Since the invention and subsequent military adoption of the M1911 pistol, the .45 ACP cartridge has been a staple in the American firearm market. And while the 230-gr. FMJ, or ball, round is probably the most common projectile to top the cartridge, advances in bullet design, particularly in the last couple decades, have given rise to a vast array of offerings. From hardball to hollow points, shooter’s today have quite a selection of performance- and purpose-driven ammunition from which to choose.
For American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach, a pair of 185-gr. offerings from Hornady are among his favorite .45 ACP loads, and in this week's NRA Gun Gear of the Week video he explains some of the benefits of the company’s American Gunner and Critical Defense lines.
Additional Reading:
Understanding Hornady's Critical Defense and Critical Duty Ammo 
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Favorite .45s From Hornady
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Questions & Answers: A Wreck of a Remington 40-X
An American Rifleman reader writes in about a project Remington 40-X .22 target rifle that needs some serious help.
New for 2026: KJI K950 Tripod and Titan Inverted Ball Head
KJI (formerly Kopfjäger) releases the carbon-fiber K950 tripod and Titan inverted-ball head.
Book Review | Guns, Shooting and Hunting: What I’ve Learned in 60 Years
Much of what one learns is truly inexpressible to others—so it’s a wonderful rarity when someone can put their knowledge into words.
6 Reasons Why You Should Have a Good Gunsmith
Not every gunsmithing job needs to or should be a DIY job, and it pays to get to know a good gunsmith and develop a relationship with that person. Here are six reasons why.
New for 2026: Breda's Victoria Over-Under Shotguns
While it's a historic Italian firearm brand, Breda guns have long been elusive in the United States. This year, Breda America is adding to its lineup of shotguns with the Victoria family of over-unders.
President’s Column | President's Confidential Survey
President's Confidential Survey
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
