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: TriStar Raptor II Walnut
TriStar Arms offers an extensive variety of cost-effective shotguns, including this walnut-stocked Raptor II, the latest in the company's semi-automatic line.
Preview: TangoDown iO Cover For Aimpoint T-2
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 and H-2 are quality, versatile red-dot optics, but they are also expensive, and, like all such units, can sustain damage from impacts and the elements.
Hornady’s 338 ARC
The latest hard-hitting Advanced Rifle Cartridge from Hornady, the 338 ARC, takes a swing at both established numbers and newcomers—after already producing successful offspring.
The Armed Citizen® Dec. 8, 2025
Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.
Youth Firearm Education, Shooting Leagues On The Rise
Several states have instituted firearm education courses for students in public schools, and several scholastic shooting leagues have posted record attendance numbers in recent years.
Preview: Fix-It Sticks Rifle And Optics Toolkit With All-In-One Torque Driver
An optic coming loose can ruin a hunt or a range session, so having a pocket-size remedy such as the Fix-It Sticks Rifle and Optics Toolkit is a prudent hedge.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
