Best 45 ACP self defense ammo

I use Speer 240 gr Dot dot

I understand the HSTs are the best JHP defense ammo. The solid copper offerings are in vogue now and I want to try some of them. I have 500 147g HSTs to work with in my Super. The Lehi Defense bullets are now owned by Wilson and look to be the optimum if overpenetration is not an issue
I am currently using 124g Sierra V Crowns in my Super at 1350fps. But I don't have any visual data.

Go to Handgun Self-Defense Ammunition - Ballistic Testing Data for a good visual of performance

In my 45acp I currently use 200g Sig V Crowns for factory ammunition. But I feel well protected shooting 200g Cast SWCs I load myself.
And absolutely nothing lacking in the standard 230g FMJ ammunition. It has been working for 2 wars and many conflicts.

doug.anderson1943 said:

The recoil is sharper than the FMJ

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most SD ammo will be loaded higher than range ammo.... that's why so many say you also need to train with your carry ammo.

5" gun? Federal 230 gr HST.
You really don't need +P.

^ This. Speer's Gold Dot has given very consistent results in my guns.

doug.anderson1943 said:

I'm told Federal HST +P is pretty good. I just shot 20 rounds of it at the range. The recoil is sharper than the FMJ and I had to adjust to it. Looking for other opinions.

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The two best are HST standard velocity and the Ranger T-Series standard velocity both 230gr .

flechero said:

most SD ammo will be loaded higher than range ammo.... that's why so many say you also need to train with your carry ammo.

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And whatever SD ammo you chose you better run at lease 100 rds. (I prefer 200+) with no FTF or change your choice. IMHO. It might get a little expensive but your worth it.

Years ago purchased .45 ACP Winchester Black Talon before Winchester took the line off the civilian market, that's my "go to" defensive load then Speer Gold Dots. Its in the net, some company did a test on all HP defensive ammo years ago, Fed HST and Gold Dots were the best in all calibers.

I remember one time at the range, my 45 ACP is 230 gr round nose. Usually if it is a carry piece, I'll eject the mag and reload with the practice ammo clip. Well everything went well and I practiced a reload. After the second round I noticed a difference. I accidentally loaded the SD ammo and the feel and sound was a little different, accuracy didn't suffer too much as the target was at 15 yds instead of the usual 25. For SD, I like the Hornady and Gold Dot. Even had fun with some frangible stuff, but keep it for hunting and tend not to load it for SD or practice.

So much for old age. Sigh....

I've come to like 180 grain +P rounds. I like that little bit of extra pop from a .45 caliber slug travelling in excess of 1000 FPS. Just gives me a little more peace of mind the round will do what I want it to.

I carry Federal HST “Tactical” not the +P. I wanted maximum expansion and minimum likelihood of over penetration. These and the Winchester Ranger performed the best in this testing:

Ask your local LEO what they carry.


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I think that what is the best ammo is going to be what is both reliable and accurate in your pistol.
That takes testing.

When I bought ammo for the Sheriff's Office in .45 Auto it was Ranger 230 gr. +P (other calibers were also Winchester Ranger, with 9mm being 127 +P+) but when I buy ammo for myself, it is whatever I can get a deal on.

While I like +P just fine, I would not hesitate to carry standard pressure. HST is a fine load and bullet.

It may shock some, but I also would carry the Winchester 1911 FMJ flat point in preference to any load in .40 S&W or 9mm or .357 Magnum, but that may be just a personal thing.

No, I am not concerned with "overpenetration", if such a thing exists (in our county we have had plenty of JHPs exit and even more miss the intended target). I don't shoot at people when someone is behind them (unless I modify my position to change the direction of the shot).

Riposte

Here is a good site to see results on different self defense ammo from 380 acp to 45 acp. If you click on the photos of fired bullets, it will enlarge for better viewing. Most law enforcement departments in my area have switched to Federal HST ammo for duty carry.

Big Papa said:

Ask your local LEO what they carry.


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Then ask them how they did on the range. Have a cop friend that I usually out shoot. Regular hst 230 grn. Will work just fine.

I'm still a fan of Glaser Safety Slugs and the original factory hot-rod, the Remington 185gr SJHP+P.

Big Papa said:

Ask your local LEO what they carry.


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They carry whatever 9mm the department got the best deal on.