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By Tony “TRB” Phillips

Federal Cartridge Company makes some fine ammo, and the Premium .45 ACP +P topped with the well-known Hydra-Shok (TM) jacketed hollow point is no exception. The ammo comes packed in 50 round trays, inside Federal’s distinctive gold and blue box. Ballistics are not mentioned on the box, and I don’t have a chrono, so I regretfully cannot give first-hand numbers for velocity or energy. My apologies. However, I have found data from other sources which place the muzzle velocity of this load at 1150 feet per second (fps) from a 5-inch barrel, which translates to 532 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of muzzle energy. Cartridge cases are nickel plated, for maximum resistance to corrosion and to enhance extraction. The cases are head- stamped Federal 45 Auto +P. The Hydra-Shok bullet itself is copper jacketed, and very intimidating from the front, with the gaping mouth of the hollow point, and the ‘Shok’s most distinctive feature, the small rod inside of it that is designed to help the bullet expand by forcing any soft tissue encountered out against the edges of the bullet.

I have fired these through my Customized Colt M1991A1, and found them to be highly accurate and feed/eject reliable. (On a related note, I have also fired its less powerful, but externally identical, standard pressure 165 grain cousin through a mil-spec Argentinian Sistema M1927 with no malfunctions.) Recoil is pronounced, but it pushes straight back in the hand. Muzzle rise is actually less (in my hands at least) than mil-spec 230 grain ball. Double taps are quite easy with this ammo. At 25 yards, off-hand, groups ran in the 1.3-2.1 inch range in my Bar-Sto barreled M1991A1. Your results may vary, but I found the ammo to be quite accurate. High slide velocity is responsible for the minimized muzzle rise, so if you intend to use this ammo for personal defense, make sure your magazine springs are up to the task. Also, this is +P ammo, so be certain your weapon is rated for the increased chamber pressures.

The Hydra-Shok bullet is known to be a good stopper, with positive expansion properties, and, more importantly, to be a highly feed reliable bullet profile. Without access to ballistic gelatin, I can’t comment on the expansion, but I have found the Hydra-Shok to be very feed reliable, even in my old mil-spec 1911. I highly recommend this ammo, despite its high price (circa $28 a box in my region).

The .380 ACP ammo (9×17mm) was developed by John Moses Browning and introduced in 1908 by Colt Manufacturing Company for its Model 1908 pocket hammerless semi-automatic pistol. The .38 ACP inspired Browning’s new creation, designed and manufactured for blowback pistols. The .380 ACP is light and compact but has less stopping power and a shorter range than other modern ammo. Average .380 ammunition is an 85-95 grain bullet measuring .380 inch in diameter. The round is rimless, straight-walled, and equipped with low-pressure percussion caps. Despite its shortened range and stopping power, the .380 Auto remains a favorite among those who want a small pistol for concealed carry and/or personal defense.

In 1912, .380 ACP cartridges launched in Belgium, where they adopted the moniker “9mm Browning Short.” The round remained popular throughout World War II. Military forces around the globe used the .380 ACP until many replaced it with the more popular 9mm cartridge. European police forces used the .380 until the 1980s when they changed in favor of the more powerful 9×19mm Parabellum. The parameters of the .380 make it ideal for use in a backup weapon such as a clutch piece.

Other names for .380 ACP Ammo include 9mm Browning, 9mm Browning Court, .380 Auto, 9mm Short, 9mm Corto, 9mm Kurz, and 9×17mm. The .380 ACP shouldn’t be confused with .38 ACP.

Best .380 ACP Range Training Ammo

When it comes to range training, choosing the best ammo should be relatively easy. The first thing that shooters tend to look for aside from the appropriate cartridge is the price. It’s easy to shoot through hundreds or thousands of rounds in a short period of time. Buying in bulk at discount prices will keep you shooting long after the less savvy shooters have gone home. Following is a list of rounds that will serve you well, offering reliability and accuracy at a fair price.

When it comes to range training, choosing the best ammo should be relatively easy. The first thing that shooters tend to look for aside from the appropriate cartridge is the price. It’s easy to shoot through hundreds or thousands of rounds in a short time. Buying in bulk at discount prices will keep you shooting long after the less savvy shooters have gone home. Following is a list of rounds that will serve you well, offering reliability and accuracy at a fair price.

CCI Ammunition: 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket

Blazer is gaining a solid reputation for use in range training due to its reliability and affordability. CCI designed this ammo for the range as it’s ideal for shooting paper targets. The cartridge is constructed using brass casing and is Boxer-primed.

Specifications:

• 945 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 95 Grain
• FMJ Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 188 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Federal Ammunition: American Eagle Ammo 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket

The Federal American Eagle brand is well-trusted among firearms enthusiasts. The brand is known to be well-made, offering reliability, durability, and accuracy on and off the range. Brass construction and Boxer priming make it easily reloadable to enhance the savings.

Specifications:

• 980 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 95 Grain
• FMJ Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 203 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Winchester Ammunition: Silver Tip 95 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

Winchester is a top name with firearms enthusiasts due to its value and consistent performance. Buying in bulk keeps the price down, and because it’s reloadable, it’s the ideal .380 ACP ammo for the range.

Specifications:

• 1000 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 85 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer

Sellier & Bellot Ammunition: 92 Grain Full Metal Jacket

Recently acquired by the same company that produces Magtech ammo, Sellier & Bellot continue to make .380 auto ammunition using high-quality components. Their FMJ cartridges are a top choice among law enforcement agencies, hunters, and competitive shooters.

Specifications:

• 955 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 92 Grain
• FMJ Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 186 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

SIG Sauer Ammunition: Elite V-Crown 90 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

SIG Sauer shines with Elite Performance Ammunition. SIG V-Crown ammo offers superior weight retention, optimal penetration depth, and maximum expansion. SIG’smodern manufacturing processes give shooters a highly reliable round, improved feeding, and ultimate expansion.

Specifications:

• 980 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 90 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 192 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Best .380 ACP Self-Defense Ammo

Many people looking for a pocket gun and holster for concealed carry, look toward the .380 ACP for its weight and size. It makes enough of an impact to stop the threat, animal, or human, yet not weigh you down. Some argue that the most critical factor in self-defense ammo is achieving hydrostatic shock. Any round that is unable to deliver immediate stopping power isn’t worth its salt. The truth is that almost no handgun has the capability of offering hydrostatic shock. To do so, the muzzle velocity must exceed 2,000 FPS. Not many can do that. Instead, look for other aspects that fit your needs. See below for the best .380 ammo for self-defense.

Lots of opinions exist on the perfect self-defense ammo for a .380. However, it’s difficult to argue the testing requirement each round goes through. Set up by the FBI, most ballistics testing runs through a checklist of important factors. While the average Joe doesn’t need FBI-ready rounds, manufacturers want to ensure that their ammo is ready just in case the FBI comes calling. Here are the following characteristics of a good load:

1. Sufficient penetration. A self-defense round needs enough penetration to do the job. The standard requires a MINIMUM of 12 inches of penetration of ballistic gel or soft tissue. That is enough power to pass through skin, bone, muscle, and fat to reach vital organs.
2. Over penetration. A round shouldn’t deliver more than 18 inches of penetration of soft tissue. Over penetration can exit the attacker’s body, leading to a danger of collateral damage as well as not doing its job as a through and though shot.
3. Big bullets are good. Big bullets make big holes. Big holes destroy more tissue and vital organs, stopping the threat in its tracks. Choose expanding bullets, like hollow points, to cause maximum damage and prevent over penetration.
4. Sharp bullets work best. Expanding bullets with sharp petals cut through vital organs and arteries better than round-nose ammo. This factor causes hollow point bullets to outshine round-nosed FMJ rounds in most cases.

Our Top Picks for .380 ACP Self-Defense Ammo: 

PMC Ammunition: Bronze Ammo 90 Grain Full Metal Jacket

PMC (Precision Made Cartridges) bronze cartridges are popular due to their affordability and consistency. This self-defense round provides an excellent feeding system to prevent jamming and failures. Rounds remain uniform due to in-house manufacturing and quality control. This 90-grain FMJ features brass casing and Boxer style priming allow for reloading up to five times.

Specifications:

• 961 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 90 Grain
• FMJ Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 185 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Federal Ammunition: Premium Hydra-Shok 95 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

Federal Premium is the company’s top seller and with good reason. Introduced in 1989, the 180-grain Federal Hydra-Shok JHP remains at the top of the list by many experts. Rigorous testing has ensured that Federal Hydra-Shok loads perform consistently and accurately.

Specifications:

• 1000 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 90 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Nickel-Plated Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 200 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Magtech Ammunition: First Defense Guardian Gold Cartridge 85 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

Magtech First Defense Guardian Gold is a jacketed hollow point round. The .380 +P refers to overpressure; consider it when choosing the weapon with which you intend to use it.

Magtech has a solid reputation for manufacturing consistent and reliable rounds – exactly what you need when being confronted by a threat.

Specifications:

• 1082 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 85 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 221 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Winchester Ammunition: Supreme Elite 95 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point

Shooters claim this round works well in Ruger LCP handguns, Glock 42s, Walther PPKs, and pocket pistols. Spend some time at the range with this beauty before heading out into the real world. The cartridge offers excellent bullet weight retention and maximum expansion, mushrooming to 1.5 times its original diameter. The bonded core takes on tough barriers at various ranges and faces up to even the most dangerous threats. Low flash allows for rapid-fire repeat shots in low light.

Specifications:

• 1,000 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 95 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 211 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Barnes Bullets: 80 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point 

Barnes Bullets presents its TAC-XPD line of ammunition with this 80-grain TAC-XP projectile. The cartridge turns any handgun into a beast during any critical situation. The projectile maintains almost all of its bullet weight as it enters the target and creates a massive wound channel as it mushrooms.

Specifications:

• 990 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 80 Grain
• SCHP Bullet
• Brass Casing; Techni-crom Plating
• Boxer Primer
• 174 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Winchester Ammunition: Train and Defend 95 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

Winchester’s Train and Defend line provides effective training and excellent defense with reduced recoil. Maximum weight retention and deep penetration combine with maximum terminal expansion to make this round a good all-around choice.

Specifications:

• 950 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 95 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 190 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Best .380 ACP Ammo for Target Shooting

Federal Ammunition: Personal Defense Hydra-Shok 95 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

Federal introduced the Personal Defense line in 1989. It remains at the top of the list for self-defense and target acquisition. Hydra-Shok ammo’s notched copper jacket gives controlled expansion. Low recoil makes it easy for beginners and novices to control while firing at a variety of targets.

Specifications:

• 1000 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 90 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 200 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Remington: Golden Saber 102 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point

Remington’s new production, Golden Saber High Performance combines four vital elements of performance: accuracy, maximum expansion, deep penetration, and 100% weight retention. This ammunition offers low muzzle flash and reliable feeding in reloadable brass cases.

Specifications:

• 940 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 90 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 200 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

CCI Ammunition: Speer Gold Dot Lawman 95 Grain Total Metal Jacket

CCI’s Lawman ammo uses CCI primers and Speer Gold Dot bullets to create an economic round. This total metal jacket allows shooters to reload to save more money. Despite the low price, Lawman ammo delivers excellent, consistent performance.

Specifications:

• 945 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 95 Grain
• TMJ Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 188 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

Hornady Ammunition: Critical Defense® 90 Grain FTX Jacketed Hollow Point

Hornady Critical Defense® outshines other hollow points with Flex Tip® technology. Hornady uses the same tip featured in  LEVERevolution® ammunition to eliminate clogging and inconsistent firing. Low flash propellants preserve vision in low light situations. Reliable terminal performance delivers each time.

Specifications:

• 1000 FPS Muzzle Velocity
• 90 Grain
• JHP Bullet
• Brass Casing
• Boxer Primer
• 200 ft-lbs Muzzle Energy

The .45 ACP is the most iconic round in American history. Colt introduced the pistol and ammunition in 1905. John Moses Browning, legendary firearms designer, developed the model at the request of the U.S. military. The military had complained that their present round – the .38 Long Colt – was not sufficient. It lacked penetration and stopping power. Colt presented the round to the military and it was put through a series of field tests alongside a similar round from Savage. The Colt ammunition performed brilliantly throughout 6,000 rounds in various conditions. The Savage round ran a very close second, but Colt won the day. It was adopted as standard issue for Colt’s M1911. The ammo’s stopping power made it an instant favorite of the U.S. Cavalry, and it was soon taken on by the U.S. Army.

Firearms experts say the M1911 was the main reason the .45 ACP cartridge became popular with military, law enforcement, and civilians. The gun was carried by many military heroes, including WWI legend Sergeant Alvin York. The Tennessee-born sergeant is one of the most decorated Army soldiers in American history. He received the Medal of Honor for heading an attack on a German facility, killing 25 enemy soldiers and capturing as many as 132.

The ammo continued to be popular throughout and after WWI and WWII. It was commonly used in Vietnam, chambered in the Thompson sub-machine gun.

In 1985, the U.S. military replaced the .45 ACP with the 9mm Parabellum. However, certain military members, including Delta Force, Marine Expeditionary Units, and United States Special Operations units are given the choice of using guns chambered in .45 ACP.

 

Table of Contents:

Jacket Types

The most common .45 ACP round uses a 230-grain lead bullet which sits in a tapered case. Other weights are available, including 165-grain up to 255-grain.

The .45 ACP round uses two basic bullet types – Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) and Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP).

 

Full Metal Jacket

The FMJ is a bullet that is completely encased in a copper jacket. The style was popular with the military for full auto weapons, solving the problem of lead bullets that often misfired or jammed. The .45 FMJ is popular among civilians for target shooting, practice, plinking, and competition. The FMJ is not recommended for self-defense.

 

Jacketed Hollow Point

The JHP ranges in weight from 165 to 255 grains. The bullet has a lead core encased in copper. The JHP differs from the FMJ because its nose is uncovered, exposing a soft lead tip. This feature allows the round to expand upon impact. Although JHP rounds falter when hitting solid targets, they are still preferred as self-defense rounds.

 

Cost, Availability, and Accuracy

Ammo for a .45 is popular so it is affordable and easy to obtain. The cartridges can be ordered online or purchased at retail outlets. Below are examples of .45 rounds and their average cost.

 

Magtech FMC

Magtech has plants in Czech Republic, Brazil, Germany, and the U.S. It manufactures over 1.5 billion rounds of centerfire ammunition per year. This .45 round has good ballistics, with a muzzle velocity of 840 fps.

Cost: 28.5¢ p/r

 

Blazer Brass

Blazer Brass .45 ACP ammo is made by CCI/ATK. The reloadable round has a muzzle velocity of 845 fps with a slightly sharper recoil impulse.

Cost: 31.5¢ p/r

 

Federal American Eagle

Federal’s “American Eagle” brand has a good reputation for making solid, high performance ammunition. Its FMJ round has a higher muzzle velocity of 890 fps.

Cost: 30.0¢ p/r

 

Federal LE Tactical Bonded

Federal created its LE Tactical Bonded .45 ACP for law enforcement use. It has a bonded-core bullet with a muzzle velocity of 840 fps.

Cost: 66.5¢ p/r

 

Speer Gold Dot 230 Grain JHP

Speer created one of the first .45 JHP bullets to be used by many law enforcement agencies. Police often used it as standard issue for Sig P227 handguns.

Cost: $1.33 p/r

 

Federal Classic Hydra – Shok Personal Defense

The Federal Hydra-Shok is made with a central lead post which helps with expansion. The ammo was launched in 1988 at the request of the FBI.

Cost: 44¢ p/r

 

Hornady Critical Defense FTX

This lead-core JHP bullet uses additional metal in the core, which is unusual. The bullet’s core is secured to the jacket through Hornady’s InterLock groove, which helps it to keep its structural integrity when a target is hit.

Cost: $1.08 p/r

 

Remington Golden Saber

The Remington Golden Saber uses a bonded for maximum terminal performance. Its specs fit perfectly into FBI protocol and offers excellent penetration and expansion.

Cost: 50¢ p/r

 

Winchester Supreme Elite PDX-1

The Winchester PDX-1 uses a Winchester Ranger Bonded bullet. The bottom of the bullet shows exposed lead. The ammo offers superior expansion and penetration that exceeds FBI protocol.

Cost: $1.20 p/r

 

Bullet Weight

Bullet weights of .45 ACP ammo range from 165-grains to 255-grains. The performance level depends upon the shooter and the desired use. However, it is important to compare and match bullet weights as closely as possible if you intend to use different weights for different purposes. For example, if you plan to use .45 ammo to target shoot or plink as well as carry, then switching weights can cause issues with aim and recoil. Differences are minor, but it may be crucial during a competition or in a home defense situation. Additionally, changing bullet weights may affect your sight adjustment.

 

Best 45 ACP Ammo for Self-Defense

Using a .45 handgun for self-defense ensures that the target will be stopped. However, it requires skill. A .45 has deep penetration and maximum stopping power, which means that novices stand a chance of creating collateral damage if fired in the home. It is important to note that self-defense or home defense does not necessarily mean killing a target. It could be a way to stay safe while scaring away an intruder, whether its human or animal. As a concealed carry, a .45 may be difficult for some shooters to draw when needed.

Top picks for self-defense rounds:

 

Hornady Custom XTP

The Hornady XTP bullet has a hollow point cavity and a scored jacket, which aids in expansion. Hornady also offers a +P version with a muzzle velocity of 1055 fps. Experts consider this round to be excellent for self-defense and home protection.

 

Speer LE Gold Dot 45 ACP 230 Grain JHP

Speer creates high-performance rounds for personal protection. This JHP provides consistent shot-to-shot expansion, with high accuracy and reliable results.

 

Federal Personal Defense 230 Grain JHP

Federal makes a 230 grain jacketed hollow point (JHP). Experts often call it the best large caliber for self-defense for precision, accuracy, and penetration.

 

Hornady Duty Defense 220 Grain FTX JHP

Hornady manufactures this 220-grain, .45 ACP ammo. The +P ammo has precision, accuracy, and penetration with maximum expansion.

 

Speer Gold Dot JHP 230 Grain JHP

This 230-grain JHP is accurate, fires controlled penetration, and delivers superior stopping power.

 

Best .45 ACP Ammo for Law Enforcement

The .45 ACP was created for the military and law enforcement. While many police departments have changed to 9mm rounds, some still prefer to use a .45 for its penetration of hard targets. It also provides the necessary stopping power the officers need. Although some departments carry 9mm sidearms, it is not unusual to find members of law enforcement that still carry a .45 as a sidearm or an off-duty service weapon.

Popular rounds include:   

 

Winchester 45 Auto 230 Grain JHP Ranger Bonded

Ranger® Bonded 45 ACP Ammunition was made to deliver maximum penetration through hard and abrasive barriers, including auto glass. The round is effective due to Winchester’s core/jacket bonding process. This ammo is popular with law enforcement as a service round.

 

Winchester 45 ACP +P 175 Grain Ranger Frangible SF

Ranger® Frangible is made for shooting in close quarters. It uses lead-free-powdered metal projectiles to deliver excellent frangibility against hard targets. The round also has reduced ricochet which helps with specific and accurate training exercises.

 

Winchester 45 Auto 230 Grain JHP Ranger T-Series 

The Ranger® T Series ammunition has superior expansion and deep penetration enhanced by the engineered segments used in Winchester’s patented SXT® design. It delivers consistent stopping power when it is needed most. The ammo is also available in a +P version.

 

Hornady .45 Auto +P 220 Grain Critical Duty

Critical Duty is the cream of the crop for tactical and law enforcement professionals. The Flex Tip® design eliminates clogging and assists bullet expansion. Its jacket-to-core InterLock® band keeps the bullet and core from separating, giving superior expansion, maximum weight retention, and consistent penetration.

 

Best .45 ACP Ammo for Target Practice & Range Training

Competition shooters, plinkers and trainers demand ammo that fires clean with high reliability and accuracy. Indoor or outdoor, .45 ACP ammo works well as target ammo whether you’re in for range training or gearing up for your next match. Here are some popular brands:

 

Winchester Service Grade 45 ACP 230 Grain FMJ 

Winchester Service Grade is a workhorse ammo. It is reliable and clean-burning target ammo.

 

Federal American Eagle Non-Toxic Primer 45 ACP 230 Grain TMJ

Federal’s non-toxic TMJ bullet is made for indoor range practice. The rounds are not fully jacketed and are loaded with primers free of toxic metals.

 

Federal American Eagle 230 Grain FMJ

Federal makes a reloadable 230-grain FMJ ideal for practice shooting and plinking purposes. This new round is similar to Federal’s Premium Personal Defense rounds.

 

Best 45 ACP Ammo for Hunting

Seasoned shooters have an ongoing argument on handgun hunting. Some say you shouldn’t do it unless your main gun misfires. Others say it’s fine as long as you know what you’re doing. Although they will never see eye to eye (especially holding Grandpappy’s 30-06), these rounds may make it a bit easier to choose.

Hunters pick Federal, Hornady, Remington, Speer and Winchester ammo more than any other. You can buy ammo online to save money. You’ll be able to build up stock and get ammo for every type of prey from whitetail to elk to bear.

Top Picks:

 

Hornady® Superformance™ Rifle Ammunition

Hornady uses a powder blend that gives an additional 200 fps from a Superformance round. It results in reduced wind drift, flatter trajectory, and superior accuracy.

 

Remington® Premier® Core-Lokt® Ultra Ammunition

Premier Core-Lokt ammunition does against large game. It retains 95 percent of its weight and gives expansion twice the original diameter. Terminal performance up to 500 yards.

 

Nosler Partition

Nosler is a solid all-around bullet. It loses some points for accuracy but gives high terminal performance.

 

Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Tip Rifle Ammunition

Vital-Shok line was designed after the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw® cartridge. It has higher performance and downrange accuracy.

 

Deer Hunting

Deer are the most hunted game animals in North America. The deer population was in danger in the early 20th century due to lax regulations, but today they number about 30 million. The season starts in August and runs through January (depending where you are). They are hunted mostly in the eastern U.S. although they are also seen west of the Rockies.

Deer can be difficult to kill with .45 ammo unless you’re a crack shot. They’re fast and require exact placement before they’ll go down. The most sought after rounds include

Browning’s BXR, Winchester’s Deer Season XP, Nosler’s Ballistic Tips, Hornady’s American Whitetail, Hornady’s SST, Browning’s BXR, and Federal’s Non-Typical ammo.

 

Hog Hunting

 

People often misunderstand the tenacity and strength of hogs – particularly if they are feral. Brought over from Spain in the 1500s, wild hogs escaped from their encampments and ran rampant throughout the U.S. They became invasive and destructive animals that are hard to kill. Their thick skins and bulk require ammo with deep penetration. Bonded rounds have the most effect against wild hogs. Top notch ammo includes Hornady’s Interbond, Nosler’s Accubond, Federal’s Trophy Bonded Tip, Hornady GMX, Browning’s BXC, and Federal’s Trophy Copper ammunition.

 

Bear Hunting & Protection

Most hunters say that hunting bear with a handgun is asking for trouble. Of course, it depends on the ammo and the size of the bear. Bear aren’t easy to kill with a handgun, but it can be done – if the placement is right. Experts say that you’d have to make a direct hit to the heart or through the eye. Perhaps that’s why most hunters opt for a more powerful weapon and keep the .45 as a backup weapon. Bears don’t attack without reason but getting close enough to shoot his eye out is a dangerous proposition. Remember that a bear is a creature with thick skin, dense flesh and a great deal of fat. Stories of mama bears charging people on her turf are legendary. If that happens, any gun you choose may not be enough to save you. Arguments aside, most experts say that if you are going to hunt bear with a .45, your ammo should be at least 230-grains. Penetration is key.

If you are hunting with .45 ACP, consider these choices for ammo:

 

.45 Colt Buffalo Bore 255 Grain SWC

This standard-pressure semi-wadcutter (SWC) round mirrors the traditional 255-grain SWC load. Known for high accuracy, this round delivers deep penetration. The only downside is a strong recoil.

• Bullet Weight: 255 Grain
•  Muzzle Energy: 566 ft lbs
•  Muzzle Velocity: 1000 fps
•  Casing Material: Brass

 

 .45 ACP Fiocchi 230 Grain FMJ

This Fiocchi round gives excellent performance for a high volume shooter and hunter. It is an affordable, highly accurate round with excellent consistency.

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Bullet Weight: 230 Grain
• Muzzle Energy: 377 ft lbs
•  Muzzle Velocity: 860 fps
•  Casing Material: Brass

 

.45 Federal 230 Grain FMJ

Federal offers a 230-grain FMJ with deep penetration, high accuracy and reliable expansion. It has a non-magnetic lead core full metal jacket and uses noncorrosive Boxer primer.

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
• Bullet Weight: 230 Grain
• Muzzle Energy: 404 ft lbs
•  Muzzle Velocity: 890 fps
•  Casing Material: Brass

 

Conclusion

.45 ACP ammunition has been around for more than 100 years. Seasoned shooters, pros, and newbies alike covet it for its status, power, and versatility. In the right hands, it is an all-around cartridge that will serve you well – at the range, in the woods, in the backyard or at your local indoor range.

The 9mm Parabellum cartridge was developed in 1902 by DWM firearms designer Georg Luger. Luger created it to be used as a service cartridge for the DWM Luger semi-automatic pistol. Luger’s invention was an improvement over previous handgun ammo which was bulky and heavy. The 9mm was compact, lightweight and accurate due to its small size.

The 9mm holds the distinction of being the cartridge of choice for the first submachine guns. WWI soldiers favored the cartridge for its ability to penetrate field gear. WWII reinforced the popularity of the 9mm. Soon, police, military, and civilian entities started using the cartridge for law enforcement as well as self-defense.

Today the 9mm remains the most popular handgun cartridge in the world. Over 60% of law enforcement agencies worldwide use the ammo on a regular basis.

When it comes to self-defense, some naysayers point out the lack of stopping power of a 9mm compared to a .45 caliber. However, they should keep in mind that one of the reasons the 9mm cartridge is so popular is because of a lower recoil, ease of use and higher level of control. This is a particularly noticeable advantage for novice shooters.

SightM1911’s Choice

We’ve found that CheapAmmo.com is a great site to pick-up bulk 9mm ammo for training as well as self-defense loads. Their easy to use site isn’t chock full of frills but their pricing is second-to-none and we’ve had fast shipping from them for any of our orders.

Check out their specials page. That’s usually my first stop when I’m looking for a case of 9mm ammo as they generally will have the best option there and I don’t particularly care about the brand.

Other Places To Buy Ammo

Ammo Man –New Hampshire-based company that offers a large catalog with low prices. Consider ordering in bulk as the site offers free shipping on orders over $99.

Ammo to Go – This Texas-based company is a powerful online seller. Fair pricing and fast turn-around times make Ammo to Go a contender. They divide up their 9mm into FMJ and self-defense loads too so you get a good idea of what your options are depending upon your use type.

Ammunition Depot – Ammunition Depot vehemently supports Second Amendment rights. AD carries a wide variety of ammunition, magazines, and gear. Customers report outstanding customer service.

Bone Frog Gun Club –The owner of Bone Frog has extensive knowledge of ammunition and firearms. Bone Frog only sells new, American-made items and tactical gear. They do not sell reloads.

Buds Gun Shop– Buds is not the largest company on the list but may have its most loyal following. Listed as a reliable, top site by customers. Offers wide selection of ammunition, frequent sales, and exceptional service.

Bulk Ammo – If you want to order large quantities of ammo, Bulk Ammo is the place to go. Buying large quantities means getting the best ammo prices, even on hard to find items. Unlike some sites, its sales fliers offer dozens of products.

GunBuyer – Offers competitive pricing and fast turn-around times. Its easy to use system and top notch service rank high among their clients nationwide.

Lucky Gunner – Lucky Gunner always seems to rank at the top of the charts for best place to buy ammo online. In addition to low prices and a live inventory count, Lucky Gunner is appreciated for its shipping cost estimator and friendly service.

RifleGear – This seller has a vast catalog of handguns, rifles, shotguns, gun parts, accessories, and gear (including high-end firearms and RifleGear exclusives). They maintain a live inventory count to eliminate back orders. Customers are also invited to visit their full-service retail stores.

SGAmmo – Their website might be sluggish but the prices and service at SGAmmo get rave reviews from their customers. A family-owned and operated store, SGAmmo has a immense selection of ammo, with prices that are hard to beat.

Target Barn – When it comes to competitive shooting like USPSA and IDPA, it’s pretty much impossible to beat the Barn! They have a good selection of 9mm Luger ammo in-stock and their prices are more than fair. Shipping speed has always been good in my experience there as well.

Reminder: Before buying ammunition online, know local, state and federal laws about receiving shipments via common carriers. If ammo is shipped to a restricted area, you will not receive your order and most likely lose what you paid in shipping. There may also be a restocking fee attached to the order.

 

 

 

The .45 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) may be the most iconic American cartridge on the books. It was created for the U.S. Armed Forces by John Moses Browning more than 100 years ago and remains a top choice for military and law enforcement personnel. Civilians also give the .45 high marks when it comes to sport shooting and self-defense. Competition and backyard shooters praise the .45 for mild recoil and accuracy.

Law enforcement agencies continue to use the .45 ACP cartridge for its ability to stop dangerous antagonists. Agencies include the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) and the Los Angeles Police Department SWAT. Although the U.S. military replaced the .45 ACP with the 9mm in 1985, Delta Force and Operators of Marine Expeditionary Units under the United States Special Ops Command have the option to use the .45 in their pistols.

When it comes to self-defense the .45 Auto penetrates deep and creates a significant wound capable of damaging the circulatory system, central nervous system, and critical organs.

Best Places to Buy .45 ACP Ammo

Top Pick: Our#1 choice for buying .45 ACP online goes to AmmunitionToGo.com.

When it comes to their site, nobody beats them for the wide array of calibers and options they have in-stock for sale with pretty fast shipping.

The shop got their start in Brenham, Texas back in the 1990’s and they have been serving shooters for decades since then. Go ahead and read the reviews online, you’ll see we’re not alone in having high praise for them. The company also has an awesome resource with ballistic gelatin testing to help you determine good 45 Auto loads for self-defense.

It also offers customers the opportunity to educate themselves and to interact with other enthusiasts, new and old. As well as great weekly ammo deals and discounts.

Some other options:

1. Ammo Man – This e-commerce site passes along savings to its customers through low prices, deals, and selection.  Ammo Man has an extensive catalog of items, featuring ammo for handguns. The site offers free shipping on orders over $99.
2. Ammunition Depot – Ammunition Depot also supports Second Amendment rights. The family-owned company stocks a wide assortment of ammunition, magazines, cases, and related gear. They are known for taking pride in offering high quality product backed by outstanding customer service.
3. Brownells – Brownells is one of the larger companies on our list. The Iowa-based site has been in the business for decades. It is a well-known company often referred to as a go-to place for anything related to firearms.
4. Buds Gun Shop – Listed as a reliable, top site by customers. Offers wide selection of ammunition and exceptional service. Although it’s not the biggest company on our list it is well respected and popular. They routinely offer specials and discounts as well as free shipping on select items.
5. Bulk Ammo – If you want to order large quantities of ammo, Bulk Ammo is the place to go. Buying large quantities means getting the best ammo prices, even on hard to find items. Unlike some sites, its sales fliers offer dozens of products.
6. Cheaper than Dirt – Although they sell other products, they also sell a lot of ammunition. Customers can order by the box or in bulk, making prices cheaper than dirt. 
7. Lucky Gunner – Lucky Gunner always seems to rank at the top of the charts for best place to buy ammo online. In addition to low prices and a live inventory count, Lucky Gunner is appreciated for its shipping cost estimator and friendly service.
8. Outdoor Limited – This North Carolina store guarantees no back orders and fast shipping. It consistently receives first-rate reviews from customers, especially regarding its prompt and friendly customer service.
9. Widener’s – This is a Tennessee based retailer that has been around for about as long as gunpowder as well. Widener’s has a good selection of bulk ammunition and is also an awesome provider of 45 ACP reloading components, like casings and bullets.
10. Sportsmans Guide – SG has been around for a long time and has developed a strong following. Customers rave about their service and low prices on top ammunition brands.

Caution:

There are some downsides to buying ammunition online. Most involve knowing what the site has in stock and estimated shipping times.

The most important thing to consider before you buy ammo online is educating yourself about local, state and federal laws. There are certain areas where websites are forbidden to tread. California, New York and Illinois have different regulations per major city. Most states have restrictions on shipping ammunition for automatic weapons. International shipping is strictly forbidden. Not knowing restrictions and laws surrounding the shipment of ammunition can lead to lost orders, non-refundable charges or worse.

Buying anything online these days is easy. The lack of overhead, cost of employees, and maintaining inventory drives prices down so that making purchases online will save you money even when you include shipping costs. We’ve all become spoiled by Amazon.com, eBay, Walmart and similar sites that allow us to purchase almost anything our hearts desire from the comfort of our homes while wearing pajamas. Why should buying ammunition online be any different?

 

Best Online Ammo Stores

It’s impossible to state which is the best place to buy ammo online due to changing prices, supply and demand, sales and promotions or shipping costs. If you are seeking a specific type of ammo you may be limited to a small handful of stores. That being said, we do have our our #1 choice as well as some other top rated sites we use.

 

Our Choice

Exhaustive research has led us to our favorite online ammo store. Ammo.com offers the widest variety of ammo at outstanding prices that we’ve found online so far. For ease of use the ammo is split into categories as well as calibers and there are reviews on many calibers. No more scrolling through endless pages to find that one special item.

Longtime customers  at Ammo.com rave about their fast shipping and service and so do we. Many also belong to People of the Gun, a group of firearms owners, bloggers and supporters of Second Amendment rights. This isn’t just a website for selling ammo deals; it’s a site that donates 1% of the purchase price to the Pro-Freedom organization of your choice, including the NRA and the Second Amendment Foundation.

They also maintain a “Resistance Library” filled with articles regarding a wide variety of topics from self-defense to preparedness, and provide a FAQ section for information about shipping to restricted areas.

For more information about Ammo.com check out Jarhead6‘s video:

Other sites recommended by our staff include:

• Academy Sports – Great prices, free shipping on orders over $25. Site is easy to navigate.
• Brownells – Longstanding reputation as a source for ammo and supplies. Offers 100% guarantee.
• Bulk Ammo – Carries a wide selection of bulk ammo including hard to find items.
• Cabela’s – Excellent reputation. Carries most major brands and also offers advice for novices.
• Cheaper than Dirt – Single box and bulk ammo sales. Also carried high-performance match-grade and self-defense ammo.
• Lucky Gunner – Top site offering cheap ammo that’s always in stock. Offers great prices on bulk ammo.
• Natchez Shooters Supplies – Large assortment of ammo including bulk ammo. Offers free shipping on large orders.

 

Caution

Beware of sites that don’t immediately quote shipping prices. Even if the site promises the best ammo prices, your great deal can suddenly turn into an expensive venture.

Learn the ins and outs of the store before you buy ammo online. Does the store show which items are in stock? Take time to read store reviews. A store may offer excellent deals but if they don’t have reasonable shipping times, that excellent deal becomes an exercise in frustration.

Do your homework. Buying ammunition online is fast and easy but can cause a big headache if you violate local, state, or federal laws. At the very least you won’t receive your order and end up paying shipping or restocking costs.

The Auto-Ordnance Deluxe is another 1911A1 pistol that has found its way onto the trash heap of the has-beens and also-rans in the Colt 1911 replica business.  The Auto-Ordnance Deluxe is not manufactured today, though a better replica, the Auto Ordnance WWII Parkerized, is currently being manufactured.  The pistol shown is chambered in .45 ACP.

The Auto-Ordnance Pit Bull is a gun that is no longer manufactured by Auto Ordnance.  The Auto-Ordnance Pit Bull is a very compact 1911-style handgun that is obviously designed for concealed carry and personal protection.  It has a blued finish and plastic stocks.  The sights are very tall as compared to the over all size of the gun.