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
Latest
Small Calibers for Self-Defense: Addressing Common Myths & Criticisms
For decades, small cartridges like the .22 Long Rifle were derided as incapable rounds for defensive use and were even considered dangerous for the user by some. Today, those critiques deserve a second look.
New for 2026: HUXWRX Flow 9k PCC & Flow 9 M Suppressors
Continuing the legacy it first established as Operator Suppressor Systems, HUXWRX is still introducing new and mission-specific flow-through suppressors, with its latest products being the FLOW 9 M and FLOW 9k PCC.
Armed Citizen Stops Oregon Attack; NRA Reaffirms Importance of Law-Abiding Armed Citizenry
The National Rifle Association of America today issued a statement regarding yesterday’s act of violence in Oregon.
Gun of the Week: Tokarev TT-12 Pro
While there are several AR-style, semi-automatic shotguns on the market, the Tokarev TT-12 Pro has a few features you won’t find elsewhere. And it’s affordable, to boot.
Beretta Holding Announces Preliminary Results of Cash Tender Offer for Shares of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Beretta Holding announced today the preliminary results of its cash tender offer to purchase up to 2,400,184 of the outstanding shares of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. common stock.
Ankle Holsters: Are They Still a Good Option for Concealed Carry?
The use of ankle holsters is an old-school, deep-concealment method that was popular in the age of the snub-nose revolver. In today’s world of micro-compacts, does it still hold up as a good carry position?
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
