.45ACP self defence loads!! [Archive]

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J_P

12-04-2011, 21:03

Whats up guys, I just picked up my first .45 and I am looking to purchase some self defence loads. I've done my research and have made of my mind on what brand I am going to purchace Speer Gold Dots (same brand for my 9mm), not sure what bullet weight I want yet.... still deciding. Ive seen +p load for .45acp and I was wondering if this is necessary for a good .45 defence load. I also wanted to ask what JHP loads you more experienced .45acp guys are useing.

DustyJacket

12-05-2011, 01:23

Mostly, I use a 200gr Lead semi-wadcutter.

Accurate as heck. Low recoil. Cuts pretty holes in paper and nasty tearing holes in 'tissue'.

Edmo01

12-05-2011, 06:16

JBL13

12-05-2011, 06:26

I would recommend standard pressure 230 grain Speer Gold Dots. After you choose your ammo, function check it in your pistol.

Edmo

This is what I use in my G21SF.

Manimal

12-05-2011, 06:30

Not to hijack OP's thread but where is the best place to buy the 230 grain Gold Dots, I am having a hard time finding them?

eclark53520

12-05-2011, 06:39

My Gander Mountain has them...

I also use 230gr Speer Gold Dot's.

cowboy1964

12-05-2011, 07:41

http://www.sgammo.com/product/speer/50rds-45-auto-acp-speer-gold-dot-230-grain-hollow-point-ammo-53966

Zombie Steve

12-05-2011, 08:12

Mostly, I use a 200gr Lead semi-wadcutter.

Accurate as heck. Low recoil. Cuts pretty holes in paper and nasty tearing holes in 'tissue'.

Great bullet, but you just aren't going to have success shooting them out of Glocks (not sure what you shoot). I shoot a heck of a lot of 230 lead truncated cone boolits I cast in the garage. Good penetration, and a little more smack to it than round nose.

fredj338

12-05-2011, 08:50

Just about any std pressure 200-230grJHP form a major manuf is going to work in the 45acp. The better loads start w/ the Speer GD, HST, RangerT, Rem RGS. Little is gained by +P loads in the 45 but add'l. recoil IMO.

Little Joe

12-05-2011, 12:24

Not to hijack OP's thread but where is the best place to buy the 230 grain Gold Dots, I am having a hard time finding them?

http://mahsupplies.net/

MN-glock27

12-05-2011, 14:25

I use the 200gr +P Gold Dots in my .45.

JK-linux

12-05-2011, 14:57

I have 3 boxes left of Doublte Tap 200gr +P GD from about 2008. Very hot IMHO. I also have a ton of 230gr Speer GD as well. The DT GD is a bit "spicy" out of my G30, so I generally keep the Speer 230 gr GD in it. The 1911 always has 200gr +P DT GD in it, and doesn't feel recoil heavy in the least. I do hear that the DT ammo is running a bit cooler these days, so I'm not sure if that makes it hotter or cooler than Speer 200gr GD? Try them all and shoot what feels right.

chasbo00

12-05-2011, 15:28

Below is a good list to choose from. Check out the link too - lots of good information that's not just opinion.

.45ACP

Barnes XPB/TAC-XP 185gr HP loaded by:
Cor-Bon (DPX45185)
Taurus (TCB45ACP185HP)
Winchester Ranger-T 230gr JHP (RA45T)
Winchester Ranger-T 230gr JHP +P (RA45TP)
Federal Tactical 230gr JHP (LE45T1)
Federal HST 230gr +P JHP (P45HST1)
Federal HST 230gr JHP (P45HST2)
Speer Gold Dot 230 gr JHP (23966)

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm#.45ACP

RWBlue

12-05-2011, 16:16

Based on all the testing, I suggest finding a premium brand that you shoot well in your Gun. They are all trying to do the FBI test.

I would suggest going bonded, but I didn't and I am not concerned. I went with Federal HST 230gr +P JHP (P45HST1). I bought enough of it that I don't expect to be buying self defense ammo for 10-20 years.

collim1

12-05-2011, 16:31

Not to hijack OP's thread but where is the best place to buy the 230 grain Gold Dots, I am having a hard time finding them?

http://www.ammunitiontogo.com

Usually has them in 50rd boxes for a decent price. I hate to pay shipping, but if you dont have a shop that sells 50rd boxes its your best bet.

If they dont have them today, check back in a day or two. Their inventory changes daily.

Glockdude1

12-05-2011, 16:44

RA45B Winchester Ranger .45 Bonded 230 gr.

:thumbsup:

J_P

12-05-2011, 17:44

Thanks for the replys guys it was very helpful

K.Kiser

12-05-2011, 18:19

For what it's worth I'd probabaly shoot 230 gold dots, but I wouldn't turn down anything I could shoot well barring the lighter loads under 200 grains... Shot placement and follow up shot ability is what will bring you home safely...

DustyJacket

12-05-2011, 20:23

Great bullet, but you just aren't going to have success shooting them out of Glocks (not sure what you shoot). I shoot a heck of a lot of 230 lead truncated cone boolits I cast in the garage. Good penetration, and a little more smack to it than round nose.
Not a Glock.
Wilson Combat 4" M1911

And my big ol' M625 revolver.....

Zombie Steve

12-05-2011, 20:46

Not a Glock.
Wilson Combat 4" M1911

And my big ol' M625 revolver.....

LSWC's and 1911's are like peas and carrots. :thumbsup:

10-S

12-06-2011, 11:50

I use the 200gr +P Gold Dots in my .45.

+1. G30SF with G21 spare mag, all with GD 200g +p.

Bigpoppie50

12-06-2011, 13:34

In my 45 I load Federal 230grain +P HST.

CPatt44

12-06-2011, 20:49

Winchester Ranger T 230gr

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barth

12-06-2011, 21:14

Spiffums

12-07-2011, 19:10

Winchester Ranger-T 230gr JHP (RA45T)
Winchester Ranger-T 230gr JHP +P (RA45TP)

I run these in my HK.

glock2740

12-08-2011, 19:54

I use the 200gr +P Gold Dots in my .45.
Same here.