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
Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE
One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.
The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 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.
Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?
Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications.
Aero Precision Returns with New Owners
An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.
![Aero Precision[72]](/media/21vfqbw0/aero-precision-72.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=770&height=430&rnd=134334197362730000&quality=60)
![Aero Precision[72]](/media/21vfqbw0/aero-precision-72.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=150&height=150&rnd=134334197362730000&quality=60)
The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience
The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience, a specially tailored clinic designed to help new female shooters become familiar with the basics of firearm safety, shotgun-handling and sporting-clays shooting.
New for 2026: Bersa B-Series Suppressors
Bersa USA has updated its suppressor lineup in 2026 with its new B-Series cans, which cover the range from .22 LR all the way up to .300 Win. Mag.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
