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
The Galactic Pistol Alliance: An Entry Point For New Competition Shooters
Galactic Pistol Alliance jettisons rule confusion and offers a much more relaxed model for newcomers to competition shooting, all while keeping cool shooting stages and an emphasis on safety.
Keepin’ It Simple: Chiappa Wildlands 92 Field & Core Models
Chiappa USA is returning the Wildland series of lever-action rifles to its roots with the 92 Field and Core, designs that keep it simple while still offering modern features.
The Armed Citizen® Oct. 5, 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.
Gunsite Marks 50 Years With Alumni Shoot in Paulden
More than 400 competitors gathered at the Arizona academy founded by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper, as elected officials urged turnout ahead of the midterms.
I Have This Old Gun: Standard Arms Model G
There is an adage that goes something to the effect of, “just because one can do something doesn’t mean it necessarily should be done.” This thought may aptly be applied to the short-lived Standard Arms Model G rifle.
NRA Partners with Guidefitter to Support Industry Professionals
The new alliance between NRA and Guidefitter provides VIP access to the company’s exclusive gear benefits from more than 300 leading outdoor brands, educational opportunities and community tools.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
