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45 ACP Ammo
About 45 ACP Ammo
45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) ammo was developed by John Browning in 1905 for use in his prototype 45 Colt semi-automatic 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.
In 1911, the U.S. military adopted the Colt Model 1911 pistol as its standard-issue sidearm and 45 ACP ammunition became the standard for the pistol.
Over the years, 45 ACP has been used by various branches of the U.S. military, law enforcement, and civilians having a reputation for reliable stopping power and versatility.
Today 45 ACP ammunition is manufactured by nearly all major brands, is reasonably affordable compared to similar-sized calibers, and is used for competitive shooting and personal defense.
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.
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.