Your MAIN choice for .45 ACP self-defense ammo?

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HPs in that weight tend to have difficulty to expand reliably
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That doesn't make any sense. You choose a FMJ because HP have a tendency to not expand reliably??? If a HP expand properly; then you have the benefit of a larger wound channel, more tissue damage, more blood loss, and less chance of over penetrating. If the HP DOESN'T expand reliably; then you've basically shot a FMJ. So why not shoot a HP and take a "Chance" of it giving the benefits of a HP; and worse case scenario it performs like a FMJ; rather than shooting FMJ and NEVER having the possibility of it giving any benefits of a HP? I just don't see the logic.
 
or Taurus Hex (if I could find any :C )
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+1

I picked up about 1200 of these last fall and they have been extremely reliable & accurate in every 45 I own. Taurus aside, they are an excellent American made bullet.
 
why not shoot a HP and take a "Chance"
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I guess I like predictability. Perhaps a good truncated cone or SWC would create a better wound channel than RN FMJ, but they are harder to come by. It just seems to me that putting a HP on a standard .45ACP is wishful thinking, kind of like painting race stripes on a VW bug.

I won't argue that HPs make alot of sense in calibers like .357SIG.
 
With today's modern ammo and technology; a hollow point in the size of a 45 caliber, will do what the manufacturer claims it will do. I wouldn't even think of using anything other than a quality HP in my 45acp. Now; if I was in a SHTF situation and needed a lot more ammo; I'll use my 230 grain lead round nose. Not even FMJ. The lead will do better at deforming without the jacket. Also; lead doesn't hurt or dirty up the barrel as much as some want to believe. I shoot FMJ ammo; but only if it's cheap. For self defense; it's definitely HP; preferably golden sabers.
 
I use Federal Tactical Bonded JHPs in my 1911. They run about $30/50 from online sources. You won't find them retail as they're marketed for LE only.
http://www.mahsupplies.net/
They have HSTs for $26/50 and the TB JHP for $30/50
...or they used to...when they could keep them in stock ;)
 
+1

I picked up about 1200 of these last fall and they have been extremely reliable & accurate in every 45 I own. Taurus aside, they are an excellent American made bullet.
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Yeah.

I've only got about 40 rounds tucked away, and I seem to have turned over every non-private rock there is.

That stuff is, for all intents and purposes, a thing of the past.
 
Winchester Ranger 230gr SXT. I'll get from +p when I can since I have an officer model 3.5" barrel.
 
I'm running Hornady TAP 200-gr +Ps in my P90 and Winchester standard-pressure Ranger 230-gr SXTs in my 625. Frankly, I'm not too concerned with one major-manufacturer modern .45 JHP loading over another, though. Whatever works best in your gun that you can find easily and at a good price.
 
Whatever your particular handgun feeds with 100% reliability and whatever of those is the most accurate out of your particular handgun.


All other "wisdom" on this pales in comparison. If super flying trashcan zombie stompers won't feed and your gun won't go bang it isn't very "good".
 
Word, hso.

I've had a few people at gunshops try to act all high and mighty when they've seen me getting 185 grain copper stuff for my 1911.
"Hurr durr thayt stuff ain't enny gewd derp derp"


I just explain that my gun is a phaser set to WIN with that load, and I usually walk away from the "TWO HUNNED THIRTY GRAIN PROVAN MANSTOPPAH WERLD WER TOO" jibba jabba that is sure to follow.

I've got a buddy whose Xd will simply not cooperate with my magic load.


Every gun is, quite literally, an individual with its own pallet when it comes to ammo.
 
Just watched Terminator Salvation. .45 ACP didn't do **** point blank to the Terminator's head. Hrmmm....
 
I'm always amused at the arguments of minutia of millionths wrt to types, grain, velocity, energy, etc. etc....

hell, you pick up a good size rock with...ahem,...'proper shot placement' and you're gonna drop somebody.
 
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I prefer vintage Silver-tip or Glaser for my carry .45 which is either a Para Wart (nite hog) Hog or a Para GI Expert. I even have some vintage KTW Truck Stoppers in .45acp. I have not bought new .45 since the mid-90's so I really do not even know what is out there now.

Regards,
Mike
 
In my 1911, I carry 230 grain Remington Golden Sabers. Why? Because my 1911 loves 'em: eats them up and spits them out with no troubles. Reliability is the primary concern, everything else comes second.

I may try another load one day, but with the ammo shortage and sky high prices, I'll just stick to what works.
 
Its been said, 185's for short guns and 230's for 5 inch.

Unlike what many are saying IF you are useing a 1911 there is no feed isssue's with any round so the answer IS Federal Hydra-shoks. :neener:

Mix up some gelitan and do a test with your gun.
 
There may not be a feed issue but most 45 acp's are regulated for 230. If you don't have an adjustable rear sight you probably will shoot low. Same thing with fixed revovlvers. My 638 shoots almost 12" lower with 115, and 125. 158 it is dead on.


Jim
 
There may not be a feed issue but most 45 acp's are regulated for 230. If you don't have an adjustable rear sight you probably will shoot low. Same thing with fixed revovlvers. My 638 shoots almost 12" lower with 115, and 125. 158 it is dead on. Don't plan on any handgun being devistating unless you shoot them in the head. Shoot, move and get the hell out of Dodge.


Jim
 
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