.45acp Ammo Input

[Bill O. Rights]

I'm going to be purchasing a quantity of .45acp SD ammo in the near future and I'm into hearing from others about their favorite 230gr. factory loads.

I just bought 500rds. of Federal HST .40 S&W (180gr.) online today, and really like the results I've seen of its performance, so my first thought is to stick with HST 230gr. in .45acp. The old Hydra-Shock was the "gold standard" for years, but the HST seems to offer better performance now. Not to mention the fact that it comes 50rds. per box as opposed to 20 or 25 for about the same price !! (The ammo I ordered today will price at $20.50 per 50rd. box delivered...not shabby).

However-- not only is the .45 HST fairly difficult to find, the gentleman from whom I bought the .40 ammo tells me that, in his experience/opinion, the Winchester Ranger T and Ranger Bonded are actually better loads in said caliber. Any actual EXPERIENCE with these out there ?

Obviously, I'm quite aware of all of the 'premium" loads available (20-25 rds. @box), as I've been researching the subject. Certainly, in a defensive situation, being cheap (ammo, magazines--ANYTHING!!) is extremely unwise. However, if a comparably adequate product can be had for roughly half the price and will do the same job....(is there such a thing as 'dead and deader"? LOL)..... 'nuff said.

Thanks for any and all solid input. GOD bless. (^_^)

 

[WESHOOT2]

Frankly, any modern-design HP choice will be sufficient. I personally still use and prefer the 230g Golden Saber from Remington, but my on-line advice remains "When in doubt buy Winchester".

That said, FIRST IT MUST GO BANG.
IT MUST DO SO WITH CONTROLLABLE ACCURACY.

Does your choice do these things?

 

[kstoneking]

I went through this same delimma recently when laying in a new supply of SD ammunition and was offered some sage advice when I asked if HydraShok was perhaps outdated, "If it was effective in its heyday, why would it be any less effective today?" Another consideration that I was reminded of was that I'd have to shoot a considerable quantity of any new load to insure reliability and accuracy in my 9mm, .45, .38 and .357 self defense guns. These handguns have already demonstrated complete reliability and acceptable accuracy with the HydraShok round in each caliber. In the end I stuck with Federal HydraShok and saved money overall by not having to shoot up mass quantities of a new, expensive brand of ammo. Just my two cents, best of luck with your decision.

Kenny

 

[Donaldjr1969]

The Ranger T-series in 45acp are quite accurate. You would be happy with them. If you can find them, get the +P variety. They really do not have much more recoil than the standard pressure loadings.

 

[powder smoke]

Federal IMO makes good ammo. If your a reloader your probably buying brass more than anything!

I was pricing 6.8 brass very expensive Heck I bought silver star loaded ammo for about 8 cents more per bullet. A no brainer actually all I wanted was brass anyways. ps

 

[Bill O. Rights]

Gentlemen :

I appreciate your input. (^_^)

 

[7p's]

Self-defense ammo is probably the same as hunting ammo – just depends on what you expect to encounter and where. If deep penetration is an important element, then you probably want to get the bonded HP’s. There’s a little marketing ploy out there where some advertise BJHP but it doesn’t stand for Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point – it stands for brass jacketed hollow point, major difference. You need to know the item number.

230 grain bonded HP’s will get you deep penetration and is decent going through glass, 2X4’s and thin metal if that’s what you’re looking for.

There’s several fine 230 grain bonded various out there and they are all accurate. You could also consider a 185 grain that works very well – the Barnes TAC-XP. Black Hills and ASYM sells the ammo – if you reload, you can load these a lot cheaper.

Really no need to shoot a lot of these premium rounds, as once you determine where they shoot in comparison to your everyday practice ammo and they feed reliably in your pistol – IMO you’re good to go. The ammo doesn’t go bad and 100 rounds should last a person 50 years unless someone steals it or you go to war with your neighbors.

http://store.chencustom.com/45_ACP_SOLID_DEFENSE_X_SDX_Barnes_185_gr_HP_P_s/78.htm

 

[DGW1949]

Frankly, any modern-design HP choice will be sufficient.......
...........That said, FIRST IT MUST GO BANG.
IT MUST DO SO WITH CONTROLLABLE ACCURACY.

Does your choice do these things?

WESHOOT2 perty-much nailed it right there.

DGW

 

[HUNTERKJL]

I shoot the Win 230 JHP bonded and also found a supply (2- 50 round boxes of Win Ranger T). They feed/funtion well, and are fairly accurate, though not as accurate as my genral shooting load of 4.5gr Titegroup under a 200gr LSWC. I think as has been said, any of the major brands 230gr JHP would be a sufficient stopper in a 45. For that matter, I'm of the opinion that in a pinch, my general shooting load with LSWC bullet would be a potent stopper and would probably give more penetration than needed. I am with you on really liking the 50 round boxes of LE type 45 ammo if it can be found at reasonable prices.