45 Super - Is It Better Than 45 ACP? Let's find out!

Published on May 9, 2022
Duration: 18:03

The HK Mark 23 can safely fire .45 Super, which offers significantly higher pressures and velocities than .45 ACP due to thicker brass. Chronograph and ballistic gel tests confirm .45 Super's superior energy and penetration, with a 255gr Hard Cast load exceeding 32 inches of penetration. While .45 Super is more powerful, its necessity for human threats is debated, but it excels for large game defense.

Quick Summary

.45 Super ammunition is a higher-pressure variant of .45 ACP, using thicker brass to achieve velocities over 1,300 FPS and significantly more energy. While not always necessary for human defense, its superior penetration and power make it ideal for large game defense.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 45 Super vs 45 ACP & HK Mark 23
  2. 00:48Technical Differences: 45 ACP vs 45 Super
  3. 03:25Ammunition Selection for Testing
  4. 05:18Chronograph Testing Results
  5. 06:55Ballistic Gel Testing Results
  6. 13:05Conclusion: Is 45 Super Worth It?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between .45 Super and .45 ACP?

.45 Super operates at significantly higher pressures (35,000-40,000 PSI) compared to .45 ACP (~20,000 PSI). This is achieved through thicker brass cases, resulting in higher velocities and greater energy output for the .45 Super.

Can any .45 caliber pistol safely fire .45 Super ammunition?

No, not all .45 caliber pistols can safely fire .45 Super. Firearms like the HK Mark 23 are designed to handle it, but most require a barrel with a fully supported chamber and a heavier recoil spring to manage the increased pressure.

What were the results of the ballistic gel tests for .45 Super?

The .45 Super 230gr JHP showed explosive expansion and 18 inches of penetration. A 255gr Hard Cast .45 Super load demonstrated extreme penetration, exceeding 32 inches through multiple gel blocks, making it suitable for large game defense.

Is .45 Super necessary for self-defense against humans?

The necessity of .45 Super for human threats is debated, as common calibers often show similar stopping power statistics. However, its increased power and penetration offer a distinct advantage for scenarios like woods carry against large animals.

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