Best 45acp Carry Ammo?

Published on February 23, 2019
Duration: 11:03

This guide details a terminal ballistics test for .45 ACP carry ammunition, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor. The test utilizes ballistic gel and simulated clothing layers to evaluate penetration and expansion of popular self-defense rounds fired from a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. Results highlight the challenges of achieving reliable expansion with .45 ACP from short barrels, with Federal HST emerging as a recommended option.

Quick Summary

Expert instructor tests .45 ACP carry ammo (Federal HST, Hornady, Sig V-Crown) from a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. Federal HST 230gr achieved ideal expansion and penetration, while other brands showed inconsistent or failed expansion due to low velocity from the short barrel.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Gear Overview
  2. 01:16Federal Premium HST 230gr Test
  3. 02:30Hornady Critical Duty 220gr Test
  4. 04:18Hornady Critical Defense 185gr Test
  5. 06:45Sig Sauer V-Crown 200gr Test
  6. 09:01Bullet Expansion Comparison
  7. 10:08Conclusion & Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best .45 ACP carry ammunition based on short-barrel testing?

Based on terminal ballistics testing with a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, Federal Premium HST 230gr .45 ACP demonstrated the most consistent performance, achieving ideal expansion and penetration through simulated heavy clothing layers into ballistic gel.

Why might .45 ACP ammunition fail to expand from a short barrel?

The reduced velocity from short-barreled firearms can sometimes be insufficient to reliably initiate the expansion mechanism of certain hollow-point .45 ACP ammunition designs, leading to over-penetration without significant wound channel increase.

How was the .45 ACP ammunition tested for effectiveness?

The testing involved firing various .45 ACP self-defense rounds into 20% clear ballistic gel blocks, layered with simulated FBI heavy clothing (denim, fleece, t-shirt), to measure penetration depth and bullet expansion.

Which .45 ACP ammunition brands performed poorly in the test?

Both Hornady Critical Duty 220gr and Hornady Critical Defense 185gr failed to expand in the test, and Sig Sauer V-Crown 200gr showed inconsistent expansion, highlighting potential issues with .45 ACP from short barrels.

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