.45 ACP Defense Loads

[Kolholznik]

I know this has probably been discussed ad nauseum but I was wondering what our esteemed community thinks about the latest/greatest self-defense loads in .45 ACP? Eventually, I intend to start loading my own but, my question is more about bullet weight, 185gr vs. 165gr, etc.

My choice in the past was Remington's 185gr +P but, on paper, Federal's 165gr Hyda-Shok looks darn good. I like the idea of low recoil and 1000+ fps. The Remington load, by comparison, is pretty hot but, no doubt, would get the job done in most situations. I just wondered what others are using?

 

[Magnumite]

Any good defensive load will do well. Shot placement will be the greatest determining factor. I don't lose sleep about such things.

 

[thomfantomas]

federal premium 185 grain +P Hydra-Shok Jacketed Hollow Point

 

[Kolholznik]

Well, I'm not losing any sleep, that's for sure. Perhaps I should rephrase to avoid any misunderstanding - I just wondered what 'advances' have been made in .45 ACP self defense ammo during the last 20 years. Obviously, shot placement is the most important factor - thanks for pointing that out! That's pretty much true for anything! But it has been nearly 20 years since I bought a box of factory ammo because I have always preferred to load my own. Until I start doing that (again) it would be nice to know what others recommend. Admittedly, I'm just kinda geeky that way. I live in a Drees-built townhouse so, over-penetration is somewhat of a concern but, there's 3" of concrete firewall and an additional 10" of sound-proofing foam between units that I'd like to not worry about penetrating with a hot 230gr projectile. I don't think it would but, I'm just sayin...I want to minimize the risk.

 

[Magnumite]

I understand your intents. I handload a great deal so I come under the same 'what's good' concerns. The Golden Sabre, Winchester SXT, Hornady and Federal loads are all contemporary and effective. To be honest, and not putting life and limb on discount, I buy modern loads which are reasonably priced since the shot placement is the premium factor. I take into consideration the relative ineffectiveness of pistol rounds compared to rifle rounds. I understand I may have to shoot until the threat stops which means multiple shots may be likely. Not many rounds are ineffective with multiple COM hits.

 

[johnnyb2]

Check out Wilson Combat self defense loads. Purpose built ammo for short barrel, regular size barrels, low flash, low recoil, etc. I have not read 1 bad article for this ammo, but most major brands will now do a good job. Of course :-) with proper shot placement....

If you remember the old BLACK TALON'S that were, discontinued due to their BAD reputation for......KILLING PEOPLE....I imagine that, and I think for penetrating vests, there is so much more today that almost makes that stuff seem tame.

I like the looks of the "GUARD DOG" ammo also, with the plastic filler in the hollow point, that stays intact and cause's maximum expansion consistently.

Just some food for thought.

 

[Biggfoot44]

In .45acp there is an embarassment of riches. There really isn't a bad choice. Since you seem to have a preference in light and fast , there really isn't anything that has improved over the CorBon 185JHP . Most the recent decades development is duty/ defensive .45acp has been in std vel 230's . All of the major brands - Gold Dot , Golden Sabre , XTP, whatever Winchester has called their last cpl generations , etc all round off to very good , and very similar performance. Reliable in your pistol , minute of felon accuraccy , and reasonably close to your sights should be your guidelines.

For ready availability ( before the panic ) , and affordable to actually shoot a reasonable quantity for testing and practice , I generally use WWB 230JHP. ( Identical bullet and velocity as when it used to be their top of the line "SubSonic" ..)

 

[wrc]

I like 230's and 200s that feed well. My best luck with my most finicky .45 pistol has been with Federal EMFJ 200gr +p loads. I don't even know where to get that reliably anymore, though.

I've been using Federal P45HST1 (230gr +P HST) for the last year or so because they've worked well and have been easy to get.

 

[Cadillac jack]

I like federal premium 230 grain hydra shok and Hornady critical duty 220 grain +p

 

[Biggfoot44]

Since questionable feeding was mentioned , CorBon PowerBall was designed to have the same feeding as FMJ , yet gives pretty good performance. It is my choice and recomendation for finicky pistols , and those not yet thru a through reliability test , but still required for possable defensive use , or with questional aftermarket mags.

 

[Baccusboy]

You're lucky with .45. In many cases, you don't even have to shoot anyone. Merely pointing the gun in someone's general direction acts like an instant death ray.

But when choosing a self-defense load, nearly any top brand in .45 will do. I am a fan of Federal HST. Speer Gold Dot also does well. You can't go wrong with either of those loads. Stay with any big name, and you'll be fine. The only thing to stay away from are the odd boutique loads, like Lehigh defense (sp?).

 

[Vile Shadow]

I keep Winchester 230 gr JHP's in my Glock. Those should serve the purpose nicely.

 

[Respen33]

If I could suggest, upgrade your load into the 200's. Yes you lose velocity but in this calibers case you gain huge stopping power. The slower round will allow more damage on entry and a good hollow point like Speer or hydroshok will expand and do most damage.

Remember most home defense scenarios won't involve body armor. If that is the case then no doubt you already have an AR by your side and live in Russia...

 

[swinokur]

+1 for the Federal HST in 230g or 230g +p.

Great stuff.

 

[cantstop]

try this one

 

[seawolf823]

I run Hornady critical defense in my .45's

 

[iH8DemLibz]

Hornady hand loads.

230 grain XTP.

#45160

 

[smokey]

Heavy for caliber is preferred for 9, 40, and 45. They have good momentum and typically reach good penetration AND good expansion. Many of the light for caliber(especially in 45) don't sufficiently penetrate.

I like federal hst's in 230 +p


dpx(one of the only light for caliber loads that sufficiently penetrates and expands)


Ranger t's in 230+p


Win pdx1's


speer gold dots

 

[FFMike]

I like the Winchester PDX1 230 grains from my XDS. They also perform well thru my RIA Compact Tactical. Retain a decent amount of weight, have a slight difference in Feet Per Sec between the 3.3 inch XDS and the 4 inch RIA barrel. They expand really well from both and feed reliable thru both as well.

 

[NickZac]

I like Gold Dot and HST. Both are reliable, consistent, and capable of performing through various mediums in a very predictable manner. Some JHPs don't always perform well through denim or leather (clothes...which are likely to be shot through.) Gold Dot and HST expand reliability even through extremely thick/dense fabric. Also, both have FMJ loads (Speer Lawman and Federal American Eagle) that closely mimics the respective JHP loadings, which I see as a practice advantage as it's good ammo for a reasonable price to help mimic your defensive loading. I also like how both can be found in 50 round boxes in addition to the 20 round boxes...often, the 50 round boxes are cheaper than the 20 round ones...those 20 round boxes add up fast!!!

I think with .45, you really cannot go wrong with 230 grain. Not that there is anything lacking for other loadings, but it is a tried, proven round, with arguably the best availability, huge selections from all makers, and it is easier to find good pricing on such ammo.