.45 ACP Defense Loads - What do you use?

[MovedWest]

For years I've stuck to 44 magnum revolvers with a 200gr XTP 44 special load for home defense. I kept the charge high enough to perform, but low enough to keep it under 1050 fps to keep it subsonic. I'll take this in my super blackhawks to protect my family any day. But...

I've recently picked up one of Ruger's 1911 .45 ACP's. I have to admit, it's pretty nice for a semiauto. Given the performance difference, I'm planning on replacing my wife's 9mm with a 45 and wondered what you guys use for HD?

I'd like to hear what bullets perform consistently, expand well, and provide enough transferred energy to be effective for your needs. As for powder, I can figure that one out - I'm guessing Unique would be a good option. If there's a factory load you like, I'm willing to hear about it, too.

-MW

 

[rcmodel]

Both my 1911's and a S&W revolver are loaded with 230 grain XTP over 6.5 Unique as we speak.

I also like the Speer Gold Dots, but they have been unobtainoum the last few years.

rc

 

[PO2Hammer]

I use a Hornady .45/200 FMJ-CT (jacketed SWC) over a near-full dose of Universal, so I don't worry about expansion.

 

[DeepSouth]

Gold Dots, but I really like most any bonded bullet.

 

[Chevelle SS]

Federal HST

 

[KansasSasquatch]

I keep Hornady factory loaded 220gr Critical Duty loaded in my .45's. But I also have 200gr XTPs loaded over a stout load of Longshot. I like the Critical Duty better, but at over $1/shot, they aren't real economical to have 12 magazines loaded up.

 

[moxie]

I like Gold Dots, and yes, over Unique.

rc,

Here they are, not cheap, but in stock.

http://www.bullets.com/products/-45...Protection-Gold-Dot-Bullets-Box-of-100/BL3876

 

[GW Staar]

I also use Gold Dots and Unique.

I would like to try the new Berry's Hybrid Hollow Point, SD bullets. (Berry's copycat of Gold Dots) But due to their popularity, they are also unobtainium until further notice.

For many years I just used 230 military style FMJ's, but that was before the good stuff was made.....yes you have to worry about where the bullets go after they exit your target..........

At least with .45's, the non-expanding 230 grain FMJ is big enough to be somewhat effective for a S.D. round. Not so much on a 9mm.

 

[lckdnldd]

230 grain SGD

 

[Rule3]

It's a 45, any of the premium name bullets will work.
. More of a question is weight. 230, 200 or 185gr. I am sure good old lead has been effective also.

 

[guncheese]

200gr LSWC at around 700fps
its my target load

wanna bet it will put a big ole hurtin on a bad guy?

and yes lots of the time they are carried in my girl "Verity"

 

[ljnowell]

I'm a big fan of Gold Dots or Winchester HPs over a full charge of power pistol.

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

I use 230 gr. Gold Dot in my 1991A1.

Last box I picked up was a 50 round box at a gun show for about $20, and that was just a few months ago. I shoulda bought all the guy had, it was dirt cheap! Last time I bought a box before that was at a LGS, a couple years ago. Ran me $30 for a 20 round box.

Plenty of it is available now at much better prices:

http://www.ammunitiondepot.com/CCI-Speer-45-ACP-230-Grain-Gold-Dot-Hollow-Point-p/53966.htm

http://www.luckygunner.com/45-acp-ammo-for-sale-45-acp-230-jhp-speer-gold-dot-le-50-rounds

 

[KansasSasquatch]

Not quite as cheap as that gunshow but sgammo has pretty good prices on self defense ammo. http://sgammo.com/catalog/pistol-ammunition/45-auto-acp

 

[MightyMO1911]

Sierra Jhp (230 grain) over Unique.

 

[buck460XVR]

It's a 45, any of the premium name bullets will work.

My feelings exactly. Go with the bullet that shoots most accurately/feeds the best, in your particular firearm. I find Noslers and the Hornady's work well for me.

 

[Rule3]

I still have a box of Speer flying ashtrays.

These are not mine, to lazy to go take a picture of the same thing.

Thank the Col Colt

 

[LeonCarr]

230 Gold Dot

I miss the Flying Ashtrays.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[Garrobo]

Just about

anything coming up close out of the end of the barrel of a .44 or .45 will do the trick.

 

[mdi]

I'm in agreement that a .451" chunk of lead going 900 fps is gonna hurt anything within handgun range. I cast so my only 45 ACP bullets are lead. My most common load for my "house gun" is 200 gr. #68 clones over a hefty load of Unique...

 

[mavracer]

230gr gold dots I get the 50 round LE boxes usually from SGammo.com

 

[rsrocket1]

Fortunately, the caliber you've chosen works good for SD purposes whether it expands or not. Therefore, reliable feeding is #1. So if the gun works 100% with FMJ and 99.9% with JHP, I'd pick the FMJ.

Determining that would be my first priority.

The good thing is you can shoot it another 2,000 times before you choose!

 

[edfardos]

230 xtreme under 5.4gr w231. Ball ammo, same as target ammo, works every time.

A 9mm may expand but a 45 will never shrink.

Edfardos

 

[Rule3]

230 xtreme under 5.4gr w231. Ball ammo, same as target ammo, works every time.

A 9mm may expand but a 45 will never shrink.

Edfardos

Works better when it is on top of the powder.