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
I Have This Old Gun: Remington Model 1888
Following Remington's bankruptcy in 1888, a number of the company's unsold Model 1875s were discovered, and it was decided that something could be made from them.
Rifleman Review: Ruger RXM
In 2025, Ruger teamed up with Magpul to create the RXM pistol, a design that uses a chassis-style receiver anchored inside of a polymer grip frame.
New for 2026: Franklin Armory Prevail Rifle
Franklin Armory introduces the company's first bolt-action rifle, the Prevail.
Thinking Of Tinkering? Be Honest About Your Reasons.
There are often benefits to resurrecting an old gun, but cost savings isn’t usually one of them.
New For 2026: Woox High Grade Stocks and Fore-ends
Dress up your lever-action, shotgun or bolt-action rifle while adding functionality.
NRA Partners with ‘We the Free’ Streaming Network
The NRA partners with online streaming service We the Free to bring 2A content.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
