45 ACP
45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) Ammo is a popular handgun cartridge that is perfect to use in legendary 1911 pistols. These hard-hitting rounds are well-known around the world for both stopping power and reliability. The muzzle energy of 45 ACP ammo ranges between 300 and 500 ft. which is higher than most 9mm cartridges. Introduced in 1904 by John Moses Browning, this rimless straight-walled handgun standard cartridge operates at a low chamber pressure rating of 21,000 psi.
Ballistic Properties of 45 ACP Ammo:
Bullet Weight / Type
Velocity
Energy
185 grain / Bonded Defense
1,225 feet / second
835 Joules
185 grain / Jacketed Hollow Point
1,050 feet / second
614 Joules
200 grain / Jacketed Hollow Point +Pressurized
1,080 feet / second
702 Joules
230 grain / Federal Hydra-Shok
900 feet / second
561 Joules
230 grain / US Army Ball Full Metal Jacket
830 feet / second
477 Joules
45 ACP Ammo is available from 68 grains to 300 grains. Rounds under 100 grains and over 260 grains are specialty rounds. 186-grain and 230 grain are the perfect for reloaders and target shooters. A 230 grain round travels at about 830 ft/second when fired using a 1911 pistol.
45 ACP Ammo Specification:
Case type: straight, Rimless,
Bullet diameter: 11.5 mm (.452 in)
Neck diameter: 12.0 mm (.473 in)
Base diameter: 12.1 mm (.476 in)
Rim diameter: 12.2 mm (.480 in)
Rim thickness: 1.2 mm (.049 in)
Case length: 22.8 mm (.898 in)
Overall length: 32.4 mm (1.275 in)
Case capacity: 1.73 cm3 (26.7 gr H2O)
Rifling twist: 406 mm
Maximum pressure (CIP): 19,900 psi (137 MPa)
Maximum pressure (SAAMI): 21,000 psi (140 MPa)
The .45 Winchester Magnum is a .45 caliber rimless cartridge intended for use in semi-automatic pistols. The cartridge is externally a lengthened .45 ACP with a thicker web to withstand higher operating pressures. The 45 Win Mag is nearly identical in dimensions and loading to the .45 NAACO developed by the North American Arms Corporation for their Brigadier pistol, developed to supply to the Canadian Army after World War II. The army ultimately did not adopt the pistol and its non-NATO standard ammunition. The cartridge has been primarily used by small game hunters and metallic silhouette shooters.
Although the .45 Winchester Magnum may be based on the .45 ACP and have the same Rim and Base dimensions, the .45 Winchester Magnum has no parent case. The .45 Winchester Magnum case is redrawn with thicker walls and longer case. The thicker wall dimensions of the .45 Winchester Magnum are designed to accommodate a higher internal pressure (40,000 cup) than that of the .45 ACP (18,000 cup [21,000psi or 140MPa]).