Cheapest .45 ACP Ammo

Product Dealer Quantity Price Shipping Total Price Price/Round
Fiocchi Training Dynamics .45 ACP 230gr FMJ
Sold by: Black Basin Outdoors
Black Basin Outdoors 1000 $235.00 $23.99 $258.99
$0.26
1000 Rounds
Ammo Hero 1000 $378.00 $0.00 $378.00
$0.38
1000 Rounds
Magtech .45 ACP 230gr FMJ
Sold by: Sentry Ammo
Sentry Ammo 1000 $367.25 $18.92 $386.17
$0.39
1000 Rounds
SG Ammo 1000 $394.80 $0.00 $394.80
$0.39
1000 Rounds
SG Ammo 1000 $399.00 $0.00 $399.00
$0.40
1000 Rounds
Armscor .45 ACP 230gr FMJ Ammo
Sold by: Black Basin Outdoors
Black Basin Outdoors 1000 $423.00 $10.99 $433.99
$0.43
1000 Rounds
Fast Ammo 1000 $394.94 $42.99 $437.93
$0.44
1000 Rounds
CCI Blazer Aluminum .45 ACP 230gr FMJ
Sold by: Bulk Munitions
Bulk Munitions 1000 $419.00 $31.10 $450.10
$0.45
1000 Rounds
Ammo.com 1000 $424.99 $26.20 $451.19
$0.45
1000 Rounds
Sentry Ammo 1000 $462.00 $13.99 $475.99
$0.48
1000 Rounds
Winchester .45 ACP 230gr FMJ Ammo
Sold by: Sentry Ammo
Sentry Ammo 1000 $468.00 $9.99 $477.99
$0.48
1000 Rounds
Sentry Ammo 1000 $463.24 $31.99 $495.23
$0.50
1000 Rounds

.45 ACP Historical Prices

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.45 ACP Ammo Overview

The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) stands as one of the most iconic and respected handgun cartridges in history. Developed by John Moses Browning in 1904, it became the standard U.S. military sidearm cartridge for most of the 20th century. The .45 ACP's reputation for reliable stopping power and inherent accuracy continues to make it a popular choice for defensive use, competitive shooting, and recreational shooting.

While newer cartridges offer higher velocities and increased capacity, the .45 ACP maintains its position through proven terminal performance and shooter-friendly recoil characteristics. Modern ammunition development has enhanced its capabilities while maintaining the cartridge's trademark combination of manageable recoil and substantial bullet mass. The .45 ACP represents a mature platform that benefits from over a century of refinement in both ammunition and firearm design.

Pros

  • Proven terminal performance
  • Subsonic velocity reduces muzzle blast
  • Heavy bullets maintain energy through barriers
  • Push-like recoil characteristic
  • Excellent accuracy potential

Cons

  • Lower magazine capacity than smaller calibers
  • More expensive ammunition than 9mm
  • Larger grip size in many platforms
  • Slower follow-up shots than 9mm
  • Rainbow trajectory at longer ranges

.45 ACP Ballistics Chart

The .45 ACP typically achieves velocities between 850-1,000 fps with standard pressure loads using 185-230 grain bullets. This creates a distinctive "push" recoil impulse compared to snappier, higher-velocity rounds. For accurate trajectory data use our trajectory calculator.

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Range (yards) Elevation (in) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft-lbs) Time (s)
0 -0.5 830.0 351.92 0.0006
5 -0.13 825.52 348.13 0.0193
10 0.1 821.23 344.52 0.0375
15 0.2 817.0 340.98 0.0559
20 0.17 812.81 337.49 0.0743
25 0.01 808.67 334.06 0.0928
30 -0.29 804.57 330.68 0.1114
35 -0.72 800.5 327.35 0.1301
40 -1.28 796.47 324.06 0.1489
45 -1.98 792.49 320.82 0.1677
50 -2.82 788.53 317.63 0.1867
55 -3.8 784.62 314.49 0.2058
60 -4.93 780.74 311.39 0.2249
65 -6.19 776.9 308.33 0.2442
70 -7.6 773.09 305.31 0.2636
75 -9.15 769.31 302.33 0.283
80 -10.85 765.56 299.39 0.3026
85 -12.7 761.84 296.49 0.3222
90 -14.7 758.15 293.62 0.3419
95 -16.85 754.49 290.8 0.3618
100 -19.15 750.86 288.0 0.3817

Similar Calibers Compared

Caliber Typical Bullet Weight Muzzle Velocity Muzzle Energy Energy at 50 yds
.45 ACP 230gr 850 fps 369 ft-lbs 320 ft-lbs
9mm Luger 124gr 1150 fps 364 ft-lbs 315 ft-lbs
.40 S&W 165gr 1130 fps 468 ft-lbs 400 ft-lbs
.45 Super 230gr 1050 fps 564 ft-lbs 475 ft-lbs

What .45 ACP Does Best

Personal Defense

The .45 ACP continues to excel in defensive applications, where its combination of bullet mass and moderate velocity creates substantial wound channels without excessive overpenetration. Modern hollow point ammunition produces reliable expansion, while the cartridge's inherently subsonic velocity makes it an excellent choice for suppressed applications. The push-like recoil impulse allows for good shot placement and confident handling in defensive scenarios.

Competition Shooting

In competitive shooting, particularly USPSA and IDPA, the .45 ACP offers significant advantages in power factor calculations. While giving up capacity to smaller calibers, the cartridge's accuracy potential and distinct recoil characteristics make it a favorite among experienced shooters. The larger holes it creates in paper targets also make scoring easier, particularly in competitions where touching a scoring line counts for higher points.

Recreational Shooting

For recreational shooting, the .45 ACP provides a uniquely satisfying experience. Its moderate velocity creates a distinctive feel both in recoil and target impact. The cartridge's inherent accuracy and rich heritage make it particularly appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate traditional American firearms. Despite higher ammunition costs, many shooters find the .45 ACP's shooting characteristics worth the premium.

Types of Projectiles

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

  • Standard range ammunition with reliable feeding and moderate cost

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)

  • Defensive ammunition designed for controlled expansion

Match Grade

  • High-accuracy loads for competition and precision shooting

+P Loads

  • Higher pressure defensive loads for enhanced performance

Common .45 ACP Bullet Weights

185 grain

  • Lighter weight for higher velocity and flatter trajectory

200 grain

  • Middle weight balancing velocity and momentum

230 grain

  • Traditional weight offering maximum momentum and proven performance

Popular Manufacturers

    Premium Defensive

    • Federal: HST and Hydra-Shok
    • Speer: Gold Dot
    • Hornady: Critical Duty/Defense
    • Winchester: Ranger-T and PDX1
    • Sig Sauer: V-Crown

    Practice/Competition

    • Federal: American Eagle and Gold Medal Match
    • Winchester: White Box and Match
    • Remington: UMC and Golden Saber
    • Sellier & Bellot: FMJ Training
    • Blazer: Brass and Aluminum case options

.45 ACP History

The .45 ACP was developed by John Moses Browning in response to the U.S. military's need for a more powerful service pistol cartridge. Following the Philippine-American War, where the .38 Long Colt proved inadequate, the military sought a minimum caliber of .45 for its new service pistol. Browning's design, paired with his revolutionary M1911 pistol, won military trials in 1911.

Through two World Wars and numerous conflicts, the .45 ACP earned a reputation for reliable stopping power. The cartridge's performance led to widespread adoption by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Its success in service also sparked significant interest in the civilian market, particularly in defensive and competitive shooting applications.

The development of modern ammunition has kept the .45 ACP relevant in today's market. While newer cartridges offer different balances of capacity and velocity, the .45 ACP's combination of moderate recoil and substantial bullet mass continues to attract shooters. The cartridge has benefited from advances in bullet design and loading techniques while maintaining its characteristic reliability.

Today, the .45 ACP remains popular among civilian shooters, particularly those who appreciate its historic significance and proven performance. While no longer the dominant service cartridge it once was, it maintains a strong following in competitive shooting, personal defense, and recreational shooting. Modern firearms manufacturers continue to develop new platforms around this classic cartridge, ensuring its place in the future of shooting sports.