NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Favorite .45s From Hornady

Published on June 16, 2017
Duration: 5:25

This video reviews two Hornady .45 ACP loads: the American Gunner 185-grain XTP and the Critical Defense 185-grain FTX. Instructor Joe Curbach highlights the historical context of .45 ACP, contrasting the traditional 230-grain ball round with modern ammunition advancements. He emphasizes how lighter, hollow-point designs like the XTP and FTX can improve expansion reliability and reduce felt recoil, making them more shootable for personal defense and concealed carry applications.

Quick Summary

Hornady's 185-grain .45 ACP loads, like the American Gunner XTP and Critical Defense FTX, offer advantages over traditional 230-grain rounds. They provide higher velocity for better hollow-point expansion and reduced recoil for improved shootability, making them excellent choices for personal defense and concealed carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Hornady .45 ACP Heavy Hitters
  2. 00:13History of .45 ACP and the 230gr Ball Load
  3. 00:42Ammunition Innovation in .45 ACP
  4. 01:12Benefits of 185gr Hollow Point Loads
  5. 01:49Hornady American Gunner 185gr XTP Review
  6. 02:47Hornady Critical Defense 185gr FTX Review
  7. 03:58Critical Defense vs. Critical Duty Explained
  8. 04:48Conclusion: Hornady .45 ACP Ammunition Choices

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using 185-grain .45 ACP ammunition over traditional 230-grain loads?

185-grain .45 ACP loads generally offer higher muzzle velocities, which can improve the expansion reliability of hollow-point bullets. Additionally, the lighter projectile weight can reduce felt recoil, making the firearm more manageable and easier to shoot accurately, especially for follow-up shots.

How does Hornady's FTX bullet differ from a standard hollow-point design?

The FTX bullet features a flexible tip material in its hollow point. This tip prevents the hollow from clogging with debris from barriers like clothing, which can hinder expansion in traditional hollow points. The flexible tip also aids in initiating expansion upon impact.

What is the primary difference between Hornady's Critical Defense and Critical Duty ammunition lines?

Critical Defense is designed for personal defense and concealed carry, optimized to defeat common barriers like clothing. Critical Duty is engineered to meet FBI protocols, meaning it's designed to defeat a wider range of hard and soft barriers at specific distances.

Is the Hornady American Gunner 185gr XTP suitable for more than just practice?

Yes, the XTP bullet is known for its versatility. It's designed to be accurate and reliable for expansion, making it suitable for practice, personal defense, and even hunting applications, offering a good balance of performance and value.

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