The 45 Automatic Colt Pistol (45 ACP, aka 45 Auto) isn’t just one of the most iconic American handgun cartridges. It is one of the most iconic American things – period. If you’re interested in its ballistic performance, then pat yourself on the back like every good patriot deserves to have their back patted.
45 ACP Ballistic Charts
We collected ballistic data from a multitude of popular ammunition manufacturers and assembled them into one handy point of reference. Consult the notes below for more information on ballistic data and how I calculated mine.
Barnes 45 ACP Ballistics
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Barnes TAC-XPD 21555 185gr TAC-XP +P 0.167 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1100 497 -0.2
25 1057 459 0.9
50 1020 428 0.0
75 989 402 -2.9
100 961 379 -8.1
Barnes VOR-TX 32007 185gr TAC-XP 0.167 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1060 462 -0.2
25 1023 430 1.0
50 991 403 0.0
75 963 381 -3.1
100 937 361 -8.6
Blazer
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Blazer Brass 5230 230gr FMJ 0.155 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 830 352 -0.2
25 812 336 1.6
50 794 322 0.0
75 777 309 -5.0
100 761 296 -13.6
Blazer Brass 5245 230gr JHP 0.192 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 850 369 -0.2
25 834 356 1.5
50 819 343 0.0
75 805 331 -4.7
100 791 320 -12.7
Blazer Aluminum 3570 230gr FMJ 0.156 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 845 365 -0.2
25 826 348 1.5
50 808 333 0.0
75 791 319 -4.8
100 774 306 -13.1
Blazer Clean-Fire 3480 230gr TMJ 0.156 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 845 365 -0.2
25 826 348 1.5
50 808 333 0.0
75 791 319 -4.8
100 774 306 -13.1
Blazer Brass Clean-Fire Suppressor 5230S 230gr TMJ 0.155 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 800 327 -0.2
25 783 313 1.7
50 766 300 0.0
75 751 288 -5.4
100 735 276 -14.6
Browning
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Browning B191800454/B191800455 230gr FMJ 0.163 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 835 356 -0.2
25 817 341 1.6
50 800 327 0.0
75 784 314 -4.9
100 769 302 -13.3
Browning X-Point Defense B191700452 230gr JHP 0.187 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 920 432 -0.2
25 900 414 1.3
50 882 397 0.0
75 864 381 -4.0
100 847 367 -11.0
Buffalo Bore
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Buffalo Bore 45160LF 160gr TAC-XP +P 0.133 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1248 553 -0.2
25 1168 484 0.7
50 1102 432 0.0
75 1049 391 -2.5
100 1005 359 -6.9
Buffalo Bore Low Recoil 45160LF-LR 160gr TAC-XP 0.133 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 966 332 -0.2
25 934 310 1.2
50 905 291 0.0
75 879 275 -3.8
100 855 260 -10.4
Buffalo Bore 45-160LF 160gr TAC-XP +P 0.133 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1251 556 -0.2
25 1170 487 0.7
50 1104 433 0.0
75 1051 392 -2.5
100 1007 360 -6.9
Buffalo Bore 45-185LF 185gr TAC-XP +P 0.160 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1183 575 -0.2
25 1125 520 0.8
50 1076 476 0.0
75 1035 441 -2.6
100 1001 411 -7.3
Buffalo Bore 45-185 185gr JHP +P 0.109 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1180 572 -0.2
25 1099 496 0.8
50 1036 441 0.0
75 986 400 -2.8
100 945 367 -7.9
Buffalo Bore Low Recoil 45185FMJ-FN-LR 185gr FMJ FN 0.109 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 827 281 -0.2
25 801 264 1.6
50 777 248 0.0
75 754 234 -5.2
100 733 220 -14.2
Buffalo Bore 45-200 200gr JHP +P 0.129 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1078 516 -0.2
25 1028 469 0.9
50 986 432 0.0
75 951 402 -3.1
100 920 376 -8.7
Buffalo Bore 45-230FMJ 230gr FMJ 0.143 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 981 492 -0.2
25 949 460 1.1
50 921 433 0.0
75 895 410 -3.7
100 872 388 -10.0
Buffalo Bore 45-230 230gr JHP +P 0.143 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 979 490 -0.2
25 948 459 1.1
50 920 432 0.0
75 894 408 -3.7
100 870 387 -10.1
Buffalo Bore 45230FMJ-RN 230gr FMJ RN 0.205 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 860 378 -0.2
25 845 365 1.4
50 830 352 0.0
75 816 341 -4.6
100 803 329 -12.4
Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman 45-255 255gr Hard Cast +P 0.170 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 960 522 -0.2
25 935 495 1.2
50 912 471 0.0
75 891 450 -3.7
100 871 430 -10.2
Federal Premium
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Federal American Eagle Indoor Range Training Lead Free AE45LF1 137gr Lead Free IRT 0.194 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1200 438 -0.2
25 1149 402 0.7
50 1105 372 0.0
75 1067 347 -2.5
100 1034 325 -6.9
Federal Gold Medal Handgun GM45B 185gr FMJ SWC 0.071 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 770 244 -0.2
25 736 222 1.9
50 704 203 0.0
75 673 186 -6.3
100 644 171 -17.4
Federal Syntech Defense S45SJT1 205gr SHP 0.153 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 970 428 -0.2
25 941 403 1.1
50 916 382 0.0
75 892 362 -3.7
100 870 345 -10.2
Federal Syntech Defense S45SJT2 205gr SHP 0.153 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 970 428 -0.2
25 941 403 1.1
50 916 382 0.0
75 892 362 -3.7
100 870 345 -10.2
Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok Deep P45HSD1 210gr JHP 0.164 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 980 448 -0.2
25 952 423 1.1
50 927 401 0.0
75 904 381 -3.6
100 883 364 -9.89
Federal Syntech Action Pistol AE45SJAP1 220gr FJN 0.183 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 795 309 -0.2
25 781 298 1.7
50 767 287 0.0
75 753 277 -5.4
100 740 268 -14.6
Federal Personal Defense HST P45HST1S 230gr JHP +P 0.195 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 950 461 -0.2
25 929 441 1.2
50 909 422 0.0
75 891 406 -3.8
100 874 390 -10.3
Federal American Eagle AE45A/AE45A100 230gr FMJ 0.193 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 890 405 -0.2
25 872 389 1.4
50 856 374 0.0
75 840 361 -4.3
100 825 348 -11.7
Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok P45HS1 230gr JHP 0.192 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 900 414 -0.2
25 882 397 1.3
50 865 382 0.0
75 848 368 -4.2
100 833 354 -11.4
Federal Personal Defense HST P45HST2S 230gr JHP 0.193 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 890 405 -0.2
25 872 389 1.4
50 856 374 0.0
75 840 361 -4.3
100 825 348 -11.7
Federal Train + Protect TP45VHP1 230gr JHP 0.192 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 850 369 -0.2
25 834 356 1.5
50 819 343 0.0
75 805 331 -4.7
100 791 320 -12.7
Federal Champion Training WM5233 230gr FMJ 0.193 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 845 365 -0.2
25 830 351 1.5
50 815 339 0.0
75 801 327 -4.7
100 787 316 -12.9
Federal Syntech Range AE45SJ1 230gr JFN 0.194 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 830 352 -0.2
25 815 339 1.6
50 801 328 0.0
75 787 317 -4.9
100 774 306 -13.3
Federal Personal Defense Punch PD45P1 230gr JHP 0.193 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 890 405 -0.2
25 872 389 1.4
50 856 374 0.0
75 840 361 -4.3
100 825 348 -11.7
Federal Syntech Training Match AE45SJ2 230gr JFN 0.193 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 890 405 -0.2
25 872 389 1.4
50 856 374 0.0
75 840 361 -4.3
100 825 348 -11.7
Federal Champion Training WM52332 230gr FMJ 0.193 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 890 405 -0.2
25 872 389 1.4
50 856 374 0.0
75 840 361 -4.3
100 825 348 -11.7
Federal Gold Medal GM45A 230gr FMJ 0.194 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 860 378 -0.2
25 844 364 1.5
50 829 351 0.0
75 814 339 -4.6
100 800 327 -12.4
Federal American Eagle Indoor Range Training AE45N1 230gr TMJ 0.192 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 850 369 -0.2
25 834 356 1.5
50 819 343 0.0
75 805 331 -4.7
100 791 320 -12.7
Federal Punch PD45P1G 230gr JHP 0.193 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 890 405 -0.2
25 872 389 1.4
50 856 374 0.0
75 840 361 -4.3
100 825 348 -11.7
Federal Solid Core P45SHC1 240gr Hard Cast +P 0.185 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1000 533 -0.2
25 973 505 1.1
50 949 480 0.0
75 927 458 -3.5
100 907 438 -9.4
Hornady
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Hornady Critical Defense 90900 185gr FTX 0.140 / 3
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 900 333 -0.2
25 875 315 1.3
50 853 299 0.0
75 831 284 -4.3
100 811 270 -11.7
Hornady American Gunner 90904 185gr XTP 0.139 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 970 387 -0.2
25 939 362 1.2
50 911 341 0.0
75 885 322 -3.7
100 862 305 -10.3
Hornady BLACK 90901 185gr XTP 0.139 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 970 387 -0.2
25 939 362 1.2
50 911 341 0.0
75 885 322 -3.7
100 862 305 -10.3
Hornady Critical Duty 90926 220gr FlexLock +P 0.180 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 975 464 -0.2
25 950 441 1.1
50 927 420 0.0
75 906 401 -3.6
100 887 384 -9.9
Hornady Custom 9112 230gr XTP 0.151 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 900 414 -0.2
25 877 393 1.3
50 856 374 0.0
75 836 357 -4.3
100 817 341 -11.7
Hornady Subsonic 90971 230gr XTP 0.188 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 925 437 -0.2
25 905 418 1.3
50 886 401 0.0
75 869 385 -4.0
100 852 371 -10.9
Hornady Custom 9096 230gr XTP +P 0.188 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 950 461 -0.2
25 928 440 1.2
50 908 421 0.0
75 889 404 -3.8
100 871 388 -10.3
Magtech
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Magtech 45B 230gr FMJ SWC 0.184 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 780 311 -0.2
25 766 300 1.8
50 753 289 0.0
75 740 280 -5.6
100 727 270 -15.1
Magtech MP45A/45A 230gr FMJ 0.194 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 837 358 -0.2
25 822 345 1.5
50 808 333 0.0
75 794 322 -4.8
100 780 311 -13.1
Magtech CR45A 230gr FEB 0.196 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 837 358 -0.2
25 822 345 1.5
50 808 333 0.0
75 794 322 -4.8
100 781 311 -13.1
Magtech Guardian Gold GG45B 230gr JHP +P 0.147 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1150 676 -0.2
25 1093 610 0.8
50 1046 559 0.0
75 1007 518 -2.8
100 973 483 -7.7
Nosler
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Nosler 51271/51278 185gr JHP ASP 0.142 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 980 395 -0.2
25 948 369 1.1
50 920 348 0.0
75 894 329 -3.7
100 870 311 -10.1
Nosler 51277/51284 230gr JHP ASP 0.180 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 850 369 -0.2
25 833 355 1.5
50 817 341 0.0
75 802 329 -4.7
100 787 317 -12.8
Nosler 39645 230gr Bonded JHP +P 0.172 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 950 461 -0.2
25 926 438 1.2
50 904 418 0.0
75 884 399 -3.8
100 865 382 -10.4
Norma
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Norma Hexagon 645040050 200gr JHP 0.301 / 6
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 856 325 -0.2
25 846 318 1.4
50 836 310 0.0
75 826 303 -4.5
100 817 296 -12.2
Norma Safeguard 610940050 230gr JHP 0.100 / 6
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 853 372 -0.2
25 823 346 1.5
50 796 323 0.0
75 770 303 -4.9
100 745 284 -13.5
PMC
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
PMC Bronze 45B 185gr JHP 0.098 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 900 333 -0.2
25 865 308 1.4
50 834 286 0.0
75 805 266 -4.5
100 778 249 -12.3
PMC eRange 45EMA 230gr EMJ-NT 0.133 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 830 352 -0.2
25 809 334 1.6
50 788 318 0.0
75 769 302 -5.0
100 751 288 -13.8
PMC Bronze 45A 230gr FMJ 0.133 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 830 352 -0.2
25 809 334 1.6
50 788 318 0.0
75 769 302 -5.0
100 751 288 -13.8
Prvi Partizan
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Prvi Partizan A-181 185gr SJHP 0.212 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 935 359 -0.2
25 916 345 1.2
50 899 332 0.0
75 883 320 -3.9
100 867 309 -10.5
Prvi Partizan A-214 200gr FMJ 0.182 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 886 349 -0.2
25 868 334 1.4
50 850 321 0.0
75 834 309 -4.3
100 818 297 -11.8
Prvi Partizan A-079 230gr FMJ 0.215 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 837 358 -0.2
25 823 346 1.5
50 810 335 0.0
75 798 325 -4.8
100 785 315 -13.0
Prvi Partizan A-202 230gr LRN 0.215 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 837 358 -0.2
25 823 346 1.5
50 810 335 0.0
75 798 325 -4.8
100 785 315 -13.0
Prvi Partizan A-303 230gr TMJ 0.215 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 837 358 -0.2
25 823 346 1.5
50 810 335 0.0
75 798 325 -4.8
100 785 315 -13.0
Remington
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Remington Golden Saber Defense 27611 185gr BJHP +P 0.154 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1140 534 -0.2
25 1087 485 0.8
50 1043 447 0.0
75 1006 416 -2.8
100 973 389 -7.8
Remington UMC 23818 185gr FMJ 0.152 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1015 423 -0.2
25 981 395 1.0
50 951 372 0.0
75 924 351 -3.4
100 900 333 -9.4
Remington Golden Saber Defense 27609 185gr BJHP 0.152 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1015 423 -0.2
25 981 395 1.0
50 951 372 0.0
75 924 351 -3.4
100 900 333 -9.4
Remington Ultimate Defense Handgun 28971 185gr BJHP 0.152 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1015 423 -0.2
25 981 395 1.0
50 951 372 0.0
75 924 351 -3.4
100 900 333 -9.4
Remington HTP R21453 185gr JHP 0.152 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1000 411 -0.2
25 968 385 1.1
50 939 363 0.0
75 914 343 -3.5
100 890 326 -9.6
Remington Golden Saber Bonded 29325 185gr Bonded BJHP 0.152 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1015 423 -0.2
25 981 395 1.0
50 951 372 0.0
75 924 351 -3.4
100 900 333 -9.4
Remington Ultimate Defense Handgun 28942 230gr BJHP 0.150 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 875 391 -0.2
25 854 372 1.4
50 833 355 0.0
75 814 339 -4.5
100 796 324 -12.3
Remington Subsonic 28428 230gr FNEB 0.163 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 830 352 -0.2
25 812 337 1.6
50 796 323 0.0
75 780 311 -5.0
100 764 298 -13.5
Remington Golden Saber Bonded 29327 230gr Bonded BJHP 0.150 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 875 391 -0.2
25 854 372 1.4
50 833 355 0.0
75 814 339 -4.5
100 796 324 -12.3
Remington HTP 21455 230gr JHP 0.165 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 835 356 -0.2
25 817 341 1.6
50 801 328 0.0
75 785 315 -4.9
100 769 302 -13.3
Remington UMC 23797/23817/23649/23726/23781 230gr FMJ 0.165 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 835 356 -0.2
25 817 341 1.6
50 801 328 0.0
75 785 315 -4.9
100 769 302 -13.3
Remington UMC 23689/23696 230gr JHP 0.165 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 835 356 -0.2
25 817 341 1.6
50 801 328 0.0
75 785 315 -4.9
100 769 302 -13.3
Remington Range Clean 27687 230gr FNEB 0.165 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 835 356 -0.2
25 817 341 1.6
50 801 328 0.0
75 785 315 -4.9
100 769 302 -13.3
Remington Ultimate Defense Compact Handgun 28967 230gr BJHP 0.151 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 725 268 -0.2
25 710 257 2.1
50 695 247 0.0
75 681 237 -6.5
100 667 227 -17.8
Remington Golden Saber Defense Compact 27619 230gr BJHP 0.151 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 725 268 -0.2
25 710 257 2.1
50 695 247 0.0
75 681 237 -6.5
100 667 227 -17.8
Remington Golden Saber Defense 27612 230gr BJHP 0.150 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 875 391 -0.2
25 854 372 1.4
50 833 355 0.0
75 814 339 -4.5
100 796 324 -12.3
Sellier & Bellot
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Sellier & Bellot SB45XA 165gr XRG-D 0.212 / 6
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1148 483 -0.2
25 1107 449 0.8
50 1072 421 0.0
75 1041 397 -2.7
100 1014 377 -7.4
Sellier & Bellot SB45A 230gr FMJ 0.213 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 853 372 -0.2
25 839 359 1.5
50 825 348 0.0
75 812 337 -4.6
100 799 326 -12.6
Sellier & Bellot SB45C 230gr JHP 0.227 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 889 404 -0.2
25 874 390 1.3
50 860 378 0.0
75 846 366 -4.2
100 833 355 -11.5
Sellier & Bellot NonTox V311292 230gr TFMJ 0.213 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 889 404 -0.2
25 873 389 1.3
50 858 376 0.0
75 844 364 -4.3
100 830 352 -11.6
Sierra
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Sierra Outdoor Master A8800--29 185gr JHP 0.110 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 995 407 -0.2
25 952 373 1.1
50 916 345 0.0
75 883 321 -3.7
100 854 300 -10.1
SIG Sauer
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
SIG Sauer Legion L45AP185P-20 185gr JHP 0.167 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1110 506 -0.2
25 1065 466 0.9
50 1028 434 0.0
75 995 407 -2.9
100 966 384 -8.0
Speer
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Speer Gold Dot 23964GD 185gr JHP 0.112 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1050 453 -0.2
25 998 410 1
50 956 376 0.0
75 920 348 -3.4
100 888 324 -9.3
Speer Lawman 53654 185gr TMJ 0.097 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1050 453 -0.2
25 991 404 1.0
50 944 366 0.0
75 904 336 -3.4
100 869 310 -9.5
Speer Lawman Clean-Fire 53885 230gr TMJ 0.156 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 845 365 -0.2
25 826 348 1.5
50 808 333 0.0
75 791 319 -4.8
100 774 306 -13.1
Speer Lawman 53653 230gr TMJ 0.155 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 830 352 -0.2
25 812 336 1.6
50 794 322 0.0
75 777 309 -5.0
100 761 296 -13.6
Speer Gold Dot 23966GD 230gr JHP 0.147 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 890 405 -0.2
25 867 384 1.4
50 846 366 0.0
75 826 348 -4.4
100 807 333 -11.9
Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 23975GD 230gr JHP 0.149 / 4
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 820 343 -0.2
25 801 328 1.6
50 784 314 0.0
75 767 300 -5.1
100 750 287 -13.9
Underwood
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Underwood 332 185gr XTP +P 0.140 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1200 592 -0.2
25 1131 526 0.8
50 1075 475 0.0
75 1029 435 -2.6
100 991 403 -7.3
Underwood 334 230gr JHP +P 0.180 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1000 511 -0.2
25 973 483 1.1
50 948 459 0.0
75 925 438 -3.5
100 905 418 -9.5
Underwood 330 230gr JHP 0.180 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 920 432 -0.2
25 899 413 1.3
50 880 396 0.0
75 862 380 -4.0
100 845 365 -11.0
Winchester
Mfr / Brand SKU Bullet G1 BC / Bbl (in)
Winchester Super Clean W45LF 160gr FMJ Lead Free 0.143 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1100 430 -0.2
25 1050 392 0.9
50 1009 362 0.0
75 974 337 -3
100 943 316 -8.3
Winchester Super-X WC451 185gr BEB 0.088 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 910 340 -0.2
25 870 311 1.4
50 835 287 0.0
75 803 265 -4.4
100 774 246 -12.3
Winchester USA USA45A 185gr FMJ 0.144 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 910 340 -0.2
25 885 322 1.3
50 862 306 0.0
75 841 291 -4.2
100 821 277 -11.5
Winchester Silvertip W45AST 185gr JHP 0.148 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1000 411 -0.2
25 967 384 1.1
50 938 361 0.0
75 912 342 -3.5
100 888 324 -9.7
Winchester USA Ready Defense RED45HP 200gr JHP 0.165 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 1000 444 -0.2
25 970 418 1.1
50 944 396 0.0
75 920 376 -3.5
100 897 358 -9.5
Winchester Defender S45PDB 230gr Bonded JHP 0.187 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 920 432 -0.2
25 900 414 1.3
50 882 397 0.0
75 864 381 -4.0
100 847 367 -11.0
Winchester Super-X WC452 230gr BEB 0.183 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 835 356 -0.2
25 819 343 1.5
50 804 330 0.0
75 789 318 -4.9
100 775 307 -13.2
Winchester W Defense USA45JHP 230gr JHP 0.162 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 855 373 -0.2
25 836 357 1.5
50 818 342 0.0
75 801 328 -4.7
100 785 315 -12.8
Winchester USA Q4170/USA45AVP/USA45W 230gr FMJ 0.163 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 835 356 -0.2
25 817 341 1.6
50 800 327 0.0
75 784 314 -4.9
100 769 302 -13.3
Winchester Super Suppressed SUP45 230gr EMJ Encapsulated 0.191 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 850 369 -0.2
25 834 355 1.5
50 819 343 0.0
75 805 331 -4.7
100 791 319 -12.7
Winchester USA Ready RED45 230gr FMJ FN 0.165 / 5
Range (yds) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
0 880 396 -0.2
25 860 378 1.4
50 842 362 0.0
75 824 347 -4.4
100 807 333 -12.1
Notes on Ballistic Coefficient
- Ballistic coefficient (BC) is a numerical representation of how efficiently a bullet moves through the air. It reflects the bullet’s capacity to conserve velocity, energy, and momentum, as well as its ability to resist the influence of cross and vertical winds. When all other variables are equal (e.g. weight, muzzle velocity, etc.), a bullet with a higher BC will exhibit a flatter trajectory compared to a bullet with a lower one.
- A bullet’s shape determines which type of BC mathematical model most accurately reflects its ballistic performance. The G1 BC is the old industry standard, and best predicts flat base projectiles’ ballistic performance. G7 BC is better suited for sleeker boat tail projectiles, which are commonly favored for long-distance shooting. Handgun bullets are not loaded with boat tail projectiles, rendering G7 BC irrelevant to this article.
- Some manufacturers do not provide BC data, but do report their ammunition’s bullet velocities at 0 (i.e. muzzle) and 500 yards. In these cases, we calculated BC assuming the following atmospheric conditions: temperature, 59.0 °F; pressure, 29.92 in Hg; humidity, 50.0%; altitude, 0.0 feet.
- We calculated the ballistic data on this webpage using a ballistic calculator. We calculated these data assuming the following atmospheric conditions: temperature, 59.0 °F; pressure, 29.92 in Hg; relative humidity, 50.0%; altitude, 0.0 feet.
Notes on Performance Variation
- Real world performance invariably varies. Different lots of the same ammunition can perform differently from one another. Slight manufacturing variations affecting chamber pressure, muzzle velocity, and bullet weight can and will make two rounds from the same box of ammunition perform differently. Different firearms produce different results. This is especially true if they have different barrel lengths (longer barrels tend to produce higher muzzle velocities, as they afford more time for the propellant to transfer its energy to the projectile). Atmospheric conditions bear significantly on ammunition performance. The shooter, of course, ultimately has the greatest influence over ammunition performance.
- Many manufacturers do not report the lengths of the test barrels they use to record muzzle velocities. We omitted this data wherever it was unavailable at the time of writing.
The 45 ACP: An American Icon
The Moro Rebellion during the Philippine-American War plainly demonstrated something to the United States military: the inadequacy of its 38 Long Colt revolver cartridge.
After the Thompson-LaGarde Tests of 1904, our military determined it needed a far more powerful cartridge; nothing less than .45 caliber, and capable of well-directed rapid fire.
The military considered multiple cartridges to adopt as its new standard sidearm chambering. It turned down Austrian gunsmith Georg Luger’s 9mm Parabellum in favor of American legend John Browning’s 45 ACP. Browning also just so happened to have developed the ideal pistol to go alongside it: the no less legendary M1911.
The M1911’s efficacy in combat secured its place as our military’s standard-issue sidearm from the year it was named after until 1985. (Luger got the last laugh when the U.S. adopted the Beretta M9.) Despite its retirement, the 1911 remains staggeringly popular among American sportsmen – particularly veterans whose service predated the theatrical release of Back to the Future.
“They call us ‘boomers’ because that’s the sound our 1911s make,” as one forum poster once put it.
The 45 ACP’s historical significance, raw power, and wide range of firearms that aren’t 1911s (e.g. Glock 21, S&W M&P45, AR-45, and countless more) have earned it plenty of younger fans as well. Like boomers, they recognize that the 45 ACP is extremely practical for personal defense. Sure, the wider cartridge fits fewer to a magazine than the narrower 9mm or 40 S&W, but its massive and hard-hitting projectile can more than compensate for that shortcoming.
Is the 45 ACP Good for Self-Defense?
Oh my goodness, is it ever.
As you might imagine, the U.S. Armed Forces’ standard-issue sidearm cartridge for almost three quarters of a century does not treat its target gently. With rare exceptions, every 45 ACP cartridge on the market strikes with more than the minimum amount of energy usually advised for defense (~260 ft lbs) at close range. The 45 ACP’s bullet is also the widest among handgun cartridges commonly used for defense (the 460 S&W Magnum, 500 S&W Magnum, and 50 AE do have wider bullets, but they’re not commonly used for defense outside of bear country), which helps it inflict an accordingly broad wound channel (especially so if the bullet is an expanding jacketed hollow point (JHP), or a non-expanding monolithic like the HoneyBadger or Xtreme Defender).<br />
The 45 ACP is hardly the lowest-recoiling defensive handgun round on the market. Slightly built shooters shouldn’t discount it for that reason, however, as the round famously has a distinctively slow, rolling recoil impulse. Despite being larger in size, many note that the 45 ACP’s recoil feels less “snappy” than the 40 S&W’s.
The 45 ACP’s greatest shortcoming as a defense round is its size. It fits far fewer rounds per inch of magazine than most other popular cartridges. The 5.7x28mm and 30 Super Carry especially put its magazine capacity to shame. That said, the subcompact Glock 30’s 10+1 capacity is nothing to sneeze at, and high-capacity magazines are readily available. You may not especially want one for the 1911 you conceal carry, although a 50-round drum magazine could prove to be an especially effective “deterrent” during a home defense scenario.
Is the 45 ACP Good for Hunting?
The 45 ACP is indeed capable of anchoring a whitetail. Its performance isn’t remarkably different than that of the 44-40 Winchester, a rifle and revolver cartridge that has clobbered countless deer into submission for over 150 years.
That said, the 45 ACP doesn’t give a deer hunter a lot of wiggle room. A high-quality 45 ACP bullet’s effective whitetail range is fairly limited at 25 to 50 yards. Even at close range, the bullet’s striking energy is substantially less than the 1,000 ft lbs minimum typically advised for ethical deer hunting. Shot placement always matters a great deal, but it matters all the more in the case of so relatively anemic a bullet.
You can shoot hogs, coyotes, et al. all day long with a 45 ACP firearm. And if you load it with CCI Pest Control Shotshell ammunition, you can easily banish snakes, rats, and arachnids to the netherrealm.
Which Bullet Weight Should I Choose?
The 45 ACP’s original and most common bullet weight is 230 grains (or just over half an ounce). It’s what the great John Browning intended. It’s practical for every application and it’s always a safe choice.
Bullets heavier than 230 grains are rare. With few exceptions, these bullets are designed for hunting or defense against dangerous game. Bullets lighter than 230 grains are more common by comparison. The 185 grain bullet is especially popular for its higher muzzle velocity (and flatter resultant trajectory), tendency to deliver faster terminal expansion, and lighter recoil.
In summary: keep it classic with the tried and true 230 grain bullet weight, or opt for a lighter bullet if you believe its softer recoil and flatter trajectory would be of utility for personal defense.
Is 45 ACP Ammo Supersonic?
No. With rare exceptions, the 45 ACP is subsonic by design. Its muzzle velocity is consistently three digits out of a standard 1911 Government 5” barrel. The speed of sound is much higher: 1,125 fps, give or take depending on atmospheric conditions.
There are always exceptions. In this case, there is the 45 ACP +P 185 grain load, which can easily attain 1,200 fps muzzle velocity. An ultralight 45 ACP +P 78 grain load attains even higher muzzle velocity still: 1,900 fps, which translates to a staggering 600 ft lbs muzzle energy!
“+P” means the cartridge is loaded to a higher maximum average chamber pressure than standard, and strikes its target harder as a result. But so long as there is no “+P” in its name, a 45 ACP cartridge is necessarily subsonic.
What Is 45 Auto Rim?
Colt, Springfield, and Remington couldn’t produce enough M1911 pistols to meet demand during WWI. Colt and Smith & Wesson helped the U.S. military make ends meet by manufacturing a cheaper, simpler revolver chambered for the same ammunition as the M1911: the M1917.
The 45 ACP’s rimless design suits it perfectly for a semi-automatic. A revolver, however, functions better with rimmed cases. Fortunately, the solution was as simple as moon clips: little pieces of metal that arrange rimless cartridges right where they belong around the cylinder.
The 45 Auto Rim was developed to eliminate the need for moon clips altogether. True to its name, the cartridge has a rim: just what a revolver likes. Its rim does make the 45 Auto Rim incompatible with any and all 45 ACP semi-automatic pistols, however. Avoid it if you’re buying ammo for a magazine-fed firearm!
45 ACP vs. 9mm
The U.S. military said No thanks! to the 9mm over 100 years ago. The smaller .355 caliber cartridge has since improved a great deal, thanks in no small part to advances in propellant and JHP technology.
Are you determining which of the two massively popular cartridges would make the better choice for personal defense? Then you likely wonder how they perform side by side. If that’s the case, then you’ll really like the following comparative ballistic date.
Velocity (fps) Energy (ft lbs) Elevation (in)
Range (yds) 0 25 50 75 100 0 25 50 75 100 0 25 50 75 100
45 ACP 185gr XTP 900 875 853 831 811 333 315 299 284 270 -0.2 1.3 0 -4.3 -11.7
45 ACP 200gr JHP 1000 970 944 920 897 444 418 396 376 358 -0.2 1.1 0 -3.5 -9.5
45 ACP 230gr FMJ 845 830 815 801 787 365 351 339 327 316 -0.2 1.5 0 -4.7 -12.9
9mm 115gr XTP 1155 1090 1038 995 958 341 303 275 253 234 -0.2 0.8 0 -2.8 -7.9
9mm 124gr JHP 1125 1074 1031 995 964 349 318 293 273 256 -0.2 0.9 0 -2.9 -7.9
9mm 147gr FMJ 950 926 903 883 863 295 280 266 254 243 -0.2 1.2 0 -3.8 -10.4
Our six examples don’t tell the whole story, but they do underscore the big takeaway: the 45 ACP is more powerful. At the risk of grossly oversimplifying how the two rounds compare to one another, the 45 ACP poses a better chance of neutralizing the threat in fewer shots.
