The .45 ACP is a classic cartridge with a rich history and a solid reputation for reliability and stopping power. This guide is designed to delve into the detailed ballistics of .45 ACP ammo, providing you with essential insights into its behavior, performance, and optimal uses.

The .45 ACP cartridge is renowned for its effectiveness in a variety of settings, from tactical applications to personal defense. Through this guide, we will explore everything from velocity and energy charts to practical shooting advice, helping you make the most informed choices about your ammunition. Whether you are a novice shooter or a seasoned expert, understanding the characteristics of .45 ACP will enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience.

How Do 45 ACP Ballistics Compare to Other Handgun Cartridges?

Just like anything else in life, you'll find people who swear by the 45 ACP and those who hate it for various reasons. Instead of trying to convince you one way or the other, I'll let you see how it compares ballistically against other common self- and home-defense cartridges like the 9mm Luger, 10mm Auto and 357 Mag.

45 ACP Velocity

A bullet's velocity is measured in feet per second (fps). The muzzle velocity is the rate at which the bullet exits the barrel. Generally, a longer barrel produces a higher muzzle velocity, as it gives propellant gasses more time to exert energy against the bullet.

You will get a higher velocity when firing a 45 ACP semi-auto carbine, such as the Ruger LC Carbine (16.25" barrel), than when firing the same ammo in a full-size semi-automatic pistol like the Glock 21 (4.61" barrel).

Bullet weight and design also factor into a bullet's velocity. Heavier bullets (230 grain bullets) tend to have lower velocities than lighter bullets (185 grain bullets). Projectiles with more streamlined profiles also tend to conserve more velocity downrange.

Most factory-loaded 45 Automatic Colt Pistol ammo has a muzzle velocity between 800 and 1,200 fps. You can reach higher velocities by handloading, although we strictly recommend following the directions in your reloading manual when handloading ammo.

45 ACP Energy

A bullet's kinetic energy is measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Muzzle energy reflects the amount of force with which the bullet exits the gun barrel. Striking energy is the amount of energy the projectile possesses when it collides with its target during ballistic tests. Only two variables determine a bullet's energy: weight, and velocity.

Legendary gunsmith John Moses Browning designed the 45 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge for the M1911, which was intended to replace the revolvers carried as sidearms by the U.S. Armed Forces. The M1911 remained the standard issue sidearm until it was replaced by the 9mm Beretta M9 in 1985.

The 45 ACP typically achieves a muzzle energy of 250 ft-lbs to 675 ft-lbs (depending on the load fired). Although other pistol cartridges can exceed its muzzle energy, the 45 ACP is still carried by law enforcement agencies like the FBI and regular citizens across the United States. In addition to its sufficient energy for self-defense, the 45 ACP's .45 caliber bullet inflicts a relatively wide wound channel – a welcome advantage to have during a dangerous physical altercation.

For the full guide and ballistics tables from all of the top 45 ACP manufacturers, check out the complete 45 ACP ballistics guide.