.45acp vs .50 GI

[Joshua M. Smith]

Hi All,

This cartridge is still around and has claimed a following since I stumbled onto it a couple years ago so I'd like to revisit it.

I keep hearing that people carry the .45acp "because they don't make a .50" or things along those lines. This is primarily from the "bigger is better" crowd.

So how about this for a "caliber war"? These are more like caliber discussions here, and therefore I feel comfortable posting them.

The ballistics from your average .45acp is 230gr @ 830 - 900fps. Not bad. How about this bad boy?

According to their website, their premier performer is the 50GI, which is a 300gr JHP sizzling along at 860fps out of a full-sized 1911 package.

Soooo... to those who made the claim that they don't make anything bigger than the .45acp, now that they do, will you live up to your claim, or stay with the pop gun you currently have on your hip?

This goes double for reloaders, and should the cartridge become more widespread... simply no excuse not to carry it.

Sooo.... if it becomes widespread (read less expensive platforms and cheaper defense ammunition), will you leave the .45acp for something with more powerful in the form of the .50GI?

Josh <><

P.S. I think these guys are listening to the 'net. Back when I originally stumbled onto this handgun/cartridge combo they only offered a loading in the 700fps range. Most agreed that was too slow, and it seems they've upped the power, though from the reviews I've read, recoil ranges from a gentle push in the target loads to about .45acp +P in the heavier defense loadings. J.S.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

(For those who didn't pick up on it, this poll is a bit tongue-in-cheek. A .22LR vs .25acp poll follows)

Josh <><

 

[Ala Dan]

Thank You Very Much~!

I will stick with the old, obsolete .45 ACP~!

 

[Skywarp]

It's funny, because the typical 45 ACP arguments point to the 50GI being the better round.


I want to build one eventually.

 

[bakert]

Think I'll stick with the .45. The .50 will be liked by some and although I may be wrong but I doubt seriously that it will make that much of a impact on most shooters.

 

[HiroProX]

I seriously doubt that .50GI will gain much of a following. The pistols that chamber it are hideously expensive and only available from one maker.

 

[KINGMAX]

QUOTE me on this

NEW & IMPROVED does not equal better. Think about it. I am a FORTY-FIVE man from long ago. I go w/ what I know.



GLOCK 21 .45 acp

 

[Dobe]

It's funny, because the typical 45 ACP arguments point to the 50GI being the better round.

The typical argument is bigger is better as long as its controlable under quick fire conditions. The size of the .45 ACP in a 1911 is a great package. It is a round that is easy to control, as long as the handgun isn't too light.

I doubt the 50 GI is a terrible recoiler, but it will be a littler harder to handle than the .45 ACP.

I'll stick with the .45 ACP as long as I can keep putting it through the 1911.

Dobe

 

[MCgunner]

Rather have a 10mm, myself. But, the .45 works. I mean, if it ain't broke.......

 

[Greg8098]

If they up the speed, to say about 1300 - 1400 f.p.s, then yes I would trade my .45 off for one. But until then, I'll stick with the old and obsolete.

 

[High Planes Drifter]

I actually like the round. I read about it in Gun Tests. They did a review on it. Problem is, as with many fledgling chamberings, lack of support from a major ammuniton manufacturer. If GI (is it Guncrafter Industies) could market the round to be at least as popular as the .357 Sig, Id strongly consider buying one. There'd be more stability and promise. My point is, you cant expect the average joe to drop over 2 large on a pistol, when only one manufacturer is making ammo for it. IMO great idea. Lets see how far it goes.

 

[Plink]

I'd own one in a heartbeat if it became mainstream. Right now only one company that I know of makes the guns and they're very high priced. It will never become anything more than an oddity unless the other companies pick it up too. I have had the pleasure to shoot one last summer and I was highly impressed. While I wouldn't want this particular cartridge in a lightweight carry gun, in a full sized frame, it's a joy to shoot.

 

[ugaarguy]

If the 50 GI went mainstream enough that guns (or conversion parts), brass, bullets, and loaded ammo for when I don't want to reload became affordable I'd look at it. On the other hand, do I really want to reload another caliber even if it is affordable?

 

[kir_kenix]

if it were completely main-stream, relatively inexpensive (both in ammo and platform), and i had a chance to thuroughly test/abuse then i might consider it. i dont see those things happening anytime soon...and besides, what is wrong w/ the good ole .45?

 

[benelli12]

I will go with the 45, not because it's a better stopper or a better cartrige, its because you dont need a 50 caliber handgun for personal defense. And the weight of a couple clips of 300 grain bullets on your belt would be quite heavy. The 45 is a proven stopper on men, and the 50GI is not necessary for targets that arent 300 pound aliens.

 

[Geronimo45]

Obsolete is cheaper than hi-tech - so I'll go with obsolete.

 

[possum]

+1 on .45 being cheaper, i will take the obsolete .45 over the .50

 

[Eightball]

I'll keep .45, you guys move on to the less-obsolete round. And then, when ALL .50's get banned, I'll be able to shoot with glee while you are going to reloaders for all of your ammo.

Have a nice day

 

[yam476]

50GI

I recently got one of their Model 2 pistol (after almost 6 months of waiting for it). I shot a few humdred rounds through it. I actually saw no real use for it as yet, but It shoots real well for me. And I love it.

 

[Sry0fcr]

I'd rather have .45ACP/.45 Super or 10mm than .50.

 

[Vitamin G]

Misread...

All things being equal, yes, I would make the switch if:

1) A .50GI was the same cost as a .45acp
2) .50GI bullets were just as cheap
3) 50GI brass was just as plentiful on the ground, in the bin, and on ebay, as .45acp.
4) Everything else I missed, was equal in cost.


If they have .45acp and .45super...

Now they have .50GI...


I'll wait for .50super (That is NOT a desert eagle)

 

[MrDig]

Are you freaking kidding me? 2,xxx.xx plus for a side arm? I'll take the good ole mil spec .45acp and it's abundant and inexpensive ammo please.

 

[mstirton]

I like 45ACP, but I'm sitting on the other fence and would sooner move to 10mm. What does that hold in a single-stack? 6 instead of 8? My 6 shooter is a 44mag and it launches 300gr at well over 860fps.

 

[Joshua M. Smith]

http://www.guncrafterindustries.com/50gi_cartridge.shtml <------ the round

GI Magazines
M1 magazines are made of heat treated stainless steel and are of heavier gage steel than standard 1911 mags for increased strength and rigidity. The magazines are positioned higher in the frame to increase reliability and give smoother feeding. The self lubricating polymer follower has a steel insert at the slide stop contact point for longer life. Our magazines are slightly longer in order to make room for an extra power chrome silicon spring for increased life and reliability. The base pads are machined from aluminum for light weight and durability and are designed so they can be grasped in the event that it sticks due to dirt or sand. They are available in 7rd.-50GI and 8rd.-45ACP capacity.

(Bold added by me)

http://www.guncrafterindustries.com/model1_50gi.shtml <------ the gun

Josh <><

 

[.357 magnum]

Love the .45 acp but......

If a major gun MFG could make .50's that have a reasonable weight, accuracy, recoil and ammunition prices--- well that would be attractive. Now have you ever been around a .50 when it is fired? I have, and the noise level is unreal. I can only imagine what it would sound like if you had to use it in your home for defense. The only plus there, is if you hit the BG one shot would do it. A .50 caliber would knock the crap out of a 400 pound gorilla. I would also be a little worried about over penetration which if you are using hollow points is a myth for the normal calibers. But a .50--who knows where that sucker may end up???

The Best to All!

Frank