Best .45 ACP round?

[somerandomguy]

For self defense. Thoughts?

 

[gossamer]

I like the Speer Law Enforcement Grade Gold Dot 200gr.

I've never had the incidence to use it for personal defense. But I like the way it shoots in my P220.

YMMV

 

[nathan]

Federal HST as of date.

 

[Steve H]

IMHO just about anything that cycles through your gun is good. What is the BEST????? I would think what ever you are comfy with. Remember in WWII the FMJ worked pretty well.

 

[mcdonl]

230LRN and Berry 200 plated hollow points in my 1911


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[KodeFore]

Hornady Critical Defense for my 1911

 

[beatledog7]

In the house and for carry, 200-230gr JHPs. For the range, 200-230gr FMJ, since for most of us JHPs are too pricey to fling at paper. As long as what you practice with shoots to the same POA as your SD ammo, you're good to go.

 

[texasgun]

I like the 180gr +P JHP from Golden Sabre (Remington). Wouldn't shoot it though thru anything less than a 4"+ barrel. That load is HOT. Also very, very well manufactured with weatherproof/water resistant sealing.

Wilson makes some good SD loads too... but they are very pricey. Cleanest rounds I've ever seen... seems like they polish every round before packaging.

But to be fair... the .45 is even in range ball ammo a good stopping round.

 

[speedway]

Speer Gold Dot 230 grain HP is what I carry.

I have seen up close what they do to 4 legged critters.


I used to carry Hornaday Critical Defense but found that they did not expand as often as I would have expected.

 

[481]

My preference in .45ACP is for the Hornady 230gr XTP +P JHP- It expands to ~1.5x caliber and is very accurate through my HK USP45.

 

[somerandomguy]

My preference in .45ACP is for the Hornady 230gr XTP +P JHP- It expands to ~1.5x caliber and is very accurate through my HK USP45.

You haven't replaced your USP45 with the new FN FNX .45 Tactical yet? You don't know what you're missing out on.

 

[Inebriated]

Federal HST's and Speer Gold Dots... both 230 grain.

 

[gym]

I default to Hydashocks, or Hornaday with the red tip, they feed well like powerball does. Less likely to jam up your weapon.I also go for a 185-230 grain depending on what gun I have. I also carry a mag full of FMJ, just in case there is a barrier that needs penetrating, I do that with all my guns, usually 2 or 3 mags, and 1 will have FMJ's in it. I also do that with my 40's and 9mm. they will go through a car door with FMJ's in 9mm, where they may not with HP's.
And to be on the safe side they will always feed well if your gun decides to get cranky on you.

 

[Direwolf]

I use Black Hills 230g JHP in 45acp.

 

[Al Thompson]

I like the Federal HST too. Let's see if we can get better visibility in autochuckers.

 

[tuj]

ASYM Precision 185 +P. http://store.chencustom.com/45_ACP_SOLID_DEFENSE_X_SDX_Barnes_185_gr_HP_P_s/78.htm

 

[Ben86]

The Federal HST seems to be the king of the hill IMO, especially the 230 grain +P version. That's one hell of a load. Both expansion and penetration are phenomenal.

 

[jeepnik]

Forget all the hype. Just find a 230gr JHP from a major manufacturer that functions well in "your" handgun. It is more important to hit a target properly than what you hit it with (within reason).

In other words, the latest greatest super expanding round is of no use if you miss. But a good ole ball round with do sufficient damage if you hit the target in a vital zone.

 

[Rockyriver]

This was just discussed the other day here, here is the thread.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=689426

 

[Flt Simulation]

I have had problems with hollow point ammo not feeding properly in the various other .45 ACP Colts I have owned, so I am not taking any chances for the ammo I leave in my Gold Cup while it's in my house for home defense.

I will only load 230gr FMJ RN in the magazine because I know they will feed through the gun every time without any hangups. The FMJ RN ammo loaded in the gun now while the gun is in the house just happens to be cartidges I have reloaded myself.


As far as plinking with this gun at the range ... I will fire just about anything in it.

 

[rcmodel]

The best??

The one you can find on a shelf in a store most of the time, so you can get more to practice with when you run out.

That also feeds in your gun 100% of the time.

That right there is the best SD round for you, and your gun.

The rest doesn't really matter.

rc

 

[rikman]

Federal HST's and Speer Gold Dots... both 230 grain.

Ditto

 

[Aiko492]

Fed HST and Golden Sabres

 

[mljdeckard]

230 gr Federal HSTs.

 

[dgod]

I have carried old Dots, Silvertips, and gone the gambit over the years, but todate, I like the Cor-Bon Guard Dogs, Cor-Bon DPX or Cor-Bon Glaciers, in that order, for Home Defense or Personal Defense. Currently I carry 3 Extra Mags with Gaurd Dogs in All of them, DPX would be next.

Good luck, I think all of the suggestions will work, try a few, see what you like