45 ACP | 45 ACP Ammo | Ammunition Depot

Ammunition Depot is your trusted destination when shopping for discount Pistol Ammo. View our in-stock selection of Bulk 45 ACP Ammo, 45 ACP Firearms, and 45 ACP Magazines from the manufacturers you trust. Learn More

1000rounds / $0.78per round

Speer Gold Dot .45 ACP 230 Grain HP (Case)

$784.99
350rounds / $0.84per round

Speer Gold Dot .45 ACP 230 Grain HP (Range Bundle)

$295.69
50rounds / $0.86per round

Speer Gold Dot .45 ACP 230 Grain HP (Box)

$43.19

About 45 ACP Ammo

First developed by John Browning in 1904, .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) ammunition is a rimless pistol cartridge for use in the semi-automatic Colt pistol.

Browning's design for the 45 ACP cartridge was a vast departure from the smaller calibers commonly used at the time.

The round featured a large, heavy bullet that delivered substantial energy upon impact, making it effective at close range.

With a bullet diameter of .45 inches (11.43mm), the cartridge typically fires a heavy bullet weighing between 185 to 230 grains at a moderate velocity of 830 to 1,200 ft/s, resulting in substantial muzzle energy, ranging from 350 to 580 ft-lb.

.45 ACP has a storied history, most notably serving as the standard-issue sidearm ammunition for the United States Armed Forces from 1911 to 1985. *In 1911, the U.S. military adopted the Colt Model 1911 pistol as its standard-issue sidearm, and 45 ACP ammo became the standard.

The ease of reloading .45 ACP rounds also adds to its allure, especially among handloading enthusiasts.

These factors create a legacy and trust in the .45 ACP that few cartridges can match for military, law enforcement, and civilians.

Today, 45 ACP is manufactured by nearly all respected ammunition brands worldwide, making it reasonably affordable compared to similar-sized calibers, and is commonly used in personal and home defense marksmanship competitions.

Common Names for 45 ACP Ammo

Since its initial introduction over 120 years ago, The 45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge has had many different name variations.
Some of the most common include:

45 ACP Ammunition

45 Auto Ammo

45 Ammo

45 ACP Bullets

45 Cal

.45 ACP Ammo

45 ACP Bullets

45 Cal

.45 ACP Ammo

Regardless of your preferred terminology, .45 ACP ammo has remained massively popular over the years and is available in the lineup of every significant American ammo manufacturer.

Popular Guns that Shoot 45 ACP Ammunition

GLOCK

Glock 37 Models
Glock 39 Models
Glock 41 Models
Glock 21 Models
Glock 30 Models
Glock 36 Models

SIG SAUER

Sig P320 Compact
Sig P227R Nitron
Sig P220 Elite
Sig P220 Legion
Sig 1911 Models

SMITH & WESSON

S&W M&P 45 M2.0
S&W SW1911 Models
S&W M&P 45 Shield
S&W M&P 45 Shield PC M2.0

COLT

Colt 1911 Govern.
Colt 1911 Totus
Colt Defender
Colt Series 70 Goven
Colt M45A1

45 ACP Ammunition Features

LARGE BULLET DIAMETER
45 ACP ammo has a large bullet diameter, typically around .452 inches, which provides good stopping power and expansion upon impact.

GOOD PENETRATION
45 ACP ammo typically has good penetration, allowing it to penetrate deeply into a target.

MODERATE RECOIL
While .45 ACP ammunition can produce significant recoil, it is generally less than other high-powered pistol cartridges, making it easier to shoot accurately for extended periods of time.

EFFECTIVE STOPPING POWER
45 ACP ammunition delivers effective stopping power, making it an ideal choice for self-defense and law enforcement purposes.

PERFORMANCE
Regarding overall performance, .45 ACP ammo is commonly viewed as a highly effective pistol cartridge.

This is because 45 ACP ammo combines accuracy and stopping power, has a relatively low muzzle blast and flash, and produces a stout but manageable recoil in handguns.

AVAILABILITY
With a steady following among gun enthusiasts, military, and law enforcement 45 ACP ammo is considered a readily available caliber in-store and online.

With countless firearm models and calibers in-stock, Ammunition Depot has the bulk ammunition type you're looking for at a price that won't break the bank.

Popular .45 ACP Brands

Federal Premium
Known for high-quality ammunition, Federal Premium offers a variety of .45 ACP rounds, including their HST line for self-defense and American Eagle for target shooting.

Winchester
A storied brand in the ammunition industry, Winchester provides a wide array of .45 ACP options, from their reliable FMJ rounds for practice to their Defender series for personal protection.

Remington
Remington’s .45 ACP ammunition, including their UMC line, is popular for its balance of performance and value, catering to both target shooters and those looking for self-defense options.

Blazer (by CCI)
Known for their innovative and high-quality ammunition, CCI offers .45 ACP options such as their Blazer Brass for economical practice and their Speer Gold Dot for self-defense.

Hornady
Hornady’s .45 ACP ammunition is well-regarded, especially their Critical Defense and Critical Duty lines, which are designed for reliable performance in self-defense situations.

SIG Sauer
SIG Sauer’s ammunition, including their .45 ACP rounds, is held in high esteem, offering both practice and elite performance options for various shooting needs.

Aguila
Reliable and affordable, Aguila is a Mexican ammunition manufacturer that offers a variety of calibers, including multiple 45 ACP options suitable for practice and self-defense.

Fiocchi
An Italian manufacturer with a strong reputation, Fiocchi offers .45 ACP rounds that are well-regarded for their consistent performance and reliability.

PMC
PMC’s .45 ACP ammunition is known for its reliability and affordability, making it a favorite among budget-conscious shooters.

Armscor
Offering a wide range of ammunition at competitive prices, Armscor’s .45 ACP rounds are popular for both target shooting and self-defense.

45 ACP Ammo FAQ

QUESTION: What is 45 ACP Ammo?

ANSWER: 45 ACP is a handgun cartridge designed by John Moses Browning in 1904. It is a 45 caliber round that was originally created for the Colt semiautomatic pistol, which was also designed by Browning.

It's a .452-inch-diameter bullet in a rimless straight-walled casing developed to produce a round with better stopping power than the other rounds of the time.

QUESTION: What does the ACP stand for in 45 ACP?

ANSWER: ACP is an acronym that stands for Automatic Colt Pistol. The letters are used in a variety of ammunition types based on the self-loading design of Colt pistols Browning developed for the Colt firearms company.

The most famous of these is Browning's M1911, which was adopted for use by the U.S. military.

QUESTION: What is the difference between 45 Auto and 45 ACP?

ANSWER: There is no difference between the two rounds. Although they have different names, the 45 ACP and 45 Auto are the exact same cartridge. The same principle also applies when using a ‘.’ before the caliber (.45 Auto Ammo and .45 ACP Ammo).

In the end, the naming convention you use mostly comes down to personal preference and the context of the conversation.

QUESTION: How much is 45 ACP ammo?

ANSWER: 45 ACP ammunition is similar in price range to other popular handgun calibers. However, it does run on the more expensive side of the range. Depending on market conditions, including high demand or supply chain issues, the price fluctuates.

The cost of .45 ACP can fall anywhere from $.05 to $.20 per round more than 9mm ammo. For the best price and selection, check out the 45 ACP ammo for sale at Ammunition Depot!

QUESTION: Where to buy 45 ACP ammo?

ANSWER: Because it has such a long and storied history, .45 ACP ammo is available at all locations where ammo is sold.

You can find 45 ACP ammo for sale online and in-store at like gun stores, gun shows and indoor shooting ranges. For the widest variety of options, such as target and defensive rounds, buying online is recommended.

QUESTION: Which guns shoot 45 ACP Ammo?

ANSWER: Guns that shoot 45 ACP are marked as such and can be found at almost every gun store. The most famous of these is the M1911.

Boasting the same design as the original over 100 years later, the 1911 pistol has only strengthened the demand for .45 ACP ammo. Because of this, there are numerous gun manufacturers continuing to develop guns for the venerable caliber.

QUESTION: What is the best type of 45 ACP ammo?

ANSWER: Because this ammunition has been around for so long, the quality and performance have for the most part been standardized. That means you can expect to have quality rounds to fit your needs from most manufacturers.

Regardless of your situation, there is a quality 45 ACP round ready to fill your needs. Which .45 ACP ammo round is best for you depends on personal preferences and whether you're shooting targets or carrying for self-defense.

QUESTION: Can I buy 45 ACP ammo in bulk?

ANSWER: Absolutely, .45 ACP ammo is readily available in bulk quantities for target and self-defense configurations. Additionally, buying in bulk quantities can even decrease your overall price per round.

For the best selection, check out online retailers or Ammunition Depot's bulk section to find what suits your budget and needs.