.45 ACP Prices
| PRODUCT | DEALER | QUANTITY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL PRICE | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 1000 | $235.00 | $23.99 | $258.99 |
$0.26
1000 Rounds
|
|
|
Magtech .45 ACP 230gr FMJ
Sold by:
Sentry Ammo
|
Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $347.00 | $17.99 | $364.99 |
$0.36
1000 Rounds
|
| Ammo Hero | 1000 | $375.58 | $0.00 | $375.58 |
$0.38
1000 Rounds
|
|
|
CCI Blazer .45 ACP 230gr FMJ Ammo
Sold by:
SG Ammo
|
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
|
|
| BulkAmmo.com | 1000 | $399.00 | $25.32 | $424.32 |
$0.42
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $405.30 | $22.99 | $428.29 |
$0.43
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 500 | $212.49 | $10.99 | $223.48 |
$0.45
500 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $434.37 | $22.99 | $457.36 |
$0.46
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1500 | $669.48 | $60.99 | $730.47 |
$0.49
1500 Rounds
|
|
| Sentry Ammo | 1000 | $482.15 | $22.99 | $505.14 |
$0.51
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Lucky Gunner | 500 | $240.00 | $20.30 | $260.30 |
$0.52
500 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 50 | $16.15 | $16.15 | $32.30 |
$0.65
50 Rounds
|
.45 ACP 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.
Advantages and Disadvantages
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
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.
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