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
Prices On Rifles, Ammo, Optics & Suppressors Dropped In 2025, According To Retail Report
The average price enthusiasts paid for ammunition, rifles, optics and suppressors dropped in 2025, according to a recently released RetailBI Report.
Preview: A-Zoom Snap Caps Instructor Pack
Firearm safety is a primary concern for all gun owners, which is a substantial part of what your NRA strives to ingrain into the shooting public, and products like Snap Caps help make this training both easier and safer.
Review: Yugoslavian Zastava M70 .32 ACP Pistol
This tough little all-steel semi-automatic from AIM Surplus is an enjoyable option for military surplus pistol fans.
Henry Adds Adjustable-Sighted "Deadeye" Models To Revolver Lineup
The Deadeye versions of Henry’s Big Boy and Golden Boy revolvers add a fully adjustable rear sight and fixed front post sight with fiber-optic insert.
Gun of the Week: Chiappa Rhino 60 DS Revolver in 10 mm
Chiappa has launched a large-frame version of its unique revolver, including one chambered in 10 mm.
The Armed Citizen® Feb. 20, 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.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
