Got a shiny .45 ACP pistol and want to feed it the best? We got the deets on the best ammo to make your .45 happy.
Before we get too far, though, it’s worth mentioning that the ammo market is still recovering from the major ammo shortage.
So, some of our favorites might be floating in and out of stock.
That said, if you’re desperate for .45 ACP…any .45 ACP, look to the following retailers for what’s in stock now:
Read on to see how we chose our recommendations for the best ammo for home defense and target shooting. Plus a couple of places to buy it for cheap!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Defensive Round
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Editor’s Pick
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Cheapest Range Ammo
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Best Range Ammo
Table of Contents
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The Testing
The .45 ACP is a slow-moving but heavy round that is well-known for its stopping power. 1911 anyone?
I like the popular adage…”the 9mm will kill the body, the .45 will kill the soul.”
The 9mm has caught up with new bullet technology, but there’s no disputing that a big fat round will still do some serious damage.
Testing Background
One of our favorite places to buy ammo from, Lucky Gunner, ran an epic test of self-defense ammo. We condense it down into the absolute best .45 ACP ammo from the results.
Here’s a brief overview of what they did, which closely follows standard FBI procedures:
- Shot 10 feet away
- Four layers of fabric in front of the ballistics gel to make for a “worst case” scenario of a really bundled-up bad guy
- Ideal penetration of 12 to 18 inches. More than 18 inches might go completely through the baddie and hit something you didn’t intend on hitting. While having a 12-inch minimum protects against thicker than usual targets and the possibility of hitting something before the torso.
- Five shots for more data
- More compact gun. Most tests are run with a full-sized pistol, but Lucky Gunner used a compact Kahr CW45 with a 3.64-inch barrel compared with a 5-inch barrel of a full-sized gun. The reasoning is that most defensive situations might entail smaller guns, and because of the smaller barrels, the velocity drops a little bit from the manufacturer’s data.
While with other calibers that have more variance of standard bullet weights, we stuck with the most popular 230 gr .45 ACP round because it’s the weight that we shoot 100% of the time.
Note, if you’re using a 1911 (and you should always try your self-defense ammo anyway), please test out a bunch of self-defense ammo to make sure the jacketed hollow points (JHP) feed. Some 1911s are finicky and only like full metal jacket (FMJ/ball) ammo.
And why JHP rounds for self-defense? Expansion is always better since it transfers almost all of the energy into the baddie and prevents most over-penetration.
Here are our suggestions…
Best .45 ACP Ammo for Self-Defense
1. Federal .45 ACP 230 gr HST
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Penetration depth is right in the 12 to 18-inch sweet zone, with great expansion on all five rounds, and good velocity for a shorter barrel. Since the penetration is an average of 14 inches, this round would likely be fine (no over-penetration) in longer barrels as well.
It is my personal favorite brand (Federal HST) and what I use for 9mm too.
- Average Penetration: 14 inches
- Average Expansion: 0.85 inches
- Average Velocity: 822 ft/sec
What’s your take on the HST?
2. Speer .45 ACP 230 gr Gold Dot
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Penetration is slightly less than the HST, which may suit it better for longer barrels. Expansion is still great, and velocity is slightly lower, which probably affects the penetration.
- Average Penetration: 12.9 inches
- Average Expansion: 0.71 inches
- Average Velocity: 752 ft/sec
3. Federal .45 ACP +P Tactical Bonded LE
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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If more pressure/velocity is the name of the game for you, I recommend this newer round. Great penetration, awesome expansion, and slightly higher velocity due to the +P (but not by much). Law Enforcement model.
- Average Penetration: 14.6 inches
- Average Expansion: 0.86 inches
- Average Velocity: 887 ft/sec
Best .45 ACP Ammo for Practice and the Range
I’ve shot a lot of .45 ACP through my 1911, and here are a few of my favorites that always fed well and went bang! I stay with brass-cased name-brand ammo since I had bad luck with steel-cased and cheaper ammo.
4. American Eagle .45 ACP 230 gr
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
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Great deals last year, but I feel there’s still a surplus. So now I’m starting with AE first.
5. Blazer Brass .45 ACP 230 gr
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Usually the cheapest brass cased round in other calibers. But always reliable and good to go. Brass is a little hard to reload so it’s great if you are at a range or class where you can’t pick up spent brass.
6. PMC Bronze .45 ACP 230 gr
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
My go-to brand for range-shooting ammo. Sometimes ends up cheaper than Blazer and is great brass to reload.
Final Thoughts
While these are our recommendations for the best self/home defense and range target shooting ammo, make sure to test a variety out in your gun — especially before carrying.
Some guns prefer certain ammo, and you want to know that before you load up. If you want to see the full results from Lucky Gunner, check their post out here.
Let us know which ones you went with and how they run in your gun, or head to our Ammo & Reloading section for more. Want another one…check out our Best .45 ACP Pistols!
49 Leave a Reply
I’ll shoot anything for plinking…. except for occasional reloads from a guy I trust. Carry rounds are pretty much Fort Scott or Buffalo Bore, depending on application.
Please Test Speers new G2 Carry gun 200 grain +p with elastomer 1000 fps
Could be the new Flyin ashtray, near actual one inch expansion.
Federal 230gr HST in my 1911 when I carry them. 147 HST in my Sig M18 and 124 HST in my Hellcat. 0 reliability and performance. Can’t ask for anything more. As far as 9mm vs .45ACP, I’m a big, sloppy, slow moving wad of lead kinda guy. 45 everyday if I were forced to choose.
A late response, but just found P.P.T. Good stuff, subscribed! Anywho.. It's a source of amusement to me that people who go by ye olde F.B.I. standards don't understand one of the most basic conclusions, that of penetration. The report stated that the acceptable minimum range was 12-18", I.O.W. 18" is the outside of the min. range, not a maximum, in fact they explicitly stated that more penetration was better. Why did they mention 18" as w/in the min. range? That's how long the gel blocks were. A thru & thru pistol round is going to be moving slow and is not likely to be a lethal threat even to someone directly behind the target, unless it's something like a Magnum F.M.J. or a K.T.W. Certainly it won't be anywhere near as dangerous as a miss or a peripheral pass-thru, and how many of y'all expect to have 100% center thorax hits? I do look to the L.G. tests and others, but I want a bullet that goes thru a barrier (at least the denim), expands, and goes 20" in jello, so MAYBE it will go 10" thru a psychotic murderer. My .45 A.C.P: Hornady 220 gr. Critical Duty.
How about Buffalo Bore?
Really No corbon?
I am a fan of Winchester PDX1, which has similar terminal ballistics to the Federal HST (per Lucky Gunner gel tests). You have a box of PDX1 in the first photo, but no mention in the text. Am I complaining? No, I have better things to do. Thanks for an excellent article.
I like hornady critical DUTY(NOT CRITICAL DEFENSE) in 9mm and in .45acp I get the fastest, hardest hitting ammo in the critical duty line in each caliber. I think 135 grain +p in 9mm, and I dont remember for .45acp the grain wieght(sorry).
You know I bought one of those inexpensive Rock Island armories everybody talks down about I've yet to feed it ammunition that it wouldn't digest for home defense I presently use the Remington HTP 185 hollow points or the htps I believe it is and all the defense Dynamics 230 grain jacket hollow points both seem to be effective and they feed flawlessly like I say with that quote cheap 1911 I bought I have failed to find ammunition that it would not digest so far and I've shot a lot of different brands
Most of the time I carry a Glock 21 gen 4, carry Underwood's .45 ACP 230-gr +P which is a gold dot bullet. Feeds well, and I don't have to worry about it.
I am lucky to have a 109 year old COLT 1911M1A still has original parts from the colt factory has seen three wars with members of the same family in grand dad, father, son. This thing loves any round you it feed it fmj. R.I.P ROUNDS .. IT IS MY FAVORITE PISTOL of all
My information is that the 1A redesign occured in 1924 and was adapted in 1926, which if your pistol predated that change would make it a 1911. But that is good news, since your cherished piece may increase in the value. Either way, you are fortunate to have such a historical pistol as a family treasure. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
The first place to check for ammo is Ammo Seek. Just type in ammoseek-dot-com and you will have a very comprehensive listing of virtually every ammo source online that is current for whatever type and caliber of ammo you want in any price range.
I don't think your top 3 for self defense rounds are bad. But I believe you might have overlooked the Winchester PDX1. It's very comparable to Speer and Federal and actually has a higher delivered energy rating to the target than any of your too 3 picks. Plus, if it's good enough for the FBI, it's good enough for me.
Please test .44 Special +P loads and .44 Magnum self defense loads for 2.5" .44 magnum snub nose concealed carry handguns. Inquiring minds and us S&W Performance Center 629 2.6" fanatics want to know!
185gr +P is superior for anti-personnel purposes in .45
Conclusion: All out of Stock.
I have always trusted Winchester 230gr. Ranger +P because of it's awesome expansion and great accuracy. Now it is drying up and not available. In my recent tests the last of my stash showed just how good it really is. I picked some Federal HST because of the results of the tests done at Lucky Gunner. The results they shot showed some pretty awesome expansion with nearly perfect penetration. At the range firing groups the HSTs were just about the same in the accuracy department as the Rangers. I'm not the least bit worried of having to make the switch now. I'm going to stock up enough of the HSTs not to ever have to go through this again. Thanks to Lucky Gunner finding my new carry ammo wasn't as big a deal as I thought it was going to be.
++ on the Winchester 230gr. Ranger +P. I have a reasonable beach stock but need to refresh/restock. The HSTs and Golden Sabers are on my evaluation list.
Thanks for suggestions, analysis and feedback.
I just purchased an S&W .45 single stack.
Never have owned a .45 before...wanted a compact handgun as plan to travel the USA in the fall.
What's your take on Winchester PDX1. I believe the FBI chose this for their 9mm ammo.
Eric much appreciated no agenda info
You're so welcome!
What about the Ranger-T ammo from Lucky Gunner's post.
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. DO YOU WANT TO LIVE ? COME WITH RANGER-T.
would federal 45acp brass 230 grain be good for range shooting? My walmart has 100 rounds for $32.77 which seems like a good deal
Eric, I just traded for a Kimber CDP Ultra II. What do you recommend with the 3” barrel in .45 Auto ammo?
Anytime you are shooting a concealed carry gun especially if the barrel is 4-inch or shorter, you should always use +P ammo. This is especially true in guns with 3.3-inch barrels. That is a lot less distance that the projectile has to build up the speed from the pressure of the powder. Therefore, you need more powder to get that terminal velocity at the muzzle. This rule is also true for people who shoot with compensated barrels. You should measure from the beginning of your chamber to wear the first compensation hole is at in the barrel. This will determine your actual barrel length and then you should pick your ammo the reason. You should go to +P ammo on a compensated barrel as well because at the first compensation hole, you are starting to expel gases and it is normally at about this point the projectile will stop accelerating because you are losing pressure and about reached its highest speed. As a projectile continues down the barrel and opens more and more compensation ports letting more and more gas escape from behind the projector the less muzzle velocity speed you will have. I have actually chronographed many 3.3- inch and 5-inch barrels with many different brand name +P ammo. I have seen some 3.3-inch barrels have a muzzle velocity of 190 FPS less than a 5-inch barrel 45ACP. Now this is due to many factors, with the biggest being barrel length. This is exactly the reason why I carry Federal HST +P LE ammo in my 45ACP carry gun. On average, I have found it to only lose about 85 FPS with a 3.3-inch barrel.
Yeah, go ahead and listen to this guy and let your 3.3 inch barreled gun blow up in your face. Before you use +P ammo in any gun contact the manufacturer and get a thumb's up first. Other wise you might not need a bad guy to kill you, you could do it to yourself.
No need for +p, just use lighter ammo so you get some velocity. And don't use under 4" barrels.
What is the threshold for what is considered a longer barrel? 4+ or 5+ inches?
My choices were the same as yours again choosing the Federal Ammunition. However, Winchester has some 45acp hollow points with some impressive credentials My 1911 Colt doesn't not fuss about whatever I shoot in it.
From personal and professional experience (30 years OCSD), your 45acp review is spot on!!!
Awesome, thanks Steve!
Wondering why Winchester Ranger-T wasn't mentioned? It currently seems to be a little hard to find but if anything, according to the Lucky Gunner data, it meets if not surpasses your testing criteria when compared to the home defense rounds mentioned here. Just an honest question, no bias here.
Hi Joel, that one might have been recently added to their list (says ***NEW*** next to it)...we'll be updating soon too.
Did not consider various Hornady ...? hmmm
Critical Defense is the only Hornady product to consider. "Custom" and "American Gunner" are so-so and Critical Duty is to be avoided like the plague if you are serious about stopping a threat as fast as possible and surviving.
Hornady FTX, in .45, .380 and .22 WMR
Winchester Ranger is the same as the discontinued Black Talon...only the black oxide, (along with the name) coating is missing...simply rebranded stuff that really worked, but without the stigma perpetrated by the ignorant MSM...I have a stash of the Black Talon which I use in the first magazines of my 1911s and other .45 ACP pistols.
What happens if you miss the first shot which is very likely. That's why I use 1 or 2 Flak.45 rds and the rest golden saber
Hi Eric, Is the Speer LE Gold Dot 45 auto 230 Gr (53966) legal for civilian use in California?
As far as I know it shouldn't be...but I would still check with your local laws.
Winchester 230 gr Ranger T-Series: Wow…great penetration, INSANE expansion, and even faster velocity than the above +P round. --> With stats like these it’s hard to find anyplace that has it in stock. <--
If you do find it in stock, you learn that only LE can order it. I really want these for my G30SF.
Hi Eric. I currently have a SW Sigma 9mm, that I enjoy shooting, but, concealing is not always easy/comfortable. I'm leaving towards Springfield XDS .45 ACP. it's small and reliable, making it ideal to carry. My buddy has a Shield .40 and tried to talk me into one. I figure, gun buying is a rare treat for me, so, get the best bang for my buck, pun definitively intended! Now Springfield is offering an XDS .40 cal. Question is, for everyday carry and home defense, as my closest gun at night, due to the location of my handgun storage versus long guns, of the 9mm, .40 or .45 ACP....Price difference being not an issue, what gun would you choose and why?
Hi Roger, I'm a big fan of the 9mm since it's easier to control, the mags will hold more since it's a smaller round, and the self-defense rounds pack tons of punch. If you have a significant other, I've found that my wife loves my 9mm but HATES the .45 ACP. Just something else to consider. Let me know what you end up choosing.
I haven't had the luxury to shoot a .45. Living in Massachusetts there are loss of hunters, but less enthusiasts that are friends. I shot the .40 cal Shield and the kick was acceptable. I'd prefer the 9 for rapid fire....which with two 16 round mags can give me a lot of betbreathing room. I love the 9, just hard to conceal and I hate taking it and having to leave it in the vehicle because Iof concealment fears. That being said, a hit with the .45 negates having larger mags, unless there's lot's of bad guys if of course. Thanks for the follow up. I'll let ya know when I do buy.
Figured I'd follow up with you Eric. I wanted the XDS but live in stupid law land of Massachusetts and the xds is not approved. Nor were my next choices the M&P45C or the PPS M2. My local shop had a deal I couldn't resist on an M&P 45, full size though. It was from NY so it had the 6lb trigger versus MA compliant 10.5lb trigger which is legal to purchase. Nice! Meets NRA standard for good on wear, less than a 1000 round fired, no questions asked return...for $399. Throw in an N82 tactical inside belt holster, plus 50 rounds of 185 gr. PPU SJHP and it's just about what I would have spent on a new Shield 40 alone. Haven't gotten to test drive it yet...soon, real soon. It's concealable, barely. Definite "whale tail" in my shirt but within the law. It will hold me over until the others get compliance, then I have a tough choice to make. Talk to you soon,
Roger
Sounds like a great deal!