Best carry load for .45 ACP?

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bestseller92

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Here in a bit, I plan to start running carry loads through my P97 to make sure it's reliable with them. Not being rich, I can't afford to test multiple loads, so I'd appreciate some recommendations on carry loads for the .45 ACP (this won't be my primary CCW gun, but I do plan to carry it when I'm cutting wood this fall, and want JHP loads in it when I pack it). I was thinking Remington 185 grain +P JHP. Anyone have any experience with this load (I'm sure the Ruger can handle it, pressure wise). And about how much does it cost per round? Thanks.
 
I carry 230 gr. Remington Golden Saber nearly every day. I would also trust Gold Dots. Not sure about the price, but I think Gold Dots are a little cheaper.
 
I use the Speer 230 grain Gold Dot in my 1911's. My understanding is that there is less chance of jacket separation because the jacket is bonded to the lead core.

I have used the Golden Saber, Hornady XTP, and the Federal Hydra-shok in the past and they all functioned perfectly, but I have seen jacket separation with the XTP when hunting feral hogs. I haven't had a chance to try the Gold Dot yet. Hopefully this fall.
 
In the past I've carried the Win 185 gr Silvertips and right now I'm using the Win 230 gr SXT but to be honest I have no qualms about carrying plain old 230 gr Hardball, most any flavor.
 
It seems as though the 230 grain premium HP are the most popular but a few year ago I tested some rounds in the desert with a water box and the Hydrashoks were impressive. The 185gr Silver tips did nicely but the 185gr +p loads had some SERIOUS punch. I would feel well protectd by any of the popular 45 loads.
 
If the bullet has a large weight i.e. 230 grains, then it will be more likely to go through hard things like bones instead off of bouncing of a bone. So, I would use a heavy weight hollowpoint in .45ACP such as 230.
 
230gr Zero JHP
5.5gr HP-38 or W231
CCI large pistol primer

Every round that goes into the 'carry ammo' box is chamber checked and measured to 1.210 OAL

I've shot enough of those at cardboard to know that they work in my gun. I don't have any conclusive proof, but I'm pretty sure they'd stop the threat.
 
230gr JHP Ranger SXT/Remington bonded Golden Saber/Speer Gold Dot

I'd get the Winchester Ranger SXT 230gr JHP the Remington Golden Saber bonded JHP and/or Speer Gold Dot bonded JHP 230gr load(s).

For your spare mags/reloads use the CorBon PowRball .45 load or Federal EFMJ(expanding FMJ) load. You would want to use reloads that feed 100% and offer deeper penetration. JHP rounds are good but you may need to shoot through a wall/wood frame/auto glass etc if a shooting event requires you to use more than 1 magazine.

RS
 
I use Hornady 185-gr XTP loads, myself. They have feed 100% reliably in my P97, are accurate and shoot a bit softer than 230-gr FMJ. At $10.50/box they're about as cheap an effective defensive load as you're likely to find.

As for +P, I'm not too worried. .45 at impact and .70+ when it's done is plenty of damage for this kid...
Mark(psycho)Phipps( HAHAHA! )
 
Summer 230 gr PD Hydra-Shock JHP.

For winter here in good old cold Minnesota I am using the 165 Gr +P EFMJ Hydra Shock PD round to get better expansion/penetration through thick winter clothing.
 
Keep it simple...

...I use Winchester Silvertip HPs in every centerfire handgun I own. I've never experienced a malfunction of ant sort with 'em, and that's where it's at when it comes to SD ammo. Besides, you're shooting .45ACP fer cryin' out loud. 1/2" more or less penetration, or .020" more or less expansion isn't likely to be an issue at the end of the day...
 
Win. 230 HP Personal Defense

The following pictures are 2 of the 3 rounds required to "dispatch" a Russian Boar with my Colt WWI reproduction. If they will "dispatch" a Russian Boar, I think they would be extraordinary for defensive situations. The round that dropped the boar, broke its spine. I wanted to provide photos taken from various angles to show the expansion. My scales only go to 100 grains, so I do not yet now what percentage of weight retention there was.

View attachment 274854

View attachment 274855

View attachment 274856

Doc2005
 
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My defense load is Winchester personal protection loads from Wally World, they cost around $20.00 for a box of 50. I have never had one malfunction in my Glock. I think a 230gr JHP should stop most things that walk on two legs if need be.
 
Everyone says to shoot what you can afford to practice with, so I'm gonna toss in another vote for the WWB 230g JHP.

As much as I'd love to try the premium HD rounds, I really can't justify (seeing as how I'm a student) spending a lot of money shooting X rounds of brand Y to make sure they work in my gun.

WWB has never failed me in any of my .45s, and I shoot it just fine. :)
 
Carry what your local police force does.

A friend of mine once suggested that idea to me and it makes good sense. Go to your local police force, ask them what they carry and then buy the same round. Why? Because if you ever have to shoot anyone to protect yourself and end up in court, you can say "I wasn't sure what to carry, so I asked my local police department and carried what they carry." After all, if it wasn't "safe," would the police use it?

This approach has done me well for a number of years, as the police generally tend to use good quality ammunition. I didn't say carry the same caliber as they do, just the same brand ammo.

Just a thought,

Dave
 
Don't know about "best".There are a few very good defensive loads in this classic caliber.

Right now, my HK USP45 is loaded with Remington Golden Sabers 185gr. +P.And have a few boxes of the Winchester Rangers too.
 
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