Author Topic: Best Ammo for Short Barreled 45 ACP? (Read 836 times)

147 Grain · « **on:** August 19, 2005, 04:09:42 PM »

Not sure as to what self defense ammo is best for a 3 1/4" barreled 45 ACP revolver.

I've been considering 230-gr. +P rounds like those from Ranger T @ 990 fps (4" barrel) or Double Taps 230-gr. +P @ 1,010 fps (4" barrel).

Question:

Do you feel that +P 45 ammo needs longer barrels to burn or will I still be a little ahead (with a 3 1/4" barrel) when compared to standard 230-gr. HP ammo?

Thank-you in advance of your advice!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 19, 2005, 04:45:11 PM »

If I were to carry factory loads it would be the Remington Golden Sabers. But I carry my own reloaded ammo in my Colt Defender.

Dusty Miller · « **Reply #2 on:** August 19, 2005, 09:00:06 PM »

I own a 3" Para Carry C645 and I've pondered this question a bit myself. The thing I've heard about these short barreled guns is that there is a problem with the speed of the slide and that if it gets to flying too fast then the gizamaporp don't jive with the dealwinjer, THEREFORE it is advised to use the 230 grain bullets and moderate velocities. That's all I've heard about it and I've fired some 230 grainers thru my gun without a problem, SO, there could be some truth to it. :grin:

Ray P · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2005, 11:43:33 AM »

I've found the +p pow'rball loads to work very well out of my 3.5" AMT DAO 45

AZ223 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2005, 03:53:04 PM »

I load Cor-Bon +P 230gr HP's in my P12-45 for defense, and my favorite practice ammo is MagTech 230gr FMJ, which is rated at 835fps on the box. I've never Chorographed either of them, but the POI is close to the same for both at self-defense distances, and the MagTech is a lot cheaper to practice with, and it has yet to give me any problems. I would think a steady diet of +P ammo in any semiauto could potentially cause problems over time, but that depends on how much shooting you actually do. I do shoot the Cor-Bon occasionally just to keep the "feel" of it, but I see no reason to use it for target practice all the time. But, that's just me.

As far as the original question goes, the type of powder being used and its burn rate will dictate whether or not a shorter barrel is that much of disadvantage. The first thing you'd have to do is check to see the actual velocities you're getting from whichever ammo you're considering. Then, decide which bullet would perform "best" at it's given velocity, and go from there.

Mikey · « **Reply #5 on:** August 24, 2005, 01:33:56 AM »

147 grain - +P means higher pressures and eventually you and the pistol will pay for it. 45 automatics, short barrel or otherwise, are designed to work best with standard pressures and ball ammo gives you that alo9ng with reliable feeding and extraction/ejection. That is the part you don't want to mess with because then your butt is in the wringer.

The Remington Golden Sabers are an excellent load. I am not all that thrilled with Cor-Bon and do not use their products. Just remember that you are carrying a short barrelled pistol and will lose velocity from a shorter barrel, but it won't be velocity that counts, it will be placement. If you can shoot standard velocity ball ammo most accurately, confidently and comfortably then you are better off using that than something else that may or may not perform as advertised. Standard ball ammo will probably exit your pistol at about 800'/sec - more than enough for personal defense.

It really doesn't matter what you shoot, as long as you shoot well with it. Bullet placement is still the key. A hollowpoint that blocks up with clothing is no more effective than ball ammo. A bullet that misses is not effective at all.

I would practice with ball ammo, carry and use ball ammo. It is a 45 ya know. JMHO. Mikey.

chris s · « **Reply #6 on:** August 24, 2005, 06:15:47 AM »

Since you are shooting a revolver, I would pick the heaviest and fastest load I could shoot well.

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2005, 09:03:03 AM »

When you're testing ammo see what kind of muzzle flash you get at night. Low muzzle flash is a good objective for a defense gun.

rockbilly · « **Reply #8 on:** August 24, 2005, 12:13:19 PM »

Good advice. Several times when shooting some ammo, I have experienced a period of blindness after two-three rounds. Not a good situation in a gun fight..............

Mikey · « **Reply #9 on:** August 26, 2005, 03:22:27 AM »

Oh Duh! Sorry, I didn't see the 'revolver' indicator, or didn't look thoroughly enough. Sorry. But, since it is a revolver, I would pick the heaviest bullet I could shoot comfortably and with a 45, that would be a 300 grainer, which probably wouldn't have to move any faster than an alley apple to be overwhelmingly effective. Mikey.

volshooter · « **Reply #10 on:** August 26, 2005, 01:41:40 PM »

I use 185gr Gold Dot HP +P @1100 fps from Georgia Arms in my Para 12-45 with outstanding results. I cannot handload better rounds for my carry iron. My cuz carries a Springfield compact and the same loads jamb his slide back every shot. My Para was smith worked on before I got it. With this load I can put 13 rounds down range on target in a hurry. Oddly this is the only pistol/factory ammo combo I use, everything else I hand load for.