Previously, I examined the different bullet grain weights for 9mm and .223 cartridges to outline how different grain weights and bullet designs play a role in terminal performance, recoil, accuracy, and sometimes reliability in your particular firearm. I am now taking a look at perhaps one of the most American calibers of them all, the .45 ACP, .45 Auto, or — in jest — the .45 AARP.

The .45 ACP was developed in 1904 by John Moses Browning for the new prototype Colt semi-automatic pistol. It only grew in success from there. It was the most popular sidearm caliber for decades and is still incredibly popular today.

The .45 ACP is available in a wide variety of loadings with a number of different bullet grain weights. Whether you’re looking for the best accuracy, or simply tailoring your ballistic performance, you should pay attention to bullet grain weight to get the most out of your shot.

78–105 Grains

The lightest .45 ACP loading I could find is just over one-third the standard grain weight for the cartridge. 78-grain Civil Defense +P ammo from Liberty Ammunition was designed to eliminate threats with one round. According to company officials, the ultralight JHP bullet creates the maximum amount of tissue damage and disruption possible. It performs well against barriers, but when the large hollow point cavity fills with fluid, hydraulic pressure builds until the side walls of the projectile explode. With that explosion comes rifle-like temporary cavities and hydrostatic shock, increasing stopping power. Following the explosion, the bullet fragments into a starburst-shaped pattern creating multiple wound channels.

The company also offers the 105-grain Overwatch. The Overwatch was created at the request of special forces groups who tested Civil Defense and were impressed with the way the projectile erupts upon entry into a target. The one issue they found was there was not enough penetration. Overwatch projectiles are designed to function similar to Civil Defense but with deeper penetration due to the increased weight. Capable of penetrating 12–16 inches in gel blocks, Overwatch was designed for maximum organ displacement and features solid copper alloy projectiles.

120–160 Grains

Moving up, there are lightweight .45 ACP options between 120 and 160 grains, offering unique performance. CCI manufactures a 120-grain Shotshell load incorporating #9 shot for quick and convenient pest control. The rigid plastic shot capsules break apart on barrel rifling, releasing the shot pellets for a short-range spread.

Underwood’s Xtreme Defender 135-grain utilizes a CNC-machined, monolithic, solid-copper projectile with radial flutes designed to force hydraulic energy inward, which results in a permanent wound cavity twice that of any expanding bullet according to Underwood. The optimized design of the bullet maximizes penetration up to 18 inches. This defensive ammo is loaded with flash-suppressed powder to help preserve night vision and is designed for reduced recoil.

Additionally, there are a number of 155-grain frangible training and self-defense rounds. Federal’s Ballisticlean provides a lead-free option to limit your exposure while training. The RHT, or “Reduced Hazard Training,” bullet eliminates airborne lead and helps reduce barrel fouling. Frangible bullets also eliminate backsplash and ricochets in training. Speer offers a version of its Lawman line with this same RHT projectile. SinterFire produces Special Duty frangible ammo incorporating its copper/tin hollow point bullet. It is intended to reduce overpenetration for defense in key environments such as schools, courtrooms, and hospitals.

Both CorBon and DoubleTap offer 160-grain hollow point options for personal defense. Both are made with solid-copper, hollow point bullets intended to help ensure that you can defeat hard barriers and auto glass while maintaining bullet integrity.

185–200 Grains

Most standard .45 ACP loadings start at around 185 grains. This retains the heavier bullet weight the big bore .45 is known for but allows you to squeeze more velocity out of the cartridge. Hornady and Winchester both offer excellent high-velocity hollow points with a 185-grain projectile. They excel in the personal defense arena. PMC’s 185-grain JHPs provide good expansion and consistent performance at an affordable price.

Federal’s Gold Medal Match features a 185-grain semi-wadcutter (SWC) projectile design. For precision target shooting and competition, it’s hard to beat. The cartridge is well-known for delivering the utmost accuracy across a range of handguns and pistol-caliber carbines.

The first .45 ACP loading used a 200-grain bullet for the original Colt 1905 pistol. At the time, the cartridge would clock 900 fps and produce 360 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle. Today, both SIG and Speer offer 200-grain hollow point defensive loadings with improved performance. Notably, Speer’s Gold Dot G2 pushes 1,080 fps and 518 ft/lbs.

230-Grains

The 230-grain bullet was the original .45 ACP loading designed for the 1911 pistol. Typically traveling around 850 fps, it delivers 369 ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle. Today, this is still the most common bullet grain weight for .45 ACP.

Most of your standard target ammunition will feature the 230-grain projectile. In this configuration, the .45 ACP is naturally subsonic, making it an excellent candidate for suppressor use. Winchester White Box, Remington UMC, Federal American Eagle, Armscor USA, and a whole host of other options provide dependable service across a range of firearms. Standard 230-grain ball ammo is great for training and plinking at the range. Going with reputable manufacturers tends to provide more consistent, accurate, and reliable performance.

There are a ton of defensive loads utilizing the 230-grain projectile. Federal Punch is available in a 230-grain loading that provides exceptional results. Its jacketed hollow point (JHP) design provides a good balance between expansion and penetration. Additionally, Hornady offers a Subsonic loading featuring its trusted XTP projectile. Long grooves in its gilding metal jacket combine with the bullet’s flat profile and the Flex Tip insert within its hollow point cavity to help it expand reliably at low velocities. Winchester’s WinClean incorporates a jacketed soft point bullet with a brass enclosed base to eliminate lead vaporization and reduce barrel leading.

< 

240–255 Grains

A heavier .45 ACP loading can provide the extra mass required for bringing down larger game.

Federal Syntech Solid Core features a 240-grain, flat-nose bullet that has been formed from extremely hard, high-antimony lead to hold together while blowing through bone and penetrating deep, making it an ideal choice for both hunting and dangerous animal defense. Unlike hard-cast bullets, Solid Core uses a Syntech polymer jacket to reduce friction and leading without features such as wax rings and gas checks.

Underwood offers a 255-grain round with a “Hi-Tek” coated, hard cast projectile. This flat-point round will work great on deer and other game you meet in the woods and is produced with flash-suppressed powder perfect for low-light hog engagements.

Final Thoughts

When deciding on which bullet grain weight to use in your .45 ACP, it is important to first determine your intended use. Do you need a high-velocity round for increased penetration? Do you need something subsonic for suppressor use? Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options in bullet weights and designs for the .45, but be sure to go with a quality manufacturer and test your ammo in your firearm.

What is your preferred .45 ACP bullet grain weight? Why? Share your answers and favorite rounds in the Comment section.

Article by ALEX COLE

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.