Is The 45 AUTO Really as Deadly As History Says it is?

Published on August 24, 2025
Duration: 15:05

This review tests the historical 'stopping power' claims of the .45 Auto caliber using modern ammunition and testing methods. While .45 Auto demonstrates significant penetration and wound cavity creation, especially with modern defensive rounds like Federal HST, the video concludes that advancements in 9mm ammunition have narrowed the performance gap. The choice between calibers now often comes down to magazine capacity versus the energy of individual rounds.

Quick Summary

Modern tests show the .45 Auto, especially with defensive hollow-point rounds like Federal HST, delivers significant penetration and creates large wound cavities. Standard FMJ rounds penetrate deeply but lack expansion, unlike hollow points.

Chapters

  1. 00:21Intro: The .45 Auto Myth & Stopping Power
  2. 01:01Testing Methodology: High-Speed Camera & Gelatin
  3. 03:01Ammunition Selection: FMJ, HST, Underwood, Hornady
  4. 04:05Standard FMJ Ballistics Test Results
  5. 05:11Defensive Hollow Point Performance
  6. 07:47Comparison: .45 Auto vs 9mm Performance
  7. 09:59Meat Target Devastation Test
  8. 13:13Final Assessment: .45 Auto vs Modern 9mm

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the .45 Auto perform in modern ballistic tests?

Modern tests show the .45 Auto, especially with defensive hollow-point rounds like Federal HST, delivers significant penetration and creates large wound cavities. Standard FMJ rounds penetrate deeply but lack expansion, unlike hollow points.

Has 9mm ammunition caught up to the .45 Auto in effectiveness?

Yes, advancements in 9mm defensive ammunition have significantly narrowed the performance gap. While .45 Auto often produces a larger individual round effect, 9mm offers comparable terminal ballistics with the advantage of higher magazine capacity.

What testing methods were used to evaluate the .45 Auto's stopping power?

The video utilized a Phantom high-speed camera, standardized ballistics gelatin blocks, and a simulated 'meat target' (pork, ribs, grapefruit) to analyze bullet performance and tissue damage.

Which .45 Auto ammunition types were tested?

The test included standard 230gr FMJ, Federal HST, high-velocity Underwood, Hornady Critical Duty, AAC XTP, and the G9 Woodsman penetrator, showcasing a range of performance characteristics.

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