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
More like this from around the NRA
Latest
Review: SAR USA SAR9 SOCOM Compact
The SAR9 SOCOM Compact from SAR USA packs popular tactical features into a compact package.
A Jakl In Bullpup Clothing: Palmetto State Armory's Olcan
Palmetto State Armory adapted its piston-driven Jakl rifle design into a bullpup configuration it calls the Olcan.
150,000 NFA Applications Filed On Day 1 After $0 Tax Stamp Becomes Official
Approximately 150,000 NFA enthusiasts filed their paperwork through ATF’s electronic system in just the first 24 hours of 2026, the first day after the $0 tax stamp for most NFA items became official.
Gun Of The Week: Caracal USA CMP9K
Caracal's CMP9K pistol is based on a design originally produced to replace the aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s in United Arab Emirates service.
The Armed Citizen® Jan. 9, 2026
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Preview: Roundhouse Provisions Ultimate Campout Kit
Founded by Chuck Norris (yes, that Chuck Norris), Roundhouse Provisions is a company that produces emergency foodstuffs designed to be quickly and simply prepared that will stay fresh for years.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
