grain bonded-core hollow point bullet at 1,050 feet per second. This combination of a relatively light bullet traveling a high velocity helps produce strong expansion while taking full advantage of the high caliber of the .45 Auto platform.
Gold Dot ammo is loaded in Lewiston, Idaho using nickel-plated brass cases and non-corrosive primers.
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Federal 45 ACP 230 Grain HST JHP - 20 Rounds
$36.50Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Federal Brand HST Condition New Bullet Weight 230 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU P45HST2S Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 29465063948 Cost Per Round $1.82 per round If you have a handgun that takes .45 ACP ammunition, order this 20-round box from Federal Premium Ammunition and you’ll have smooth, reliable performance that is accurate and effective. These cartridges are loaded with 230-grain jacketed hollow point ammo that uses Federal’s HST design, which is a top choice for law enforcement agencies across the country.
The bullets in these 45 Auto cartridges come out of the muzzle with a velocity of 890 feet per second and an energy of 404 foot pounds. Thanks to the hollow point at the front, the bullet will expand properly, helping you stop a wide range of threats to your home and family. The specially-design bullet won’t plug while passing through barriers, ensuring consistent expansion with reliable penetration.
Federal Premium has a wide range of ammunition options for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. While they are a favorite choice for outdoor enthusiasts, they also have excellent products for home protection.
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Winchester Supreme Elite 45 ACP 230 Grain JHP – 20 Rounds
$37.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Winchester Condition New Bullet Weight 230 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU S45PDB Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 020892217898 Cost Per Round $1.89 per round The 45 ACP was developed in 1906 and featured on the timeless 1911. It remains one of the best rounds for range training and self defense on the market. With incredible stopping power, high accuracy, and fantastic terminal performance, the 45 ACP has been used all over the world by militaries, civilians, and law enforcement professionals.
When you want high quality, reliable ammo, Winchester is the way to go. Founded in 1866, Winchester is one of the oldest firearms and ammunition manufacturers in the United States. Their ammo products are loaded in Oxford, Mississippi with high quality components.
Firing at 882 feet per second, these Winchester Supreme Elite rounds are a great option for self defense. Each jacketed hollow point projectile weighs in at 230 grains, a standard for the 45 AUTO. These rounds are loaded into premium nickel-plated brass cases that come boxer primed and are reloadable.
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Black Hills 45 ACP 135 Grain HoneyBadger – 20 Rounds
$37.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Black Hills Ammunition Condition New Bullet Weight 135 Grain Bullet Type HoneyBadger Use Type home defense Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU D45N820 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 612710132652 Cost Per Round $1.89 per round The HoneyBadger by Black Hills Ammunition doesn’t look like your everyday run-of-the-mill self-defense bullet. It doesn’t even have a nose cavity that could get jammed up with clothing fabric – but that’s only its first of many advantages.
This 45 ACP round’s 135 grain bullet is 100% copper. There is no lead that could foul up a barrel to make a handgun inaccurate. There is no core and jacket to detach from each other, and copper itself is resilient enough to ensure superior weight retention. The HoneyBadger is also highly accurate, as its monolithic body is evenly distributed in weight.
Instead of a nose cavity, the HoneyBadger features four narrow ridges which sit in a plus-formation. These shred through barriers, but the grooves between them do the real work of terminal ballistics. It is thanks to these grooves that the HoneyBadger is able to blast any soft tissue its tip comes into contact with outward, which creates the permanent wound cavity needed to neutralize a threat quickly.
This ammunition is loaded with premium brass cases, as well as carefully matched non-corrosive Boxer primers and clean-burning powder. This ammo performs reliably in carbines as well, and it even reduces the chance of overpenetration just like a normal JHP should! -
Black Hills 45 ACP +P 185 Grain SCHP – 20 Rounds
$39.85Product Type Ammo Manufacturer Black Hills Ammunition Condition New Bullet Weight 185 Grain Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU D45N720 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 612710128778 Cost Per Round $1.99 per round If your carry handgun is a .45 ACP capable of handling +P ammo, you can count on this load from Black Hills for self-defense.
Each cartridge in this 20-round box fires a light 185 grain Barnes Tac-XP solid-copper hollow point bullet. Fired at a muzzle velocity of 1,000 feet per second, the Tac-XP projectile offers high diameter expansion and strong penetration that fully realizes the .45 Auto's potential as a defensive cartridge.
Black Hills ammo is made in Rapid City, South Dakota using reloadable brass and non-corrosive Boxer primers.
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G2 RIP 45 ACP 162 Grain RIP HP - 20 Rounds
$50.00Product Type Ammo Manufacturer G2 Research Condition New Bullet Weight 162 Grain Bullet Type Solid Copper Hollow Point (SCHP) Use Type home defense, Subsonic Casing Type Brass Quantity 20 Ammo Caliber 45 ACP (Auto) Manufacturer SKU 95453 Primer Type Boxer Magnetic No UPC Barcode 863552000023 Cost Per Round $2.5 per round If you are serious about home defense, load your weapon with the right cartridges. With this box, you’ll have 20 rounds of .45 ACP cartridges. They are loaded with 162-grain hollow point bullets that are designed for maximum effectiveness at the target, helping you defend yourself and your family with outstanding ballistic performance. The bullets are solid copper with no lead.
You can count on these cartridges to give you outstanding performance from the weapon to the target. They have a muzzle velocity of 960 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 331 foot-pounds. This makes the bullet a powerful option for personal protection and allows the hollow point bullet to expand as needed.
G2 is an ammunition company dedicated to innovative personal protection products. They have a full selection of cartridges for handguns, shotguns, and rifles, as well as an outstanding reputation for terminal ballistics, making them a popular choice for self defense.
Shooter Resources at the Widener's Blog
Best 45 ACP Ammo: Plinking, Range Training & Home Defense
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