.45 ACP
Also called: .45 Auto, 45 Auto, forty-five
A classic, wide, slow bullet that has been used in handguns since 1911, a mild-shooting defensive choice with a long record.
- Type
- Handgun
- Bullet diameter
- .452 in
- Case length
- 0.898 in
- Overall length
- 1.275 in
- Typical bullet weights
- 185 to 230 grains
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 800 to 1,050 fps
- Recoil
- Moderate recoil
- Quarry
- Backup & defense
- Typical range
- Defensive use at close range, up to about 25 yards
- Availability
- Very common
What it is good for
- Backup protection against people or small predators.
- Shooters who like a large, slow bullet and a calm recoil impulse.
- Practice with widely available ammunition.
Where it falls short
- It is slower and drops faster than other handgun cartridges, with less power than a .44 or 10mm.
- It is not a good choice for large predators or big-game hunting.
- Magazine capacity is lower than for 9mm.
Easily confused with
- .45 Colt: a longer, rimmed revolver cartridge of the same bullet width; the two are not interchangeable.
- 10mm Auto: a narrower, faster cartridge with more power.
Field notes
Adopted by the U.S. military in 1911, the .45 ACP has stayed popular for over a century. Its wide, slow bullet is easy to shoot well.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.