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About .45 ACP Ammunition
The .45 ACP, or .45 Automatic Colt Pistol, cartridge is the brainchild of prolific firearm designer John Moses Browning. Originally developed in 1904, the cartridge is closely associated with the 1911 pistol, an iconic service pistol chambered in .45 ACP. Beyond its use in handguns, the cartridge is well-known for being used in submachine guns such as the Thompson and M3 “Grease Gun.” The .45 ACP notably served the United States and allied nations throughout both World Wars and in many of the conflicts throughout the 20th century.
Types of .45 ACP Loadings
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Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Like the name suggests, these types of loadings feature projectiles which are adorned with metal jacketing. This jacket is generally made of copper and will cover the tip and sides of the projectile. Typically, the base of the projectile is left uncoated. These types of loadings are well-suited for range use and are some of the most common types of ammo one will encounter.
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Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP): JHP loadings feature hollow point projectiles which are adorned with a full metal jacket. These loadings are generally found in the form of defensive ammo offerings and are designed to facilitate reliable expansion upon impact. Additionally, these types of loadings are designed to achieve adequate levels of penetration for defensive purposes while not overpenetrating the target and risking collateral damage. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
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Total Metal Jacket (TMJ): These types of loadings feature projectiles which are entirely and completely enclosed within a metal jacket. TMJ loadings differ from FMJ loadings as they feature projectiles which are completely enclosed. In most cases, this jacketing is copper and is applied via electroplating. These loadings notably reduce the amount of lead one is exposed to during the firing process, specifically due to the elimination of an exposed lead projectile base. Also referred to as TMC, or Total Metal Case loadings by some manufacturers.
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Hollow Point (HP): HP loadings feature hollow point projectiles like the name suggests. This removal of material makes the projectile lighter and promotes high velocities. These types of loadings are optimized for self defense or match use and have a tendency to expand on impact. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
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Total Synthetic Jacket (TSJ): Loadings of this type go about enclosing lead cores with non-metal materials. These materials are often of the synthetic variety and will generally fully enclose the projectile. This synthetic coating is generally going to be polymer or a similar material. The absence of a metal jacket reduces the amount of friction and metal-on-metal contact with the bore during the firing process. Typically, one will find range and defensive loadings of this type.
Use Cases for .45 ACP Ammunition
- Plinking
- Training
- Defense
- Competition
- Suppressed Shooting
Popular Brands: .45 ACP Ammo
Caliber Name Variations
- .45
- .45 ACP
- .45 Auto
- .45 Automatic
Firearms that Use .45 ACP Ammo
Most of the firearms chambered in .45 ACP will be in the form of handguns. As far as vintage and old production .45 ACP chambered firearms go, one will find many 1911s and some unique firearms such as the M1917 revolver. Many 1911s in both single stack and double stack varieties are common on the market, a testament to the enduring legacy of both the .45 ACP and the 1911 design. Additionally, many modern production firearms feature provisions for mounting optics, lights, lasers, and suppressors. Simply put, one will have zero issue finding firearms chambered in .45 ACP if they wish to acquire one.
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