.45 ACP in Today's Semi-Auto World

[One Ping Only]

I get a laugh out of some of the YouTube "journalists" who will say "the .45 AARP", or "the cartridge for the over-70 seniors"...both comments from the same online clown.

The .45ACP was never designed to be a speed demon, and never will be. Yet all along, for the 105+ years since its inception, the .45ACP has been in constant service, somewhere on the earth, and usually (but not always) on the 1911 platform. It works.

In spite of the fact that the US Army requested John Browning's original 200gr bullet to be increased to 230gr. But ya know what? Seems like Mr Browning understood his cartridge better than the US Army did. Elmer Keith, Jeff Cooper all had INFLUENCE in creating this bullet and loading you'll read of below....and now it seems there may have been somewhat of a breakthrough, by taking a step backwards, there is a 200gr cast lead bullet that is a wadcutter at its shoulder, but has a rounded tip to properly feed in SemiAutos. (two different 200gr bullets were designed- one for revolvers, and one for semi-autos).

No bullet is a magic bullet. Nor am I implying there is or will be one. But I do believe this bullet design in the article linked, may well be what John Browning, Col Cooper and Elmer Keith had in mind so many years ago. I don't know if any of you have seen this webpage at D&L sports. Pls check it out. You may or may not be interested. If so, Discuss pls. I'd like if we could simply stick to discussing this bullet design and not wander off on things like magazine capacity, etc. Thanks!

D&L .45 ACP Bullet

here is a recent linked review:
D&L Sports .45 ACP GSP Ammunition Review - The Armory Life

 

[CECannonJr]

I get a laugh out of some of the YouTube "journalists" who will say "the .45 AARP", or "the cartridge for the over-70 seniors"...both comments from the same clown.

The .45ACP was never designed to be a speed demon, and never will be. Yet all along, for the 105+ years since its inception, the .45ACP has been in constant service, somewhere on the earth, and usually (but not always) on the 1911 platform. It works.

In spite of the fact that the US Army requested John Browning's original 200gr bullet to be increased to 230gr. But ya know what? Seems like Mr Browning understood his cartridge better than the US Army did. Elmer Keith, Jeff Cooper all had INFLUENCE in creating this bullet and loading you'll read of below....and now it seems there may have been somewhat of a breakthrough, by taking a step backwards, there is a 200gr cast lead bullet that is a wadcutter at its shoulder, but has a rounded tip to properly feed in SemiAutos. (two different 200gr bullets were designed- one for revolvers, and one for semi-autos).

No bullet is a magic bullet. Nor am I implying there is or will be one. But I do believe this bullet design in the article linked, may well be what John Browning, Col Cooper and Elmer Keith had in mind so many years ago. I don't know if any of you have seen this webpage at D&L sports. Pls check it out. You may or may not be interested. If so, Discuss pls. I'd like if we could simply stick to discussing this bullet design and not wander off of things like magazine capacity, etc. Thanks!

D&L .45 ACP Bullet

here is a recent linked review:
D&L Sports .45 ACP GSP Ammunition Review - The Armory Life

In my opinion, no round is as proven as the 45 ACP. The 45 ACP was designed specifically to take out enemy soldiers who were pumped up on narcotic drugs by making them bleed out quickly.

The 9mm was adopted by the world's military because it's less likely to kill. After all, the military goal is to take an enemy out of the fight, and not necessarily to kill him.

 

[Alex]

I do like shooting my 45s in matches although I feel pretty dumb loading 8 rounds into a 13 round magazine to fit into the rules. I have been wanting to try some SWC bullets as it would make it easier to see the hits on target. That bullet design looks like it would fit the bill. Someday I will have to start reloading. In the meantime these are ready to shoot, I just have not been willing to pay that much for what will be range ammo.

Atomic Match Ammo 45 ACP 185 Grain Full Metal Jacket Semi-Wadcutter

Atomic ammunition is loaded to exact specifications with the most popular bullets from major manufacturers to deliver the consistent and reliable...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[Bobster]

At the Action Steel match last Sat., one of my buddies was shooting his 1911. Keep in mind he has the competition belt rig with like 8 mag holders and at least a dozen SS McCormick and Wilson 8rd mags to go with it. A typical stage will require a minimum 22rds, usually more like 25-30 not including misses so yes, he was doing some mag changes... He was just looking to burn up some 45ACP as he thinks he is going to "get out of" that caliber, whatever that means. I had thought of bringing the G30 for a match. I have plenty of ammo but I'll need to get some mag holders to fit the bigger Glock mags.

I'll post some pics later of my 185gr lead SWCs I used to shoot NRA 50' Pistol Slow back in the day. These were MY creations, loaded light, shot with Colt 1991 with Nowlin barrel, Wilson match bushing, slight trigger work and light recoil spring. I was getting all in the black at 50' one-handed, lotsa 8s, 9s and bulls. I think a box of 1000 SWC bullets was around $50 back then...

 

[serger]

This would work. I do think a 20 caliber Meplat would make it a better performer.
Something along the lines of the 45-200HT or 45-200HZ Accurate Molds makes.
The profile of those molds are about a third of the way down on the left side.

Bullet Design Catalog | Accurate Molds

We have an extensive catalog of bullet designs. Select an existing design or send us your custom design.

www.accuratemolds.com

 

[CECannonJr]

I do like shooting my 45s in matches although I feel pretty dumb loading 8 rounds into a 13 round magazine to fit into the rules. I have been wanting to try some SWC bullets as it would make it easier to see the hits on target. That bullet design looks like it would fit the bill. Someday I will have to start reloading. In the meantime these are ready to shoot, I just have not been willing to pay that much for what will be range ammo.

Atomic Match Ammo 45 ACP 185 Grain Full Metal Jacket Semi-Wadcutter

Atomic ammunition is loaded to exact specifications with the most popular bullets from major manufacturers to deliver the consistent and reliable...

www.midwayusa.com

Go ahead and take the reloading plunge. You will never regret it.

 

[Alex]

Go ahead and take the reloading plunge. You will never regret it.

Reloading sounds like adding a hobby on top of a hobby! I need to clear some space before I dive into it. In the meantime I called up Mitch at Colorado West Firearms Institute and ordered 400 ready to fire cartridges with that bullet.

 

[One Ping Only]

FWIW I’ve got the setup here…dies, press, powder scale, tumbler, bench, and brass, propellant, etc that my FIL left when he passed. . But no .45ACP
I was going to get my .45 back from my Dad, but he “doesn’t have it anymore”…(I’m not going there- it’s gone, period. So much for the initial deal we made with my first right of refusal if he wanted to sell it). So I’m shopping. May have to sell a few extra goods selectively to fund a purchase and fill that void.

Those .45 ACP cartridges that Colorado West sell with those nifty bullets, are fairly reasonably priced, @ 128.00 USD per 200 rounds plus shipping. Not as thrifty as shooting a 9mm can be for practice/plinking, but, oh well.

 

[Notshawn54]

At the Action Steel match last Sat., one of my buddies was shooting his 1911. Keep in mind he has the competition belt rig with like 8 mag holders and at least a dozen SS McCormick and Wilson 8rd mags to go with it. A typical stage will require a minimum 22rds, usually more like 25-30 not including misses so yes, he was doing some mag changes... He was just looking to burn up some 45ACP as he thinks he is going to "get out of" that caliber, whatever that means. I had thought of bringing the G30 for a match. I have plenty of ammo but I'll need to get some mag holders to fit the bigger Glock mags.

I'll post some pics later of my 185gr lead SWCs I used to shoot NRA 50' Pistol Slow back in the day. These were MY creations, loaded light, shot with Colt 1991 with Nowlin barrel, Wilson match bushing, slight trigger work and light recoil spring. I was getting all in the black at 50' one-handed, lotsa 8s, 9s and bulls. I think a box of 1000 SWC bullets was around $50 back then...

The great thing about the 1911 is you get real good at mag changes. You get to do it twice as much. When I went to Thunder Ranch, I was the only one shooting a 1911. Everyone else was shooting double stacks. I got pretty good at changing mags (I don’t run a magwell on my carry gun) and kept up with them. Also the only one shooting an adult caliber. Ducking for cover now.

 

[BD1]

What does this bullet design offer that the H&G #68 design is not already providing?

Lee Precision, Inc.. Mold Dc H&g 68 200 Swc

Lee Double Cavity Mold produces a .452 diameter 200 grain Semi Wad Cutter nose bullet suitable for cartridges like 45 ACP, 45 Colt, etc. Handles included.

leeprecision.com

In 1995, when I started competing in the action pistol sports, nearly all of the competitors were using 1911s in the 'production" class, and 2011 based designs in the "open" class. Things have evolved since. I'm only shooting in our local matches these days and there have been times when I was the only one in the single stack division. I guess I'm a dinosaur, and still using the H&G #68 design for competition. These days carry optics, (mostly 9mms), is the most crowded division in my neck of the woods, and nearly everyone my age is using optics.
I have hunted some with the .45acp, (although its not my first choice), and I found out pretty quickly that a SWC shoulder type projectile was not the optimum design for killing things as the full diameter shoulder does not really come into play in flesh. A big flat meplat performs much better un that role. Something like the BDacp I designed back in the 90's. An improved version of which is available from Accurate Molds as their mold number 45-230A In addition to the large meplat, this design moves more of the bullet weight out in front of the case mouth resulting in more case capacity making it easier to reach +P velocities at lower pressures.

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

www.accuratemolds.com

 

[Bongo Lewi]

There really is no 'best caliber'. The right caliber for the job varies. I get a kick out of reading letters to the editor of guns mags. The guy who writes, "I'm 107 years old and the 35 Whelan is the best caliber ever invented". Then there's the 38 Super fanbois who for some reason are the same guys that got bullied and pushed out into the girls gym class wearing only a jock strap.

There is a stereotype that 1911 and 45 ACP enthusiasts are a bunch of whiny, grumpy old grandpas. The reason there are stereotypes is because it's true in many cases. For the record, I have a gaggle of 1911s in 45 and I like them all. I am not a grandpa. Not old but getting there.

I just read a comment the other day by some grumpy old fart who was mad at Hornady for having three types of ammo... 22 Creedmoor, 6.0 Creedmoor, and 6.5 Creedmoor. He said he was sick of hearing the word Creedmoor. My guess is he yells at the TV, collects disability and social security, got a 'free' scooter, eats government cheese but hates "socialists".

It's not a gun thing. Many people get too emotionally invested in the things they like. Some decide that if you don't love what they love or believe is the best, you are stupid. Human nature. It's why I have a t-shirt that says "I Hate People". My wife wont let me wear it in public.

I don't give a rats ass what anybody else shoots or likes. As long as you don't give money to Holosun, you are otay with me.

 

[Racer88]

There really is no 'best caliber'. The right caliber for the job varies. I get a kick out of reading letters to the editor of guns mags. The guy who writes, "I'm 107 years old and the 35 Whelan is the best caliber ever invented". Then there's the 38 Super fanbois who for some reason are the same guys that got bullied and pushed out into the girls gym class wearing only a jock strap.

There is a stereotype that 1911 and 45 ACP enthusiasts are a bunch of whiny, grumpy old grandpas. The reason there are stereotypes is because it's true in many cases. For the record, I have a gaggle of 1911s in 45 and I like them all. I am not a grandpa. Not old but getting there.

I just read a comment the other day by some grumpy old fart who was mad at Hornady for having three types of ammo... 22 Creedmoor, 6.0 Creedmoor, and 6.5 Creedmoor. He said he was sick of hearing the word Creedmoor. My guess is he yells at the TV, collects disability and social security, got a 'free' scooter, eats government cheese but hates "socialists".

It's not a gun thing. Many people get too emotionally invested in the things they like. Some decide that if you don't love what they love or believe is the best, you are stupid. Human nature. It's why I have a t-shirt that says "I Hate People". My wife wont let me wear it in public.

I don't give a rats ass what anybody else shoots or likes. As long as you don't give money to Holosun, you are otay with me.

I believe in "caliber diversification." Why limit myself to just one or a few? You never know what you may need / want... or what is available or in scarcity.

Holosun rocks. Or is that "Horosun wocks?"

 

[Bongo Lewi]

I believe in "caliber diversification." Why limit myself to just one or a few? You never know what you may need / want... or what is available or in scarcity.

Holosun rocks. Or is that "Horosun wocks?"

Horosun is the Wong choice to make in a red dot.

 

[bkbrno]

After searching high and low for these bullets and or ammo, I found them. You can buy a 200 ct box of ammo for $128 + shipping. Welcome to Colorado West Firearms Institute - Concealed Carry Training, NRA Instruction That is $32 a box for comparison.

For handloaders, you can buy bullet here .45 ACP 200 Gr. RNSWC These are about normal price for coated cast lead bullets.

Commentary time. Buy a box 1000 bullets for $118. Add brass you may already have or buy a bag of 100 Starline. $28 at Midway. I get at least 10 reloads out of good .45ACP brass. Primers and powder are wild cards. Available now, Win Large Pistol $88/thousand. Count on $40-50 for a pound of powder. I usually buy at local stores to not have to pay Hazmat fees. Lets call it $260 for 1000 rounds worth of ammo. Aluminum cased Blazer is running $580 per thousand. See why people reload?

 

[no4mk1t]

I am undecided on the whole 1911 45 ACP thing.

 

[Bobster]

I'll post some pics later of my 185gr lead SWCs I used to shoot NRA 50' Pistol Slow back in the day. These were MY creations, loaded light, shot with Colt 1991 with Nowlin barrel, Wilson match bushing, slight trigger work and light recoil spring. I was getting all in the black at 50' one-handed, lotsa 8s, 9s and bulls. I think a box of 1000 SWC bullets was around $50 back then...

From left, 185gr SWC that I created--still have several boxes waiting for the next 50' SF match. Then SWC and LRN from an "estate" sale of unknown grain and loading--eventually I'll see fit to "try" them in the 1991. Or not... Can't use them in the G30 because they'll lead the fuck out of the barrel. That is a 230gr ball (FMJ) round for comparison.



I still had a 50' SF target from back when you used to have to buy them. The 1991 is ALWAYS ready to go, new shokbuff and regular "heavy" spring back in. No fancy target sights because I never needed them--gun was dead nuts from Colt.

 

[Bongo Lewi]

My 1911s are the best quality, best shooting, best made, and most expensive guns I own. Most are 45, some are 9mm, and a couple 10mm.

My words of wit about guns is... I carry them, I don't marry them.

 

[One Ping Only]

Horosun is the Wong choice to make in a red dot.

You mean wed-dot?

 

[One Ping Only]

“There is a stereotype that 1911 and 45 ACP enthusiasts are a bunch of whiny, grumpy old grandpas. The reason there are stereotypes is because it's true in many cases. For the record, I have a gaggle of 1911s in 45 and I like them all. I am not a grandpa. Not old but getting there.“

Hysterical!!!

“It's not a gun thing. Many people get too emotionally invested in the things they like. Some decide that if you don't love what they love or believe is the best, you are stupid.”

So true and preposterously dumb. Yet human…

 

[Bongo Lewi]

“There is a stereotype that 1911 and 45 ACP enthusiasts are a bunch of whiny, grumpy old grandpas. The reason there are stereotypes is because it's true in many cases. For the record, I have a gaggle of 1911s in 45 and I like them all. I am not a grandpa. Not old but getting there.“

Hysterical!!!

“It's not a gun thing. Many people get too emotionally invested in the things they like. Some decide that if you don't love what they love or believe is the best, you are stupid.”

So true and preposterously dumb. Yet human…

So there I was...

An IT guy walks into my office. I had just come back to DC from a grueling three months hopping to a different city somewhere in the world every week. This nerd walks in uninvited and observes that I'm using Internet Explorer on my laptop. He decides it's a good idea to tell me in his snotty IT guy tone that I should be using Netscape and Internet Explorer was not supported. He goes on to say using IE is really stupid because Netscape is so much better.

Now, I can get angry like anybody else but do not ever lose my cool. I decided to go General Patton on him. I said, "Did you just call me stupid? I put my ass on the line every day in places you never heard of and here you are lecturing me about fucking web browsers like it matters. Now get out of my office and if you drop in to share your opinion again, you will receive a prejudiced response". He stood there speechless for a few seconds, looking very uncomfortable. Then I said, "Dismissed". So out he went.

That's how I deal with a-holes who always have to be right. The truth is... I really don't care what others like. I guess the moral of the story is that differing opinions are fine, but there's a right way to disagree or advise and a wrong way. It's interesting how often people we encounter every day choose the wrong way.

I make exception to not caring in regard to a holographic optical device made by Chinese communists who stole technology from an American company to kickstart their CCP subsidized business. To me, giving them money is like paying a burglar who robbed your house to get your stuff back. Then praising him. I can't abide.