What velocity is "sufficient" for .45 a.c.p.?

[MikePGS]

Hello. I know there's a similar thread, but i didn't want to derail it. I was watching a program about the Green Beret's on the Military Channel the other day, and they did the thing where they shoot a 9mm and a .45 caliber into clay to show the differences in pressure created by each round. That being said, with a standard 230 grain .45 a.c.p. round, what is the minimum sufficient velocity in order to cause this effect? They said it was at 800 fps, but they didn't say if it was ball, or hp or what. Does anyone know the specs of the military standards today and during the past? I was looking at some G21's, but the velocity was about 50-75 fps off of a fullsize 1911 (and STI was the one I had the spec's for) in spite of only a .4 inch barrel difference. If anyone could shed some light onto this, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Feanaro]

Can't say much until I know what this effect is. From your post, I know that they shot two different rounds into clay. That's not much to go on.

 

[MikePGS]

One of them showed a 9mm basically penetrating and leaving a little temporary wound channel. The .45's temporary channel was quite large. Is this a function of velocity, or just the caliber itself?

 

[rcmodel]

Having problems with Clay Blocks where you live?

Aha!
I thought not!

Clay is actually a very poor indication of bullet performance.
You can shoot it with an air-rifle or BB gun and get a very impressive temporary cavity like that shown on the history channel. (Just not as big)

Go here to see what various .45 ACP bullets from different barrel lengths do on Ballistic Gel.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/45ACP.html

Just keep in mind that Ballistic Gel isn't real flesh & Blood either!

rcmodel

 

[VA27]

IIRC, milspec for ball ammo is and always has been a 230gr FMJ @ 850fps, plus or minus 50fps (800-900fps).

Since it was a military test they probably used military ammo (FMJ)

The two tests you refer to (STI, Glock 21) would only be comarable if they were conducted under the same conditions (same time, place, temp and lot# ammo). The only valid conclusions you could draw from the information you have is that the two guns are both chambered for the 45ACP and that they both went 'BAM' when the trigger was pulled, which is a very desirable trait in a defensive arm.

I'd say get the one you like the most and get the other one later.