9mm VS 45 ACP | The 45 Holds More Energy At 100 Yards

Published on February 14, 2026
Duration: 5:03

This video provides a detailed ballistic comparison between 9mm Luger and .45 ACP, focusing on energy retention at 100 yards. The analysis, conducted by an instructor using a LabRadar, highlights how the .45 ACP, despite a lower muzzle velocity, retains more kinetic energy at distance than the 9mm.

Quick Summary

In a 100-yard ballistic test, a 230-grain .45 ACP Hornady XTP handload retained 356 ft-lbs of kinetic energy, while a 115-grain 9mm XTP handload retained significantly less, despite the 9mm having higher muzzle energy. The .45 ACP demonstrated superior energy retention over distance.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 9mm vs .45 ACP Setup
  2. 00:30Test Parameters: Handloads and Barrels
  3. 01:439mm Ballistic Results at 100 Yards
  4. 02:07.45 ACP Ballistic Results at 100 Yards
  5. 02:35Data Analysis: Kinetic Energy Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 9mm compare to .45 ACP in energy at 100 yards?

In a test with 115gr 9mm XTP and 230gr .45 ACP XTP handloads, the .45 ACP retained more kinetic energy at 100 yards (356 ft-lbs) than the 9mm (362 ft-lbs at the muzzle, significantly less at 100 yards). The .45 ACP lost less energy over the distance.

What were the ballistic results for 9mm at 100 yards?

A 115-grain Hornady XTP 9mm handload fired from a 4.5-inch barrel achieved 1191 fps at the muzzle and retained 969 fps at 100 yards, with a kinetic energy of 362 ft-lbs at the muzzle.

What were the ballistic results for .45 ACP at 100 yards?

A 230-grain Hornady XTP .45 ACP handload fired from a 5-inch barrel achieved 919 fps at the muzzle and retained 835 fps at 100 yards, with a kinetic energy of approximately 431 ft-lbs at the muzzle.

Which caliber holds more energy at 100 yards?

Based on this specific test using hot handloads, the .45 ACP (230gr XTP) held more kinetic energy at 100 yards (356 ft-lbs) than the 9mm (115gr XTP), which had significantly less energy remaining at that distance.

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