.45 auto +p

Expansion test...

I did expansion tests on those...

Hornady XTP 230 +P

Depends on the scenario. If not for SD, I'd say it's a waste of money.

Andre73, thanks for sharing that video. I carry those because I heard good things about the XTP's expansion and weight retention, and it's nice to see them in action.

I carry the 200gr +P XTPs. I got a really good deal on them, and I have read decent reviews on them. Here recently, I have read that they are not up to par when compared to other ammunition likw Golden Sabres , Gold Dots, etc.. The review stated that the XTPs would "sometimes" expand. I still carry them anyway.....its a 45, it will still work.

I did some expansion tests with the Hornady TAP 230gr +P. They expanded beautifully in water, but did not expand at all when fired through clothing. We tested the "critical defence" idea by taking the same ammo and filling the hollow point cavity with wax. The test was successful....the slug expanded even after firing though the clothing.

The XTP line in general seems to have the reputation of penetrating more and expanding less than most SD JHPs. This can be good or bad, depending on what you're shooting. They're great hunting bullets.

Sapper you have any info on the wax theory? ive never heard of doing that so it would be an interesting read on my part.
A part of me wants to try out some DoubleTap 230gr controlled expansion rounds.
I say this as i prefer more penetration over expansion with a .45 as i feel they lack in that area a tad.Many people carry FMJ round nose for that reason.
Of course i think im splitting hairs here,but i always imagine that if im gonna be attacked its gonna be by a 350lb 7' man wearing a giant parka and many layers of clothes and strung out on pcp.
My main point is i dont concern myself with expansion as much with a .45 and a little less expansion and more penetration may be a good thing.
Unless you get attacked by an anorexic 100lb guy eating a carrot.

It was said on Chuck Hawkes web site that the Federal Hydro Shock was the best stopping power in the .45 cal.

Quoted from Chuck Hawks review of the .45 ACP:

"Its best one shot stop percentage is 94% with Federal 230 grain Hydra-Shok bullets, which is a very high number. Other good .45 ACP loads are the Cor-Bon 185 grain JHP at 92%, the CCI 200 grain JHP ("flying ashtray") at 88%, the Federal 185 grain JHP at 87%, and Remington +P 185 grain JHP at 86%."

Here's the link to the full article, but a membership is required and recommended.
http://www.chuckhawks.com/subscribers/handgun_cartridge_page/45ACP.htm

If anyone is interested in just the article just PM me and I'll send you a PDF of the article.

Any premium self defense ammo will work just fine as long as it functions well, is accurate, and you hit your target.

I have shot most major brands of self defense ammo in several calibers in many different guns. I can honestly say that I never had a problem that was caused by the ammo. Yes some were more accurate than others but they were all consistant. The bad guy isn't going to complain about a half inch here or there.

Every manufacturer will claim their's is best. Most law enforcement agencies use Speer Gold Dot. Some use Winchester Ranger T. Others Remington Golden Saber, or Corbon DPX. Does that mean that those brands will be the best for you? Only you will know for sure.

I like Corbon DPX because of low flash and low recoil. But I also like Win Ranger T because it's a proven round and I can buy it in 50 round boxes for the price of a 20 round box of other self defense ammo.

HST. if you can find one.

I am sure I am going to catch some heat on this, but here it goes. I don't see any reason to have a +P in a 230 grain 45 acp bullet. Just my 2 cents(which is about all it's worth).

i picked up a box only because the store didn't have golden saber 230's or any other gs for that matter. i still carry around my old golden sabers instead of these but hey if i ever need them i will use them.

Oh my. Chuck Hawkes and Marshall & Sanow in a single post. I think my head might explode.

surjimmy said:

I am sure I am going to catch some heat on this, but here it goes. I don't see any reason to have a +P in a 230 grain 45 acp bullet. Just my 2 cents(which is about all it's worth).

Click to expand...

Curious why you think this?

I am sure I am going to catch some heat on this, but here it goes. I don't see any reason to have a +P in a 230 grain 45 acp bullet. Just my 2 cents(which is about all it's worth).

Click to expand...

I wouldnt give someone flak over it,everyone likes lower recoil.
But i dont like to sacrifice penetration for less recoil tho.
Im one of those 10mm types,even tho i dont have my 10mm anymore.Its my mindset as i mentioned in a previous post.
Id take a standard .45 acp over any .40 or 9mm anyday,im bit of an extremist imo.
I hope to carry my full sized 1911 soon once the weather is cooler in Ohio,id put a .460 Rowland conversion in it if i could get one without the compensator.Thats just too big and too heavy imo,hopefully one day ill get a smaller DW 1911 10mm

DasFriek said:

I wouldnt give someone flak over it,everyone likes lower recoil.
But i dont like to sacrifice penetration for less recoil tho.
Im one of those 10mm types,even tho i dont have my 10mm anymore.Its my mindset as i mentioned in a previous post.
Id take a standard .45 acp over any .40 or 9mm anyday,im bit of an extremist imo.
I hope to carry my full sized 1911 soon once the weather is cooler in Ohio,id put a .460 Rowland conversion in it if i could get one without the compensator.Thats just too big and too heavy imo,hopefully one day ill get a smaller DW 1911 10mm

Click to expand...

The DW 10MM is a dream to shoot. I'm not 10MM guy but have a friend who owns several. I shoot his and could not tell it was a 10MM. That's how well it shoots and feels.

I also carry +P for more penetration. Especially in winter months.