.45 ACP PD ammo comparison

[txhoghunter]

Ok so I have been wondering, since I do not have the means to test these myself, the pros and cons of modern defensive pistol ammo. By this I mean ammunition like Gold Dots, Ranger, PDX1, etc., and I would really like to have some input on the COR-BON DPX and Pow'rBall ammo.

At the moment, I keep Gold Dots in my Sig 220, but I am just wondering how they compare.

 

[Steve H]

I'd bet you can find some interesting videos about this on youtube.

 

[Steve H]

this is the Barnes bullet.............pretty impressive to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNMs0TwDt60&feature=fvw

 

[147 Grain]

The Barnes XPB Copper Bullet is a very good load that recoils less that one might think. In 45 ACP, the 185-gr. projectile is the preferred choice due to superior penetration and expansion over the 160-gr. bullet. In recent years, numerous ballistic tests in Gel, 4-Ply Denim, and Heavy Cloth give the edge to the heavier loading, especially at +P velocities.

The 185-gr. +P Barnes Tac-XP is loaded by Corbon in their DPX line-up (DPX45185-20), Federal LE Tactical (T45B1), and Black Hills. Corbon (DPX45160-20) and Double Tap also load Barnes' 160-gr. XPB.

 

[147 Grain]

FYI:

The best civilian SD loads in 45 ACP that I am aware of are all +P loadings that offer a good balance between penetration and expansion. Basically it is a toss-up between:

1. Winchester Ranger T 230-gr. +P (RA45TP) at 990 fps.
2. Federal HST 230-gr. +P (P45HST1) at 950 fps
3. Corbon's DPX / Tac-XP (DPX45185-20) at 1,075 fps
4. Federal LE Tactical 185-gr. +P Barnes Tac-XP (T45XB1) at 1,030 fps

IF your preferred SD ammo of choice isn't shown, please don't sweat it!!! Even Winchester White Box (WWB) HP's using older technology performs decently in heavy for caliber loadings (not mid or lightweights for the WWB).

In choosing SD ammo (civilians), select an unbonded heavy for caliber round that likely will result in a good balance between penetration and expansion. Civilians generally do not need bonded ammo, but there are exceptions. IF you absolutely must have a midweight bullet, go with a bonded +P load for CC / around the home. Use heavy for caliber bonded projectiles if penetration of barriers is a major issue.

Example (unbonded bullet): 9mm = 147-gr. / 40 S&W = 180-gr. / 45 ACP = 230-gr.

Example (midweight bonded bullet): 9mm = 124-gr. or 127-gr. / 40 S&W = 165-gr. / 45 ACP = 200-gr.