45 ACP Ammunition

John Browning developed the 45 automatic Colt pistol, or 45 ACP cartridge in 1904 for use in what would become his iconic 1911 pistol. The design has its roots dating back to the 1890’s. Then, the United States Calvary was testing various handgun calibers and determined that there was no caliber on the market large enough to take down the most determined of threats. Eventually, they would give up their 38 special firearms and ammunition in favor of handguns chambered in 45 ACP.

Today, you’ll find a variety of 45 ACP ammo in stock here at bulk ammo with great choices for both training and self-defense ready to ship fast.

.45 ACP Bullet Options

Full metal jacket or FMJ bullets are most commonly used with firearms chambered in .45 ACP for range use. The relatively inexpensive projectile is also commonly referred to as “ball ammunition” because the projectile remains a ball upon impact with a target. There is little expansion available. You’ll commonly find brass-cased 45 ACP ammo as well as the generally cheaper steel-cased 45 auto rounds.

Other shooters in search of an effective round for self-defense will likely want .45 ACP ammo loaded with a jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullet. These rounds are specifically engineered to inflict the maximum amount of damage on a target. These rounds expand when they make contact with a target, allowing for optimum penetration and lethality. If you’re unfamiliar with what we mean by bullet expansion, the image to the right demonstrates how a projectile can expand upon impact with a target.

Of course, there are several other bullet types frequently available. These include frangible rounds that essentially turn to dust upon impact with a hard surface, total metal jacket (TMJ) and full metal case (FMJ) that bring similar performance to FMJ rounds, and specialty rounds like Hornady’s Zombie Z-Max ammo.

In terms of weight, the most common projectile you’re likely to fire from a .45 ACP firearm is a 230-grain bullet. Many shooters prefer faster-moving but lighter 185-grain projectiles. Of course, the choice is yours as to what bullet weight is the most effective for you to use based on your skill level and needs.

Common Manufacturers

.45 ammo is still widely used by law enforcement, special forces, and other agencies around the world and is manufactured by a number of a trusted companies because of it. Federal, Fiocchi, Wolf, Remington, Blazer Brass, PMC, Magtech, and Sellier & Bellot are all commonly in-stock here at BulkAmmo.com when you browse the .45 ACP selection.