I had a friend who was a Mash Medic in the Korean War he said he saw body's hit with 230 grain hardball .45 ACP and that it blew big holes out their backs.
Issued a 1911a1 in 1967, used it with 100% One shot kills as a radio operator during the tet offensive in Hue City. It was my T O. Weapon Would have been more confident with an m- 16 a1; but couldn't confiscate one until another Marine was medivaced Radio Operators didn't live long back then, so the 1911a1 kept me alive through the bloodiest battle of the Vietnam War
God bless, you made it home. My draft number was 112 and they were only drafting up to number 90 back in 1972 as the war was winding down. That war never should have been. I know too many people who were messed up when they came home. I'm glad you made it back, especially as a radio operator. LLAP.
@@daffidavit My lottery number was over 300 I was reflecting on that recently with the Titan disappearance, and was reminded how I went to the Navy recruiting office back in 72 and the recruiter told me I was qualified for sub duty. I don't know which idea I disliked more, going to Nam or being on a sub. Everyone back then had friends who got messed up over there and some guys came back OK too. Good to hear the OP made it back .
@@jamespmullin21753 the 90s Tombstone movie said he only been in one prior to the OK Corral... then there would have been a few more fighting the Clanton gang afterwards.
Elmer Keith (godfather of the 44 and 41 mag) once said that when you shoot a man with a 45 and go don't go down, look behind him and see what's holding him up. A quote from his book, Hell, I was there.
I started out shooting .357 (S&W6 inch 19) back in 1982. But developed a love for the .45 1911 too. To this day these two rounds are still my go to calibers.
You mention the hard hitting nature of the 45acp, that's called momentum and is a very real thing. In todays world of the high cap 9mm culture the value of momentum and bullet frontal area have been lost. Its a tragedy that since Jeff Cooper passed there has been no one to pick up the advocacy of those merrits in 45acp over 9mm. I believe that the large amout of bullet drop you experienced is more due to the high bore offset of your sites rather than the actual trajectory of the bullet. My WW2 GI issue 1911 with it's stock issue low profile sites only drops a few inches at 50 yards when shooting hardball. Thanks for this informative video.
I agree with your assessment of the Sig 1911. I have a full size Sig Nightmare and it has been fully reliable. I've had no failures of any kind and very accurate. A very underrated 1911.
What I like about your presentations is they are clean, smooth and right to the point. You brief us on the rounds, testing protocols and get rolling. Great stuff
Thanks for viewing and I appreciate the positive feedback. It was a challenging day. We found out later back in the lab that both of the FMJ rounds entered the gel backwards which is a touch surprising and perhaps an indicator of tumbling but more research is required. Thanks again and be safe.
Being born in 1950 my Dad was a Veteran of WW2 where he was a Medic, a lot of what I know about my Father was his fox hole Buddy who lived to 86 years old, he use come over to our house and talk to my Dad and I used to listen to their conversations when they were outside. My Dad was issued the M1 Carbide and had no use for it and have pictures of him with the Thompson Sub Machine gun he actually carried. My Dad survived all of this including his first Wife die of TB and her Dad. I personally got to know all of my Grandparents when I was young as my Dad’s Father was alive until I was 22 years old. A lot of this history I learned from my Mother as Men don’t usually talk about the hardships of their lives.
Very good presentation! For many years I carried a Colt Combat Commander with 165 grain Federal Hydra-Skoks. Both firearm and Ammo were a good combination.
1980s federal made a 130grain hydro shock 357 mag. It would blow massive holes in sheet metal. It would end a fight no matter where it hit. And that was out of a 2' /3''/4 inch speed six Ruger. Thank God I never had to use it for defense. 45 ACP ammo has been improved through the years, some are capable of a huge wound channel with velocity equal to the same 185 grain 10mm. After the FBI was shot up in a bank robbery, the need for a more powerful weapon was realized. A 9mm stopped just short of the heart of one of the robbers who had a mini 14. So the 10mm was developed. Officer's on the streets had no problem with it. Others who worked in offices did not like qualifying with it. Federal loaded lite loads and they used them for defense. It totally defeated the reason for having a 10mm. Federals rounds were compared to a standard load 40. This is why the 10 was not used for many years due to full 10 ammo being hard to find. More agents carried 40s because they were easier to carry. So when it come down to bad guys behind barriers, once again the agents were under powered. Today with all the improved ammo,a 9mm is capable. A 45 is better and they can hold double stacks as well. I would still think a 1911 would the the choice for many reasons.
@rainmaker8892 indeed! I have carried Federal ammo as a personal defense round for over 30 years. In my opinion, they are top of the line. Even the 95 grn. Hydro-Shok packs a nasty wallop.
I’ve been a 1911 shooter since Vietnam but I’m under no illusion that the 45ACP is anything other than a close-in weapon that packs a lot of punch. I also own a Sig Tac Ops 1911 that is a real pleasure to shoot. For us purists out there you just have to get used to the idea of the external extractor but in practice it means you don’t have to spend time tweaking the tension on legacy extractor design. My 45ACP round of choice is the 185 gr JHP +P from Buffalo Bore. My Colt Defender seems to like that round the best. Nice video.
I bought a 45acp carbine rifle, to extend my accuracy. I love it! It is so light in comparison to a battle rifle, but it still delivers 45 acp devastation. Hi Point has a very inexpensive, but reliable version, and they go up in price from there. Less than $400. This gives the 45acp the ability to reach out and deliver that big hit. 100 yards, easy, and further. Much further. Of course, you have to elevate the heck out of the shot. I watched a guy, Iraqvetreran8888 I think, hit targets with lethal penetration at over 400 yards. FYI.
I agree and carry 185gr. +p's as well, I think the 230 gr. bullets are just too heavy for the cartridge unless you are going for deep penetration on larger animals.
@@phillhuddleston9445 most of my self defense rounds are 200-230 grain +P velocities. I just like the idea of heavier and faster. I do have some 185 +P JHP, but I just prefer 230 +P JHP. They're just good thumpers.
Hitting a human sized target out to over 70 yards is quite easy with a 1911.... hardly "close in" as I understand the term... True is needs a bit of 'Kentucky windage" but not so much as to be much of a problem if you practice a bit... 🙂
I can't remember if he discussed this, but the size of the damage, especially in hollow point ammo is far more devastating than the other calibers discussed. Let me put this in layman's terms; the 45acp. is for close self-defence, and puts a big ol' hole in a human or animal, especially hollow point ammo. The internal destruction and exit wound are gnarly. P.S. For black bear country, you should load fmj, and maybe in the lighter 185 grain (might not be much difference), for better penetration.
I will always be a believer in the "Big, relatively slow-moving, bullets make bigger holes down range....Even if they DON'T expand much if at all." theory of saving your own bacon with a handgun.
@Fred the 47th If a projectile MUST expand to achieve a larger caliber size it neither efficient nor even potentially effective as a projectile that is already of the larger caliber that does NOT REQUIRE expansion. The nine not only MUST expand it all too often requires far more rounds to be fired into a "target" to be effective while failing to be efficient. Autopsies proved that to my satisfaction.
@Fred the 47th Physical evidence, in the form of the recently deceased in this case, proves many things that ballistic gel can never reproduce. Failure to expand on the part of JHPs, even those marked as +P and +P+ do not make small caliber rounds superior when the projectiles fail to expand entirely (a frequent problem of late). The 9 Minimal makes for a great submachine gun round, I would never argue that point, but assuming the 9 Minimal is anything but minimal I'm left to wonder why pistols chambered in the caliber require large capacity capability to be considered THE answer to self-defense. Reality can suck but it can also be a great teacher. I paid attention in class.
@@furmanmackey5479 - a .45 non-expanding bullet doesn't make enough of larger hole to make a difference, unless your shooting thin metal or something similar. Might as well shoot something with a field tipped arrow. I have a .45 and like it, but in my experience the slow velocity of standard rounds is not a positive attribute. I don't shoot any of the weak factory ammo, from any pistol.
@@G53X0Y0Z0 You made an excellent point about "weak factory ammo" as I, and others, have noticed and complained about factory ammo being underloaded of late despite +P, +P+, and even magnum box and case head printing or stamping. As for expansion or no expansion as relates to bullet size or design (JHP V FMJ for example) in shootings I worked and autopsies I attended there were only a handful of cases that come to mind where bullets "performed" as advertised or even resembled the artwork on the boxes the ammo came in. The one constant was that the larger the bullet caliber the fewer rounds were fired. The two exceptions to that "rule" that come vividly to mind involved 125grn JHPs fired from four inch .357 Magnum revolvers at ranges at and just under 25 yards. Both of those rounds produced massive internal (almost center mass in both cases) damage and resulted in "one shot stops".
I've been shooting the .45 ACP for over 40 years. You definately have to lob your shots at distance. Knowing your drop and compensation thereof always makes for a good shot.
Last autumn (2022), I noticed something that may interest a few people. I was practicing double taps with a 9mm compact pistol. (9mm is my least favorite caliber, can't shoot groups for squat.) Started at 3 yards, one da shot, one sa shot, move back 3 yards, do it again. At 18 and 24 yds, I got bad fliers and re-shot those groups until satisfactory. At 33 yards and 36 yards, limit of my backyard range, I was getting large drop from most shots. This spring, 2023, I tested 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, and 45acp from rest at 36 yards. All firearms compact or subcompact carry guns, all ammo standard pressure normal loads. The 40 was about 2" low, 45 about 3" low, 357 SIG pretty much on, an inch or two high. I sighted in a 357 Magnum decades ago at 50 yards. So little drop in those calibers, right? However, 9mm groups were 8", 12", and 13" low, depending on the particular ammo. (If you could call them "groups.") The 8" group ammo had the most variance, some shots dropping over 24". My conclusion is all the propaganda about 9mm is VERY iffy. All the other calibers that have a good reputation perform much better, and 45acp with normal 230 grain should give a decent shooter torso hits regularly at 50 yards. I don't believe that about 9mm. If I somehow have a gunfight with perps in a Walmart parking lot, I'll take 45 over 9mm every time.
Used my 1911a1 at close distances. Never thought about long distance. Too much muzzle.flash at night. That's what claymore are.for. cannot aim an m 16 in the dark. Have to learn to shoot over the sights Preference for grenades Just have to be sure of your designated fields of.fire. I trusted my.1911a1 to be successful at up close and personal situations. No Long range. " A MAN HAS TO KNOW HIS LIMITATIONS "
I live in southwest Colorado and it’s a pretty rural area. Several times a year I have to dispatch a wounded deer and an occasional elk that has been vehicle struck and still on the roadway and still alive. For a multitude of reasons I carried several different handguns. Each time I dispatch an animal I put myself into the position to put one in the back of the head I guess you could call it movie mafia execution style. I have never had a problem with the .45 ACP, 9 mm, 38 or 357. They have always been one shot for the coup de grace to dispatch the animal. One evening the only fire arm I had with me was a 380 ACP. I put one round into the back of the head of a buck deer and it turned around and looked at me with the expression of “you’re pissing me off!“ I fired again, then again, then again. I emptied all eight rounds into the back of his head and it still kept trying to get up. It was very disheartening and troubling to me. I mention this because you said something to the effect of it’s not so much the caliber but bullet placement. I will only carry that 380 as a pocket pistol or a back up now. I will not. As my primary concealed weapon firearm. Caliber, foot pounds, energy, and bullet weight absolutely do make a difference.
Not all ball ammo is the same in the real world. The round nose tends to go through smoothly and doesn’t shear blood vessels and nerves. A flat nose, the same weight has more damaging effect like a plow blade. Velocity on the 230 gr is relatively low , but Gold dot is designed well and dumps a lot of energy, and has momentum. For hollowpoints I like 200 gr that we’ll get 900 fps plus . Some will say that 45 only has 9 rounds. My feeling is you won’t need to use the last round. 1 45 is worth two smaller rounds. If I was dumped into a bad situation with only a handgun , it would be a 1911 with all the mags I could carry, especially if limited to ball ammo
Interesting observation......I have found that aspect of these videos to be my favorite......the different perspectives and impressive and well thought out. Thanks for viewing and hope to hear from you again.
45 ACP. Good enough for Black Jack Persing, good enough for me. On a side note, the FBI has lost any credibility it once had and quoting them as a reliable source makes me cringe. It is 60 years past the time to disband the FBI. JFK and Me agree.
I 100% agree with ya on the wasted energy comment on a shot exiting the cavity. Iron sights looked very hard to use at longer range. Great closing remarks Thanks for a great video.👍
Shot my first handgun during army officers training in 1980. It was the 1911. I have owned some 11 1911s since then..I have other pistols and revolvers but that 1911 still fits my hand the best and nothing beats that trigger. I had a Colt 1911 next to me during ghr Rodney King Riots. Had it near me during all.those BLM peaceful protesting, along with my Remington 870. I have 5 1911s currently and when the world ends ill have one in my hand.
It depends on what you mean by less penetration because it'll go right through the front door of a 72 Ford Torino. It leaves a damn hole you can stick your thumb in almost.
Less? I hate this stupid myth. It consistently penetrates to an average of 15" in 230gr JHP. A clear 2" more than the best 9mm loads. .45 is a very consistent penetrator.
I good 230 grain bullet either hollow point or FMJ is a stopper. I have always said in any defense pistol or rifle use premium ammo. The 230 grain for me is like a one-hitter quitter like a 12ga shotgun at short ranges. If you want a longer range you use a 9mm, 357 mag, or a long gun. For me, I use a Glock 21 and I have 5 inch Springfield stainless steel and both for me hit point of aim out to 45 yard for the most part, closer I can shoot the buttons on a threat. The 45acp for me is only fired from full-size guns and barrel to get the max velocity out the caliber.
From all my years in the military the .45ACP was viewed as a good “knock-down” caliber. This, I believe was primarily due the Speed and the weight of the FMJ round itself. The bullet is large and the speed is low that could felt as being hit with a brick and placement is imperative at any time. I’ve seen so many military training videos on this caliber in the 1960s. As you said, bullet standards have greatly improved and yes throughout ALL of the common calibers. Speed or HI VELOCITY seems to be the current driving factors and that’s all fine and GOOD. But, being hit with a relatively SLOWER projectile and very LARGE in comparison does have it’s merits in the hands of the right shooter. For me, I love my .40S&W as I can control (heavy per caliber) it much better and lighter for CCW than the .45ACP. The Trend is to carry LITE with rd-count, that is the biggest draw back to the larger calibers as well as the more training required in the heavier calibers, CCW has been commercialized to sell the 9mm.
With military the added weight of all that lead and steel sure does amount to a lot. That crap is heavy and gets increasingly so in the field trudging along. Add to that how much you can carry and ammo commonality between Allies ect….. and it’s easy to see why the 45 went the way of the T. rex and took the 3006 and .308 along with it. They had their time and now for the military at least it’s past.
@Wehrewulf X. Cross sectional area is the point, not diameter. .45 area is 103 mm2 vs. 63.6 mm2 for 9mm. The hole punched by .45 is 1.6 times bigger than the hole punched by 9mm. That is significant.
@@drizler you did notice the military just went from 5.5mm to 6.5. Considering the investment in 5.56 as a standard nato round that is a considerable move.
@@drizler In response, not many carried a .45ACP as most would carry their rifle ammo and other explosives or to say their position within the platoon or squad. Yes there was weight and that’s why not all would be assigned to carry a backup weapon, like those carrying the M-1, while others (officers or the like) would carry the M-1 Carbine. As you mentioned newer tactics along with logistical support was a main problem and what goes on the belt or breast harness and that has changed again to newer tactics and squad/platoon make ups as one would expect. Newer weapons in the field also bring their own problems (auto fire weapons) in statistical support arena. It is a changing world all around.
The 230g is the most common. First let me say I don't want to get shot with anything, and most crimes are stopped just by you showing your gun, but for stopping power I like the 45. Put simply I would rather get hit with a BB than a baseball shot at the same speed as the baseball has more surface area and will do more damage. Oh and now days due to age, I carry a Micro 9 and love it, but still around the house I like my 45acp. Oh and also any gun you carry is way better than the one you left at home or in the truck. Thanks
I run an HK p9s in 45 acp for daily carry.. My use of this caliber is based not so much on its penetration as its accuracy out of this weapon.I can easily and consistently hit a 2inch half circle target at 20 meters without dropping a shot below the line and so losing points in competition. The penetration I know will be good as that was the reason for the initial adoption of the 45 by the US in 1911.I have no doubt that this is still one of the top manstoppers in its class, if you are prepared to practice and can handle the slightly stiffer recoil. The old HK is a smooth and flat gun without protrusions which shows little signature when concealed, and can be carried one up in complete safety due to its unique de cocking system..
EXELENT VIDEO, YOU SIR JUST CONFIRM MY THOUGHTS ON THE 45 LESS PENETRATION FOR BEING AHEAVIER AND FATER PROJECTILE PLUS ,DID'NT KNOW THE 185 GRAIN PENETRATES MORE THANKS MAN LOVE THAT VIDEO, STAY SAFE.
great video. im just getting started with 45acp on a 4" M&P LE trade in. use it with 14+1 magazine and nightstick light on nightstand. very good shooter at range. subscribed
Another great video. I carry a 4" aluminum frame 1911 45 every day. I one hundred percent trust my life with Miss Liese (pronounced Lisa)!I've tested several different brands of defense ammo and surprisingly the 230 grain Winchester Ranger T Series performed the best in my particular pistol. At 15 feet, I got around 14 inches of penetration and a very large expansion of the bullet.
Thanks for viewing and also for the great information. I really have learned a lot from our viewers from their personal experiences have enjoyed the dialogue. There are some well versed and experienced people out there. Again, thanks for the views and be well.
Awesome I carry my SA Range Officer Compact in .45 and have for years. The 4inch bull barrel is amazing. I switch it up with my P365 but those are my two main carry guns
I would love to see a side-by-side comparison looking at force of impact and size of the affected area of impact over the wound channel/penetration standard test. I believe the 45 regardless round type has a special place as a round that carries a severe punch. The goal is to stop the threat and I've seen far too many LEO videos showing an assailant coming even though there is a magazine worth of 9 blowing through him. I think the velocity and small size of the 9 makes it a good killing round but doesn't carry the wake up call a 45 hitting center mass would. I also see the 45, simply because of it's velocity and mass being a safer round around innocent bystanders. There is little chance of this round over-penetrating and hitting another. As a side note, Judging from where you aimed on the long range shot, aiming at the head still places this round center mass and does the job rather effectively with overwhelming force. I'm sure if you aimed center mass, there would be a very effective castration occurring as well. Good presentation!
If it can make a hole, then it has stopping power. I usually ignore anyone who says a .22lr is only good for plinking when it can also make a hole. Good video.
The 1911 is a fantastic firearm! My Kimber Custom Shop CDP 2 is beautiful and fully functional. The 45 acp served in many battles and is battle proven. The trigger on a 1911 can't be beat!
A cheap RIA is our handheld heavy artillery, only 230gr ball when loaded...it is reliable and accurate, but a little too bulky for EDC...it ain't much, but we have little doubt it would be just fine if ever needed...freight trains are big and slow also, but who wants to be struck by one...?
A reasonably priced RIA/Armscor 1911 A2 FS with a 13 rounds high capacity double stack magazine (10 in California) is a good home defense gun. Too heavy with thick grips for EDC but quite accurate and very reliable for home use.
Smaller gun in the summer is nice. Also being a 45 guy I carried a 9mm in the summer until S&W made the Shield 45 Performance Center. Try it out. Still get 7-8 rounds depending on the magazine and in a very small package. The performance center model has porting and it makes the little gun easy to manage recoil. Haven’t carried my J frame or compact 9mm’s since.
G.K. I own a Para- Ordnance double stack .45acp that holds 14-15 rounds. It is set up for competition or home defense. I am sorry for not buying the Para P-14 Tactical. What a beast! I will never buy a single stack 1911 in.45acp. With + P 185, 200, or 230 gr. Ammo, the .45 is about as fast as standard 9mm ammo in 115, 124, or 147 gr. Shooting 100-200 rounds of standard ammo is no problem. Happiness is a pile of warm 45acp brass.
My (concealed) EDC is a Glock 42 (.380), but my home defense weapons are a Walter PPQ .45 and an AK SBR. Both house-guns are equipped with light/laser combos. Seems that most civilian gun-owners reject the laser in favor of the red dot. I have one of those (Holosun) on an AR pistol chambered in .45, but the mount’s screws got loose after my 1st test-firing at the range. I’ll eventually get around to applying lock-tight to it, perhaps after I retire next year. Anyway, just some gun-nut rambling from an older guy, lol.
45acp is my choice for carry. Why because I shoot it well. I'm not taking any shots over 25 yards anyway. That being said shoot what works best for you.
I think the shock trauma is overlooked a lot. My ideal round would drop 700 to 800 ft lbs into the first 12 inches. The 45 is great for that. I think it maximizes the energy dump because it's so wide. You have to beef it up a bit to get 800 but most popular 45 handguns can take it.
I used a 1911 in vietnam, always did the job great. Today I am 69 and I own a gun store. I carry a Springfield 1911 every day. When airwaves myb45, it is hard for me to fear any thing.
As a Former Army Military Policeman who carried a 1911A1 45ACP as a daily Duty Sidearm for 3 years Active Duty and Qualified as an Expert 1980-1983 To this Day my Home Defense Pistol is a Ruger 45 ACP American Pistol with Hornady Critical Defense Ammo...I sleep well at Night with this Security System...I know when I shoot the Bad Guy...He is Going to go Down....Period!!!
Ammunition has been so vastly improved over the years. Even .380 has been vastly improved. In real world encounters almost all of them will suffice. I personally prefer 9mm. My favorite carry gun when in a combat zone such as my old hometown of Houston texas is a glock 19. When in oklahoma where I know reside I am comfortable with my glock model 42.i am 76 years old it amazes me how times have changed.
I really think shot placement is the most important thing but if everything else is equal a believe when it comes to handgun rounds bigger is better. But if you can only shoot a 22 accurately and effectively than hits with a 22 beats misses with a magnum handgun round all day long.
Where can you shoot somebody with a 22short to stop them? Would a larger bullet change that? The cool thing about larger cals is a handful in center mass is going to cause lots of blood loss
Those Hollow Points REALLY dump the energy where you need it, that said, please look at the Underwood, rounds for their Speed and Cavitation effects, Very Deadly, and also the .45 Buffalo Bore, some are doing testing with the 255 Solid Lead for Bear, and it is REALLY impressive.
I fully agree with your statement about over penetration. Twelve inches max. without heavy clothes barrier, and eight to ten inches with heavy clothes barrier. To me, that is ideal penetration, and the larger caliber weight, in thin jacket, will cause the maximum amount of trauma without causing collateral damage to surround individuals or property.
The 16 inches gel penetration rule is because a round may have to go through a shoulder a raised hand, ribs etc and still have enough power to penetrate organs.
My Dad took part in the Aleutian Campaign, he carried the 1911-A1, thats good enough of an endorsement for me, its my everyday carry and the sidearm I took with me to the middle east, not going to tempt providence.
I have two handguns chambered in 45acp; a SA/DA ex PD S&W 4566 pistol with a de-cocker safety and a SA/DA Colt 1917 service revolver. Both are great shooters, reliable with any ammo, and quite accurate within the limitations of the 45acp round. Except for 22lr caliber I reload for all my firearms and my favorite hand loads for 45acp are 185 and 200 grain poly coated semi wadcutters though I also load poly coated 200 grain round nose bullets. The semi wadcutter bullets achieve good penetration and, when they hit something hard, decent expansion even out of the 4566 which has a 4.25" barrel. Out of the Colt with it's 5.5" barrel the results are even better. For shooters that take the time to learn their firearms' good points and limitations and shoot often in order to gain proficiency with them the 45acp is a great round for target shooting or defense.
Personally, I prefer the Speer 200gr. HP. above All others. JMO. You rarely Ever hear about "imparted" energy. I believe it' a Real thing and the .45acp Has got the perfect balance of velocity & weight.
The one thing most i love about the 45 is that it is an American round while the 9mm is an European round while i use a 9 as a backup the 45 is my primary EDC
Went to get first gun for hiking alone at 32. Walked in and said I want 45ACP. The genleman behind the counter steered me in the right direction as a primary self defense outback .357 in a revolver was what was said to me and I listened. Now older and not hiking due to back injury with lasting R leg weakness I just purchased a .45 acp 1911 for self defence at home. I have many tools for just about any problems forseen, house repair, vehicle repair and safety glasses, face shields for grinding and welding and ear plugs. All for personal safety.
I feel the reputation of a .45 comes from the superior terminal performance of a ball round on soft tissue over other calibers. As you demonstrated here the .45 created a better wound channel then a 9mm and didn't over penetrate as a 9mm would. With a proper HP bullet there is indeed little difference but if I had to carry FMJ I'd carry .45 hands down.
By my understanding, 45 is a close quarters round for knockdown, which correlates to momentum (M x V). Round drop for such a slow round is a downside at distance as you were (in a sense) 'lobbing' the round and had to adjust aim point.
Just for fun I fired my 1911at some silhouette targets. One being the rams that were 200 yards away. I had to aim about 8 feet over the rams to hit them. It was like lobbing artillery into your target.
I’ve been carrying a colt commander 45 since I was 21. It never let me down. Kill a lot of critters. I also own a G.I. 45 colt. But I mostly carry the commander due to its lightweight. The G.I. hard ball is never let me down. my friend Al was the first Calvary in the early days of Vietnam. He was in a hole one night in that he heard something. He was told to stay put, and before Dawn there was shot fire. The radio went dead so he wanted to go check with him. They found a 6 foot tiger on top of them. He lit his zippo lighter at night and shot the tiger at point blank range with a 45 colt he killed the tiger and live through it a few years ago, Al died of age and orange. He was a hell of a soldier.
I carry a glock g20 in 10mm. Its a full size heavy handgun but if you carry it enough you get use to it and it doesnt bother you to carry and the 10mm is a good strong stopper of trouble.
You have a point, there is more stopping power when the bullet stays inside the body, why? I don not know, I just know it does have more stopping power. Penetration is king, FMJ helps you penetrate obstacles such as: BP jackets, crystals, car doors and wood walls; in addition, it helps you reach vital organs such as the spinal cord. I have participated in two wars, so I speak by experience.
All things being equal, if a .35 caliber projectile, and a .45 caliber projectile penetrated the same distance, the 45 caliber projectile would destroy ~62% more material, due to it having ~62% more surface area.
That may be true if you are shooting bullets with flat noses and relatively sharp edges or hard targets. Pointed and rounded noses on stretchy tissue, not so much.
@@G53X0Y0Z0 If we're going to introduce different bullet construction into the argument, then a hollow point expanded to 0.85 (45 HST) inches has almost twice the area of a projectile expanded to 0.61 inches (9mm HST).
@@vlogfriendsutopia - Lot's of if's when your talking about this subject. Bullet diameter is certainly part of the equation. But, bullets don't punch holes in flesh the quite the same as other matter such as sheets of paper or steel. Velocity can easily be a more dominant factor in the size of a wound channel than bullet diameter. It all works together as a combination, and not always like you would have thought.
@@G53X0Y0Z0 Projectiles don't cause plastic deformation until they supercede 2,200 FPS, i.e., rifle velocity. Handguns typically do not achieve this. What that means is that a projectile expanded to 0.85 inches will cause more damage per inch than something that expands to 0.61 inches, assuming neither crosses that threshold.
At age 71, I've been a '45 guy' since I was about 19 and have always considered the 9mm a fun gun to shoot but no matter what, a "minor" caliber, something ingrained in since back in my "combat" competition days in my 20's and 30's. It wasn't until much later in my life that I began hearing stories of ball .45 ACP failures to stop. Having never been in actual combat, all I can go by is the stories by veteran military and police, although I learned a lot more from people when I owned a gun shop in AZ (many years ago!). People who were shot and who had to shoot someone else.... and they were truly eye opening. More failures with ball, in any caliber, than a decent hollow point but even they have their own set of failures. Bottom line: shot placement is always the King of the hill. Having a good hollow point that actually opens up, going as fast as possible is the Queen, sitting right beside the King. Caliber, in general, doesn't make a lot of difference... except! Your choice of caliber must be able to generate enough velocity to force the bullet to open, but only if you put it in the right spot. That said, a bullet that functions correctly out of a .45 ACP or 10mm is *always* better than any smaller diameter bullet placed in the exact same spot. Thus any marginal shot with a larger bullet just might (maybe, should, could) give the defender a slightly (often very slightly! But never Zero or a lesser chance) of incapacitating a perpetrator in the least amount of time. Which is why these days I have moved on from my beloved .45 ACP to the 10mm, which is my new darling! Always use the best ammo you can get your hands on, no matter what caliber you choose (Lehigh Xtreme Defender, Speer Gold Dot - the 230 GDHP Short Barrel if you insist on a heavy bullet in .45 - Federal HST, Sig V-Crown and Defiant Munitions. I can no longer recommend Golden Saber or the HydraShok due to failures thru cloth barriers. On a personal level, I never suggest anyone use anything smaller than a 9mm for self or home defense but then, not everyone listens to me! Oh well, good luck with whatever you use. While the odds are slim that I will ever have to defend me or mine with a firearm, if it happens I want every bit of advantage I can get, no matter how slight it may be. I use 10mm and the best bullet money can buy. You should carry whatever firearm and ammo lets you sleep at night. Cheers, jc
great video! i like the .45 acp, still very relevant and a better choice than 9mm, except in compact and subcompact semi-auto handguns and as a secondary backup handgun! but great as a primary full-size semi-auto handgun weapon cartridge caliber! especially in an era of 12+ rounds capacity minimum for the main semi-auto cartridge calibers and extra mags
Thank you for viewing and the awesome comments! It has been and will continue to be a dominant player in the handgun world. I also like your strategy of looking at firepower from a capacity point of view as well as the individual characteristics of any one bullet. 12 Rounds of .45 acp in a magazine is a lot of energy one can dump into a target. Thanks again and hope to hear from you in the future.
@@AmmoMart cheers man! and yes you will hear from me as i watch all your videos, make multiple long well thought out comments and always give thumbs up and read/respond to others comments and give good comments a thumbs up! this will help your algorithm! but my comments and thumb ups are by no means insincere or hollow! cheers and God Bless!👍😎🍻💯💫⚡🔥☄️
@@Berto-1117 in every way it is better than 9mm paraplegic except capacity, but it makes up for it with power and performance, especially over 9mm, and in an era of 12+ rounds capacity in even subcompact semi-auto handguns in the main 5 cartridge calibers, and extra mags, it is a moot point, and i am mainly focused on factoring and weighing the variables related to each caliber, like power, recoil, carry, penetration; including through barriers etc etc etc yada yada yada,
@@ethanmac639 i think you need to take a look at new rounds. Its physics there is no debating it. New 9mm rounds are way faster and upon penetration deliver more force than the hotest 45acp you can find. Again its not an argument it is undebatable. That being said im a fan of both and know the capabilities of both from using them for about 10 years now.
I’m upgrading/converting my Colt 1911 (hopefully the kit arrives today) to a 460 Rowland. If you want to make your conventional 45ACP equivalent to a 44 magnum check out that option. $330 + shipping for the kit. Ammo availability is pretty good, midway USA has factory rds in stock at around $1.50 per. Seems expensive but inline with 44 magnum prices. For reloading only Starline makes brass and it’s very scarce. You can make your own if you’re set up for making your own brass, cut 308, 30-06 cases down to 45ACP + 1/16” = 460 Rowland. I believe the architect of the round had this in mind. In my case I don’t want to conceal carry a 45 but I have been interested in a bear stopper and have a couple 1911 safe queens. 44 magnum revolvers have one hell of a recoil, while the equivalent 460 is about 1/3 as much thanks to a 25 lb guide rod spring and a compensator. The rds are 1/16” longer so they won fit a 45ACP chamber.
Take your std 1911 ... change the recoil spring and roll with 45 Super ammo. 10mm performance for a $25 mod....plus a box of ammo. been doing it for over 25yrs.
Nice demo, good shooting. For a semi auto pistol, the 230 grain .45acp will stop when called upon for defense, especially critical defense rounds. 99% of the time the use will be under 10 yards
Great video. Informative and actually I really didn't hear any annoying rambling on about inconsequential stuff that sounds like they're just trying to extend the time of the video. Hope to see more.
I like the 200gr in .45 . Just like John Browning. Good balance between speed & power. An army ordinance officer wanted the 230gr. 🙄 Also, IMHO- It's more of a hunting/winter carry gun (Commander length or below). Great video.!
good vid.............I've owned 9mm, 40 cal, 10mm, semi autos............and have always came back and prefer my 45 acp............nothing specific about the other calibers, I just prefer my 45.
![[Live] : ONE FIGHT NIGHT 26 วันนี้!! “คริสเตียน vs อาลิเบก”](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UlIiZ3t8nHQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I used 1911's during war in the 60's . Standard ball ammo . Always got the job done .
I had a friend who was a Mash Medic in the Korean War he said he saw body's hit with 230 grain hardball .45 ACP and that it blew big holes out their backs.
How old are you now?
🧢
@@themudshark1106the science behind ballistics would say that it’s unlikely BIG holes were blown out the back of someone shot with any handgun round.
My grandfather introduced me to the 1911 .45acp when i was 14,the Marine corps cemented my love for the round,i still carry it to this day.
Issued a 1911a1 in 1967, used it with 100%
One shot kills as a radio operator during the tet offensive in Hue City. It was my T
O. Weapon
Would have been more confident with an m- 16 a1; but couldn't confiscate one until another Marine was medivaced
Radio Operators didn't live long back then, so the 1911a1 kept me alive through the bloodiest battle of the Vietnam War
Welcome home brother. 1972-74
Semper Fi Brother
@@jamesmcclane9333 I went to PI in May of 1972. 1st Bn. Hog
God bless, you made it home. My draft number was 112 and they were only drafting up to number 90 back in 1972 as the war was winding down. That war never should have been. I know too many people who were messed up when they came home. I'm glad you made it back, especially as a radio operator. LLAP.
@@daffidavit My lottery number was over 300
I was reflecting on that recently with the Titan disappearance, and was reminded how I went to the Navy recruiting office back in 72 and the recruiter told me I was qualified for sub duty.
I don't know which idea I disliked more, going to Nam or being on a sub.
Everyone back then had friends who got messed up over there and some guys came back OK too.
Good to hear the OP made it back .
_"Fast is fine but accuracy is final. You must learn to be slow in a hurry."_ - Wyatt Earp
How many gun fights was Wyatt Earp really in?
@@jamespmullin21753 the 90s Tombstone movie said he only been in one prior to the OK Corral... then there would have been a few more fighting the Clanton gang afterwards.
He probably saw a bunch of shit too. Wisdom is acquired through experience both witnessed and overcome through.
@@jamespmullin21753 based on THAT period in time? probably over a dozen tbh
@@jamespmullin21753We really have no idea, but based on his prior history I would say with a degree of confidence that it wasn’t his first.
I have been using a 45 every since 1962 in basic training too. I love that gun an it has saved my life in combat more then once
Welcome Home
Welcome Home
Elmer Keith (godfather of the 44 and 41 mag) once said that when you shoot a man with a 45 and go don't go down, look behind him and see what's holding him up. A quote from his book, Hell, I was there.
😂
remember his great saying always make sure you have enough gun
I started out shooting .357 (S&W6 inch 19) back in 1982. But developed a love for the .45 1911 too. To this day these two rounds are still my go to calibers.
@@ItsCrackersToSlipARozzer 🤣
You mention the hard hitting nature of the 45acp, that's called momentum and is a very real thing. In todays world of the high cap 9mm culture the value of momentum and bullet frontal area have been lost. Its a tragedy that since Jeff Cooper passed there has been no one to pick up the advocacy of those merrits in 45acp over 9mm.
I believe that the large amout of bullet drop you experienced is more due to the high bore offset of your sites rather than the actual trajectory of the bullet. My WW2 GI issue 1911 with it's stock issue low profile sites only drops a few inches at 50 yards when shooting hardball. Thanks for this informative video.
I agree with your assessment of the Sig 1911. I have a full size Sig Nightmare and it has been fully reliable. I've had no failures of any kind and very accurate. A very underrated 1911.
What I like about your presentations is they are clean, smooth and right to the point. You brief us on the rounds, testing protocols and get rolling. Great stuff
Thanks for viewing and I appreciate the positive feedback. It was a challenging day. We found out later back in the lab that both of the FMJ rounds entered the gel backwards which is a touch surprising and perhaps an indicator of tumbling but more research is required. Thanks again and be safe.
I Love the 1911 .45 ACP!
I also Love the .45 LC in a revolver!
Being born in 1950 my Dad was a Veteran of WW2 where he was a Medic, a lot of what I know about my Father was his fox hole Buddy who lived to 86 years old, he use come over to our house and talk to my Dad and I used to listen to their conversations when they were outside. My Dad was issued the M1 Carbide and had no use for it and have pictures of him with the Thompson Sub Machine gun he actually carried. My Dad survived all of this including his first Wife die of TB and her Dad. I personally got to know all of my Grandparents when I was young as my Dad’s Father was alive until I was 22 years old. A lot of this history I learned from my Mother as Men don’t usually talk about the hardships of their lives.
Very good presentation! For many years I carried a Colt Combat Commander with 165 grain Federal Hydra-Skoks. Both firearm and Ammo were a good combination.
Wanna rethink that?
@@godallmighty4899 no.
1980s federal made a 130grain hydro shock 357 mag. It would blow massive holes in sheet metal. It would end a fight no matter where it hit. And that was out of a 2' /3''/4 inch speed six Ruger. Thank God I never had to use it for defense. 45 ACP ammo has been improved through the years, some are capable of a huge wound channel with velocity equal to the same 185 grain 10mm.
After the FBI was shot up in a bank robbery, the need for a more powerful weapon was realized.
A 9mm stopped just short of the heart of one of the robbers who had a mini 14.
So the 10mm was developed. Officer's on the streets had no problem with it.
Others who worked in offices did not like qualifying with it.
Federal loaded lite loads and they used them for defense.
It totally defeated the reason for having a 10mm. Federals rounds were compared to a standard load 40.
This is why the 10 was not used for many years due to full 10 ammo being hard to find. More agents carried 40s because they were easier to carry.
So when it come down to bad guys behind barriers, once again the agents were under powered.
Today with all the improved ammo,a 9mm is capable.
A 45 is better and they can hold double stacks as well. I would still think a 1911 would the the choice for many reasons.
@rainmaker8892 indeed! I have carried Federal ammo as a personal defense round for over 30 years. In my opinion, they are top of the line. Even the 95 grn. Hydro-Shok packs a nasty wallop.
@howardamey7228 there is no 95 grain federal hydra shok in any caliber...380 has a 90 & 99....9mm has a 124..135 & 147 grain
I’ve been a 1911 shooter since Vietnam but I’m under no illusion that the 45ACP is anything other than a close-in weapon that packs a lot of punch. I also own a Sig Tac Ops 1911 that is a real pleasure to shoot. For us purists out there you just have to get used to the idea of the external extractor but in practice it means you don’t have to spend time tweaking the tension on legacy extractor design. My 45ACP round of choice is the 185 gr JHP +P from Buffalo Bore. My Colt Defender seems to like that round the best. Nice video.
I bought a 45acp carbine rifle, to extend my accuracy. I love it! It is so light in comparison to a battle rifle, but it still delivers 45 acp devastation. Hi Point has a very inexpensive, but reliable version, and they go up in price from there. Less than $400. This gives the 45acp the ability to reach out and deliver that big hit. 100 yards, easy, and further. Much further. Of course, you have to elevate the heck out of the shot. I watched a guy, Iraqvetreran8888 I think, hit targets with lethal penetration at over 400 yards. FYI.
I agree and carry 185gr. +p's as well, I think the 230 gr. bullets are just too heavy for the cartridge unless you are going for deep penetration on larger animals.
Para Ordnance P-14 is your dream gun 2011 STI
@@phillhuddleston9445 most of my self defense rounds are 200-230 grain +P velocities. I just like the idea of heavier and faster. I do have some 185 +P JHP, but I just prefer 230 +P JHP. They're just good thumpers.
Hitting a human sized target out to over 70 yards is quite easy with a 1911.... hardly "close in" as I understand the term... True is needs a bit of 'Kentucky windage" but not so much as to be much of a problem if you practice a bit... 🙂
So......the best gun for self defense, is the one you practice with!
Two World Wars!!! Grand Champion!!!
Here about 25 miles NE of Central Ohio, so good to know there are other Ohioans here doing TH-cam !
My Glock 21 Gen 3 is a sweet shooting beast! Keep your 9mm! I love shooting 230 grain on the range!
Me !
That or an XD are as good as it gets.
I have a gen 3 Glock 21 Also, and I couldn’t agree with you more
I can't remember if he discussed this, but the size of the damage, especially in hollow point ammo is far more devastating than the other calibers discussed. Let me put this in layman's terms; the 45acp. is for close self-defence, and puts a big ol' hole in a human or animal, especially hollow point ammo. The internal destruction and exit wound are gnarly.
P.S. For black bear country, you should load fmj, and maybe in the lighter 185 grain (might not be much difference), for better penetration.
I will always be a believer in the "Big, relatively slow-moving, bullets make bigger holes down range....Even if they DON'T expand much if at all." theory of saving your own bacon with a handgun.
@Fred the 47th If a projectile MUST expand to achieve a larger caliber size it neither efficient nor even potentially effective as a projectile that is already of the larger caliber that does NOT REQUIRE expansion. The nine not only MUST expand it all too often requires far more rounds to be fired into a "target" to be effective while failing to be efficient. Autopsies proved that to my satisfaction.
@Fred the 47th Physical evidence, in the form of the recently deceased in this case, proves many things that ballistic gel can never reproduce. Failure to expand on the part of JHPs, even those marked as +P and +P+ do not make small caliber rounds superior when the projectiles fail to expand entirely (a frequent problem of late). The 9 Minimal makes for a great submachine gun round, I would never argue that point, but assuming the 9 Minimal is anything but minimal I'm left to wonder why pistols chambered in the caliber require large capacity capability to be considered THE answer to self-defense. Reality can suck but it can also be a great teacher. I paid attention in class.
@@furmanmackey5479 - a .45 non-expanding bullet doesn't make enough of larger hole to make a difference, unless your shooting thin metal or something similar. Might as well shoot something with a field tipped arrow. I have a .45 and like it, but in my experience the slow velocity of standard rounds is not a positive attribute. I don't shoot any of the weak factory ammo, from any pistol.
@@G53X0Y0Z0 You made an excellent point about "weak factory ammo" as I, and others, have noticed and complained about factory ammo being underloaded of late despite +P, +P+, and even magnum box and case head printing or stamping. As for expansion or no expansion as relates to bullet size or design (JHP V FMJ for example) in shootings I worked and autopsies I attended there were only a handful of cases that come to mind where bullets "performed" as advertised or even resembled the artwork on the boxes the ammo came in. The one constant was that the larger the bullet caliber the fewer rounds were fired. The two exceptions to that "rule" that come vividly to mind involved 125grn JHPs fired from four inch .357 Magnum revolvers at ranges at and just under 25 yards. Both of those rounds produced massive internal (almost center mass in both cases) damage and resulted in "one shot stops".
@@furmanmackey5479 The .357 is a hot caliber with a very good reputation.
I've been shooting the .45 ACP for over 40 years. You definately have to lob your shots at distance. Knowing your drop and compensation thereof always makes for a good shot.
Last autumn (2022), I noticed something that may interest a few people.
I was practicing double taps with a 9mm compact pistol. (9mm is my least favorite caliber, can't shoot groups for squat.)
Started at 3 yards, one da shot, one sa shot, move back 3 yards, do it again. At 18 and 24 yds, I got bad fliers and re-shot those groups until satisfactory. At 33 yards and 36 yards, limit of my backyard range, I was getting large drop from most shots.
This spring, 2023, I tested 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 SIG, and 45acp from rest at 36 yards. All firearms compact or subcompact carry guns, all ammo standard pressure normal loads.
The 40 was about 2" low, 45 about 3" low, 357 SIG pretty much on, an inch or two high. I sighted in a 357 Magnum decades ago at 50 yards. So little drop in those calibers, right?
However, 9mm groups were 8", 12", and 13" low, depending on the particular ammo. (If you could call them "groups.")
The 8" group ammo had the most variance, some shots dropping over 24".
My conclusion is all the propaganda about 9mm is VERY iffy. All the other calibers that have a good reputation perform much better, and 45acp with normal 230 grain should give a decent shooter torso hits regularly at 50 yards.
I don't believe that about 9mm. If I somehow have a gunfight with perps in a Walmart parking lot, I'll take 45 over 9mm every time.
Used my 1911a1 at close distances. Never thought about long distance. Too much muzzle.flash at night. That's what claymore are.for. cannot aim an m 16 in the dark. Have to learn to shoot over the sights
Preference for grenades
Just have to be sure of your designated fields of.fire.
I trusted my.1911a1 to be successful at up close and personal situations. No Long range.
" A MAN HAS TO KNOW HIS LIMITATIONS "
I live in southwest Colorado and it’s a pretty rural area.
Several times a year I have to dispatch a wounded deer and an occasional elk that has been vehicle struck and still on the roadway and still alive.
For a multitude of reasons I carried several different handguns.
Each time I dispatch an animal I put myself into the position to put one in the back of the head I guess you could call it movie mafia execution style.
I have never had a problem with the .45 ACP, 9 mm, 38 or 357.
They have always been one shot for the coup de grace to dispatch the animal.
One evening the only fire arm I had with me was a 380 ACP. I put one round into the back of the head of a buck deer and it turned around and looked at me with the expression of “you’re pissing me off!“
I fired again, then again, then again. I emptied all eight rounds into the back of his head and it still kept trying to get up.
It was very disheartening and troubling to me.
I mention this because you said something to the effect of it’s not so much the caliber but bullet placement.
I will only carry that 380 as a pocket pistol or a back up now. I will not. As my primary concealed weapon firearm.
Caliber, foot pounds, energy, and bullet weight absolutely do make a difference.
Not all ball ammo is the same in the real world. The round nose tends to go through smoothly and doesn’t shear blood vessels and nerves. A flat nose, the same weight has more damaging effect like a plow blade. Velocity on the 230 gr is relatively low , but Gold dot is designed well and dumps a lot of energy, and has momentum. For hollowpoints I like 200 gr that we’ll get 900 fps plus . Some will say that 45 only has 9 rounds. My feeling is you won’t need to use the last round. 1 45 is worth two smaller rounds. If I was dumped into a bad situation with only a handgun , it would be a 1911 with all the mags I could carry, especially if limited to ball ammo
Glock 27 40cal and fast
Round nose seemed to do just fine in multiple wars so that's what I'm sticking with. Flat nose doesn't always feed reliably in every pistol
I like these videos a lot. I like to think of the .45 as an already expanded 9 mm.
Interesting observation......I have found that aspect of these videos to be my favorite......the different perspectives and impressive and well thought out. Thanks for viewing and hope to hear from you again.
@@AmmoMart i read a lot of your comments, they are well thought out, thoughtful and sincere, i have rarely seen that in a content maker! cheers!🍻😎⚡
Interesting thought, I tend to agree.
A round that is also a great defense round in 45 ACP is the 150 grain DRT JHP it fragments at 4" in and continues for about 12"
RIP is a great man stopper as well
45 ACP. Good enough for Black Jack Persing, good enough for me. On a side note, the FBI has lost any credibility it once had and quoting them as a reliable source makes me cringe. It is 60 years past the time to disband the FBI. JFK and Me agree.
The FBI would like your location.
@@ARedMotorcycleThe FBI HAS his location!
If you lisson to the introduction it was part of the information. Almost first off
I 100% agree with ya on the wasted energy comment on a shot exiting the cavity. Iron sights looked very hard to use at longer range. Great closing remarks Thanks for a great video.👍
Shot my first handgun during army officers training in 1980. It was the 1911. I have owned some 11 1911s since then..I have other pistols and revolvers but that 1911 still fits my hand the best and nothing beats that trigger. I had a Colt 1911 next to me during ghr Rodney King Riots. Had it near me during all.those BLM peaceful protesting, along with my Remington 870. I have 5 1911s currently and when the world ends ill have one in my hand.
Greetings from Texas.
Damn straight bro!
Yup
I like that .45 has less penetration. Great carry option for extremely sensitive areas.
It depends on what you mean by less penetration because it'll go right through the front door of a 72 Ford Torino. It leaves a damn hole you can stick your thumb in almost.
Less? I hate this stupid myth. It consistently penetrates to an average of 15" in 230gr JHP. A clear 2" more than the best 9mm loads.
.45 is a very consistent penetrator.
@AgentScion1 becuase its inconvenient for you of course 😂
Great video! Findlay is one of the nicest towns in Ohio. Picket fences and the whole 9 yards! All American city!
I good 230 grain bullet either hollow point or FMJ is a stopper. I have always said in any defense pistol or rifle use premium ammo. The 230 grain for me is like a one-hitter quitter like a 12ga shotgun at short ranges. If you want a longer range you use a 9mm, 357 mag, or a long gun. For me, I use a Glock 21 and I have 5 inch Springfield stainless steel and both for me hit point of aim out to 45 yard for the most part, closer I can shoot the buttons on a threat.
The 45acp for me is only fired from full-size guns and barrel to get the max velocity out the caliber.
From all my years in the military the .45ACP was viewed as a good “knock-down” caliber. This, I believe was primarily due the Speed and the weight of the FMJ round itself. The bullet is large and the speed is low that could felt as being hit with a brick and placement is imperative at any time. I’ve seen so many military training videos on this caliber in the 1960s. As you said, bullet standards have greatly improved and yes throughout ALL of the common calibers. Speed or HI VELOCITY seems to be the current driving factors and that’s all fine and GOOD. But, being hit with a relatively SLOWER projectile and very LARGE in comparison does have it’s merits in the hands of the right shooter. For me, I love my .40S&W as I can control (heavy per caliber) it much better and lighter for CCW than the .45ACP. The Trend is to carry LITE with rd-count, that is the biggest draw back to the larger calibers as well as the more training required in the heavier calibers, CCW has been commercialized to sell the 9mm.
With military the added weight of all that lead and steel sure does amount to a lot. That crap is heavy and gets increasingly so in the field trudging along. Add to that how much you can carry and ammo commonality between Allies ect….. and it’s easy to see why the 45 went the way of the T. rex and took the 3006 and .308 along with it. They had their time and now for the military at least it’s past.
.45 is 11.5mm. 2.5 millimeters larger than 9mm. Not significant.
@Wehrewulf X. Cross sectional area is the point, not diameter. .45 area is 103 mm2 vs. 63.6 mm2 for 9mm. The hole punched by .45 is 1.6 times bigger than the hole punched by 9mm. That is significant.
@@drizler you did notice the military just went from 5.5mm to 6.5. Considering the investment in 5.56 as a standard nato round that is a considerable move.
@@drizler In response, not many carried a .45ACP as most would carry their rifle ammo and other explosives or to say their position within the platoon or squad. Yes there was weight and that’s why not all would be assigned to carry a backup weapon, like those carrying the M-1, while others (officers or the like) would carry the M-1 Carbine. As you mentioned newer tactics along with logistical support was a main problem and what goes on the belt or breast harness and that has changed again to newer tactics and squad/platoon make ups as one would expect. Newer weapons in the field also bring their own problems (auto fire weapons) in statistical support arena. It is a changing world all around.
I had the pleasure of shooting my friend's Sig 1911. The recoil was mostly straight back. Very managable and easy to keep on target. I was impressed.
Whoever f'd up that siding shouldn't be allowed to hang ever again!... great video
The 230g is the most common. First let me say I don't want to get shot with anything, and most crimes are stopped just by you showing your gun, but for stopping power I like the 45. Put simply I would rather get hit with a BB than a baseball shot at the same speed as the baseball has more surface area and will do more damage. Oh and now days due to age, I carry a Micro 9 and love it, but still around the house I like my 45acp. Oh and also any gun you carry is way better than the one you left at home or in the truck. Thanks
I run an HK p9s in 45 acp for daily carry.. My use of this caliber is based not so much on its penetration as its accuracy out of this weapon.I can easily and consistently hit a 2inch half circle target at 20 meters without dropping a shot below the line and so losing points in competition. The penetration I know will be good as that was the reason for the initial adoption of the 45 by the US in 1911.I have no doubt that this is still one of the top manstoppers in its class, if you are prepared to practice and can handle the slightly stiffer recoil. The old HK is a smooth and flat gun without protrusions which shows little signature when concealed, and can be carried one up in complete safety due to its unique de cocking system..
2 inches at 20 meters is incredible shooting ! 😮
EXELENT VIDEO, YOU SIR JUST CONFIRM MY THOUGHTS ON THE 45 LESS PENETRATION FOR BEING AHEAVIER AND FATER PROJECTILE PLUS ,DID'NT KNOW THE 185 GRAIN PENETRATES MORE THANKS MAN LOVE THAT VIDEO, STAY SAFE.
My go to war handgun has been and will always be my 45 Colt combat commander! Period!
great video. im just getting started with 45acp on a 4" M&P LE trade in. use it with 14+1 magazine and nightstick light on nightstand. very good shooter at range. subscribed
Another great video. I carry a 4" aluminum frame 1911 45 every day. I one hundred percent trust my life with Miss Liese (pronounced Lisa)!I've tested several different brands of defense ammo and surprisingly the 230 grain Winchester Ranger T Series performed the best in my particular pistol. At 15 feet, I got around 14 inches of penetration and a very large expansion of the bullet.
Thanks for viewing and also for the great information. I really have learned a lot from our viewers from their personal experiences have enjoyed the dialogue. There are some well versed and experienced people out there. Again, thanks for the views and be well.
Awesome I carry my SA Range Officer Compact in .45 and have for years. The 4inch bull barrel is amazing. I switch it up with my P365 but those are my two main carry guns
Winchester ranger t series is top notch!
I carry the Federal HST 230 grain JHP in my Springfield Armory A1 Mil Spec 1911. Works well. I would not want to get shoot with it.
I would love to see a side-by-side comparison looking at force of impact and size of the affected area of impact over the wound channel/penetration standard test. I believe the 45 regardless round type has a special place as a round that carries a severe punch. The goal is to stop the threat and I've seen far too many LEO videos showing an assailant coming even though there is a magazine worth of 9 blowing through him. I think the velocity and small size of the 9 makes it a good killing round but doesn't carry the wake up call a 45 hitting center mass would. I also see the 45, simply because of it's velocity and mass being a safer round around innocent bystanders. There is little chance of this round over-penetrating and hitting another.
As a side note, Judging from where you aimed on the long range shot, aiming at the head still places this round center mass and does the job rather effectively with overwhelming force. I'm sure if you aimed center mass, there would be a very effective castration occurring as well. Good presentation!
If it can make a hole, then it has stopping power. I usually ignore anyone who says a .22lr is only good for plinking when it can also make a hole.
Good video.
The 1911 is a fantastic firearm! My Kimber Custom Shop CDP 2 is beautiful and fully functional. The 45 acp served in many battles and is battle proven. The trigger on a 1911 can't be beat!
1911 fanboy. Carried it from 73' USMC to present day.
This vid and comments validate all I suspected and KNOW.
Semper Fidelis.
A cheap RIA is our handheld heavy artillery, only 230gr ball when loaded...it is reliable and accurate, but a little too bulky for EDC...it ain't much, but we have little doubt it would be just fine if ever needed...freight trains are big and slow also, but who wants to be struck by one...?
My RIA 1911 A2 Hi-Cap is my house gun. Yes, it's got wide grips and too heavy for EDC.
A reasonably priced RIA/Armscor 1911 A2 FS with a 13 rounds high capacity double stack magazine (10 in California) is a good home defense gun. Too heavy with thick grips for EDC but quite accurate and very reliable for home use.
I’m a 45 guy and in the summer when I’m wearing lighter clothing I roll with a 380 have confidence in both
Smaller gun in the summer is nice. Also being a 45 guy I carried a 9mm in the summer until S&W made the Shield 45 Performance Center. Try it out. Still get 7-8 rounds depending on the magazine and in a very small package. The performance center model has porting and it makes the little gun easy to manage recoil. Haven’t carried my J frame or compact 9mm’s since.
I carry 45 all year round. I have no problem with other calipers I just like 45.
G.K. I own a Para- Ordnance double stack .45acp that holds 14-15 rounds. It is set up for competition or home defense. I am sorry for not buying the Para P-14 Tactical. What a beast! I will never buy a single stack 1911 in.45acp. With + P 185, 200, or 230 gr. Ammo, the .45 is about as fast as standard 9mm ammo in 115, 124, or 147 gr. Shooting 100-200 rounds of standard ammo is no problem. Happiness is a pile of warm 45acp brass.
My (concealed) EDC is a Glock 42 (.380), but my home defense weapons are a Walter PPQ .45 and an AK SBR.
Both house-guns are equipped with light/laser combos.
Seems that most civilian gun-owners reject the laser in favor of the red dot.
I have one of those (Holosun) on an AR pistol chambered in .45, but the mount’s screws got loose after my 1st test-firing at the range.
I’ll eventually get around to applying lock-tight to it, perhaps after I retire next year.
Anyway, just some gun-nut rambling from an older guy, lol.
This is the first video of yours that I've watched. Well done! And yes I did.
45acp is my choice for carry. Why because I shoot it well. I'm not taking any shots over 25 yards anyway. That being said shoot what works best for you.
I think the shock trauma is overlooked a lot.
My ideal round would drop 700 to 800 ft lbs into the first 12 inches. The 45 is great for that.
I think it maximizes the energy dump because it's so wide.
You have to beef it up a bit to get 800 but most popular 45 handguns can take it.
I used a 1911 in vietnam, always did the job great. Today I am 69 and I own a gun store. I carry a Springfield 1911 every day. When airwaves myb45, it is hard for me to fear any thing.
As a Former Army Military Policeman who carried a 1911A1 45ACP as a daily Duty Sidearm for 3 years Active Duty and Qualified as an Expert 1980-1983 To this Day my Home Defense Pistol is a Ruger 45 ACP American Pistol with Hornady Critical Defense Ammo...I sleep well at Night with this Security System...I know when I shoot the Bad Guy...He is Going to go Down....Period!!!
Those slow fmjs did fantastic. They smoked those Gold Dots.
Ammunition has been so vastly improved over the years. Even .380 has been vastly improved. In real world encounters almost all of them will suffice. I personally prefer 9mm. My favorite carry gun when in a combat zone such as my old hometown of Houston texas is a glock 19. When in oklahoma where I know reside I am comfortable with my glock model 42.i am 76 years old it amazes me how times have changed.
My service one is 9mm Glock
9mm is a weak yag soy boy round@@yossiallen3316
I really think shot placement is the most important thing but if everything else is equal a believe when it comes to handgun rounds bigger is better. But if you can only shoot a 22 accurately and effectively than hits with a 22 beats misses with a magnum handgun round all day long.
Where can you shoot somebody with a 22short to stop them? Would a larger bullet change that?
The cool thing about larger cals is a handful in center mass is going to cause lots of blood loss
Those Hollow Points REALLY dump the energy where you need it, that said, please look at the Underwood, rounds for their Speed and Cavitation effects, Very Deadly, and also the .45 Buffalo Bore, some are doing testing with the 255 Solid Lead for Bear, and it is REALLY impressive.
I fully agree with your statement about over penetration. Twelve inches max. without heavy clothes barrier, and eight to ten inches with heavy clothes barrier. To me, that is ideal penetration, and the larger caliber weight, in thin jacket, will cause the maximum amount of trauma without causing collateral damage to surround individuals or property.
The 16 inches gel penetration rule is because a round may have to go through a shoulder a raised hand, ribs etc and still have enough power to penetrate organs.
When i was in the army shooting regular arms room 1911s, i found a colt 45 that could hit 50 meter targsts well.
My Dad took part in the Aleutian Campaign, he carried the 1911-A1, thats good enough of an endorsement for me, its my everyday carry and the sidearm I took with me to the middle east, not going to tempt providence.
I am so glad I watched your video. Answered a lot of questions for me
My everyday carry is an Israeli desert eagle 45 1911 model and I love it!
45 ACP is love at first sight! and the very first hand gun 2 to own, the Scorpion & POW-MIA SS Sig Sauer! best bullets at all time.
I have two handguns chambered in 45acp; a SA/DA ex PD S&W 4566 pistol with a de-cocker safety and a SA/DA Colt 1917 service revolver. Both are great shooters, reliable with any ammo, and quite accurate within the limitations of the 45acp round.
Except for 22lr caliber I reload for all my firearms and my favorite hand loads for 45acp are 185 and 200 grain poly coated semi wadcutters though I also load poly coated 200 grain round nose bullets.
The semi wadcutter bullets achieve good penetration and, when they hit something hard, decent expansion even out of the 4566 which has a 4.25" barrel. Out of the Colt with it's 5.5" barrel the results are even better.
For shooters that take the time to learn their firearms' good points and limitations and shoot often in order to gain proficiency with them the 45acp is a great round for target shooting or defense.
Personally, I prefer the Speer 200gr. HP. above All others. JMO. You rarely Ever hear about "imparted" energy. I believe it' a Real thing and the .45acp Has got the perfect balance of velocity & weight.
The one thing most i love about the 45 is that it is an American round while the 9mm is an European round while i use a 9 as a backup the 45 is my primary EDC
Great video!
Went to get first gun for hiking alone at 32. Walked in and said I want 45ACP. The genleman behind the counter steered me in the right direction as a primary self defense outback .357 in a revolver was what was said to me and I listened. Now older and not hiking due to back injury with lasting R leg weakness I just purchased a .45 acp 1911 for self defence at home. I have many tools for just about any problems forseen, house repair, vehicle repair and safety glasses, face shields for grinding and welding and ear plugs. All for personal safety.
I feel the reputation of a .45 comes from the superior terminal performance of a ball round on soft tissue over other calibers. As you demonstrated here the .45 created a better wound channel then a 9mm and didn't over penetrate as a 9mm would. With a proper HP bullet there is indeed little difference but if I had to carry FMJ I'd carry .45 hands down.
than
In ball form 45 is a lot bigger and hits twice as hard.
In hp form 45 will expand a lot bigger and still hits twice as hard.
By my understanding, 45 is a close quarters round for knockdown, which correlates to momentum (M x V). Round drop for such a slow round is a downside at distance as you were (in a sense) 'lobbing' the round and had to adjust aim point.
No knock down power in a handgun of any type or caliber.
Just for fun I fired my 1911at some silhouette targets. One being the rams that were 200 yards away. I had to aim about 8 feet over the rams to hit them. It was like lobbing artillery into your target.
I’ve been carrying a colt commander 45 since I was 21. It never let me down. Kill a lot of critters. I also own a G.I. 45 colt. But I mostly carry the commander due to its lightweight. The G.I. hard ball is never let me down. my friend Al was the first Calvary in the early days of Vietnam. He was in a hole one night in that he heard something. He was told to stay put, and before Dawn there was shot fire. The radio went dead so he wanted to go check with him. They found a 6 foot tiger on top of them. He lit his zippo lighter at night and shot the tiger at point blank range with a 45 colt he killed the tiger and live through it a few years ago, Al died of age and orange. He was a hell of a soldier.
I carry a glock g20 in 10mm. Its a full size heavy handgun but if you carry it enough you get use to it and it doesnt bother you to carry and the 10mm is a good strong stopper of trouble.
Excellent review 👏 👌 👍 very informative 👏 thanks a lot.
You have a point, there is more stopping power when the bullet stays inside the body, why? I don not know, I just know it does have more stopping power. Penetration is king, FMJ helps you penetrate obstacles such as: BP jackets, crystals, car doors and wood walls; in addition, it helps you reach vital organs such as the spinal cord. I have participated in two wars, so I speak by experience.
I carry a 1911 with WW Ranger .45. I will stake my life on this gun with this load.
good clear overview.. thank you sir
All things being equal, if a .35 caliber projectile, and a .45 caliber projectile penetrated the same distance, the 45 caliber projectile would destroy ~62% more material, due to it having ~62% more surface area.
That may be true if you are shooting bullets with flat noses and relatively sharp edges or hard targets. Pointed and rounded noses on stretchy tissue, not so much.
@@G53X0Y0Z0 If we're going to introduce different bullet construction into the argument, then a hollow point expanded to 0.85 (45 HST) inches has almost twice the area of a projectile expanded to 0.61 inches (9mm HST).
@@vlogfriendsutopia - Lot's of if's when your talking about this subject. Bullet diameter is certainly part of the equation. But, bullets don't punch holes in flesh the quite the same as other matter such as sheets of paper or steel. Velocity can easily be a more dominant factor in the size of a wound channel than bullet diameter. It all works together as a combination, and not always like you would have thought.
@@G53X0Y0Z0 Projectiles don't cause plastic deformation until they supercede 2,200 FPS, i.e., rifle velocity. Handguns typically do not achieve this. What that means is that a projectile expanded to 0.85 inches will cause more damage per inch than something that expands to 0.61 inches, assuming neither crosses that threshold.
@@vlogfriendsutopia - I have heard that same thing about 2,200 fps too, but in my experience have found it to be false.
At age 71, I've been a '45 guy' since I was about 19 and have always considered the 9mm a fun gun to shoot but no matter what, a "minor" caliber, something ingrained in since back in my "combat" competition days in my 20's and 30's. It wasn't until much later in my life that I began hearing stories of ball .45 ACP failures to stop. Having never been in actual combat, all I can go by is the stories by veteran military and police, although I learned a lot more from people when I owned a gun shop in AZ (many years ago!). People who were shot and who had to shoot someone else.... and they were truly eye opening. More failures with ball, in any caliber, than a decent hollow point but even they have their own set of failures. Bottom line: shot placement is always the King of the hill. Having a good hollow point that actually opens up, going as fast as possible is the Queen, sitting right beside the King. Caliber, in general, doesn't make a lot of difference... except! Your choice of caliber must be able to generate enough velocity to force the bullet to open, but only if you put it in the right spot. That said, a bullet that functions correctly out of a .45 ACP or 10mm is *always* better than any smaller diameter bullet placed in the exact same spot. Thus any marginal shot with a larger bullet just might (maybe, should, could) give the defender a slightly (often very slightly! But never Zero or a lesser chance) of incapacitating a perpetrator in the least amount of time. Which is why these days I have moved on from my beloved .45 ACP to the 10mm, which is my new darling! Always use the best ammo you can get your hands on, no matter what caliber you choose (Lehigh Xtreme Defender, Speer Gold Dot - the 230 GDHP Short Barrel if you insist on a heavy bullet in .45 - Federal HST, Sig V-Crown and Defiant Munitions. I can no longer recommend Golden Saber or the HydraShok due to failures thru cloth barriers. On a personal level, I never suggest anyone use anything smaller than a 9mm for self or home defense but then, not everyone listens to me! Oh well, good luck with whatever you use. While the odds are slim that I will ever have to defend me or mine with a firearm, if it happens I want every bit of advantage I can get, no matter how slight it may be. I use 10mm and the best bullet money can buy. You should carry whatever firearm and ammo lets you sleep at night.
Cheers,
jc
Sights, they are not all created equal. At that distance the out of the box sights are difficult to manage. Dawson Precision is the way to go 👍
Si, great content as always!
great video! i like the .45 acp, still very relevant and a better choice than 9mm, except in compact and subcompact semi-auto handguns and as a secondary backup handgun! but great as a primary full-size semi-auto handgun weapon cartridge caliber! especially in an era of 12+ rounds capacity minimum for the main semi-auto cartridge calibers and extra mags
Thank you for viewing and the awesome comments! It has been and will continue to be a dominant player in the handgun world. I also like your strategy of looking at firepower from a capacity point of view as well as the individual characteristics of any one bullet. 12 Rounds of .45 acp in a magazine is a lot of energy one can dump into a target. Thanks again and hope to hear from you in the future.
@@AmmoMart cheers man! and yes you will hear from me as i watch all your videos, make multiple long well thought out comments and always give thumbs up and read/respond to others comments and give good comments a thumbs up!
this will help your algorithm! but my comments and thumb ups are by no means insincere or hollow! cheers and God Bless!👍😎🍻💯💫⚡🔥☄️
45 acp is not better than 9mm. Not much to argue there.
@@Berto-1117 in every way it is better than 9mm paraplegic except capacity, but it makes up for it with power and performance, especially over 9mm, and in an era of 12+ rounds capacity in even subcompact semi-auto handguns in the main 5 cartridge calibers, and extra mags, it is a moot point, and i am mainly focused on factoring and weighing the variables related to each caliber, like power, recoil, carry, penetration; including through barriers etc etc etc yada yada yada,
@@ethanmac639 i think you need to take a look at new rounds. Its physics there is no debating it. New 9mm rounds are way faster and upon penetration deliver more force than the hotest 45acp you can find. Again its not an argument it is undebatable. That being said im a fan of both and know the capabilities of both from using them for about 10 years now.
Already love the range!😊
Lehigh, Gorilla, and Underwood Extreme and ammo like it. Has renewed the 45acp. 135gr 1240fps. Around 16 inches in ballistics gel.
I loved Winchesters Black Talons those were maybe the BEST 45 acp truely most effective projectiles I ever saw
The Winchester SXT is pretty close😊
Lots of 'food for thought', Thank you. Proficiency is key, I agree. 👍
I’m upgrading/converting my Colt 1911 (hopefully the kit arrives today) to a 460 Rowland. If you want to make your conventional 45ACP equivalent to a 44 magnum check out that option. $330 + shipping for the kit. Ammo availability is pretty good, midway USA has factory rds in stock at around $1.50 per. Seems expensive but inline with 44 magnum prices. For reloading only Starline makes brass and it’s very scarce. You can make your own if you’re set up for making your own brass, cut 308, 30-06 cases down to 45ACP + 1/16” = 460 Rowland. I believe the architect of the round had this in mind. In my case I don’t want to conceal carry a 45 but I have been interested in a bear stopper and have a couple 1911 safe queens. 44 magnum revolvers have one hell of a recoil, while the equivalent 460 is about 1/3 as much thanks to a 25 lb guide rod spring and a compensator. The rds are 1/16” longer so they won fit a 45ACP chamber.
Take your std 1911 ... change the recoil spring and roll with 45 Super ammo. 10mm performance for a $25 mod....plus a box of ammo.
been doing it for over 25yrs.
@@robertrosenberg6354 I’m going to have to try that for sure
@@robertrosenberg6354 cause I’ve been wanting to get some of the underwood .45 super they have
@@robertrosenberg6354 Just a questione gay recoil spring would you recommend I get to run .45 super???
Nice demo, good shooting. For a semi auto pistol, the 230 grain .45acp will stop when called upon for defense, especially critical defense rounds. 99% of the time the use will be under 10 yards
Over 50 meters-- hell with the pistol of any kind. That is when the 270 bolt action comes to play. From Wyoming
.270. Jack O’Connor knew what he was talking about!
Great video. Informative and actually I really didn't hear any annoying rambling on about inconsequential stuff that sounds like they're just trying to extend the time of the video. Hope to see more.
I like the 200gr in .45 . Just like John Browning. Good balance between speed & power. An army ordinance officer wanted the 230gr. 🙄 Also, IMHO- It's more of a hunting/winter carry gun (Commander length or below). Great video.!
I was surprised of the penetration 230 hard ball has.
Thank you ! Totally agree with your conclusion.
Two holes are better than one. Two holes help stuff leak out faster than one hole.
good vid.............I've owned 9mm, 40 cal, 10mm, semi autos............and have always came back and prefer my 45 acp............nothing specific about the other calibers, I just prefer my 45.
45acp 👍 excellent round, dose what it's designed to do 👍🤔
Excellent video sir!
Browning actually built the 1911, for the 230 grain ball ammo. Sigs are very good guns, I prefer the springfirld
Liberty civil defense ammo in a 45 is a game changer. Ive seen first hand what this round does to living tissue.
My Home Defense caliber of choice...Ruger American Pistol 45acp...With Hornady 185gr.Critical Defense Ammo....I sleep well at Night!❤