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: Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR
On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the latest version of one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms out there. This is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR.
The Armed Citizen® Aug. 29, 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.
Bullpup Your AR-15: The A3 Industries Triad Modular Bullpup Chassis
This chassis kit provides a handy way for AR fans to try a bullpup carbine on for size.
Hillsdale College & The Shooting Sports
Hillsdale College has invested in the Second Amendment and the shooting sports in a way that few schools have. At its John A. Halter Shooting Sports Education Center, collegiate shotgun and action pistol teams compete and build their firearm-handling skills.
Thompson/Center Arms Acquires Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company
Thompson/Center Arms announced it has acquired the Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company.
Teaching Liberty: Hillsdale College & The Second Amendment
At Hillsdale College, students don't just learn about the fundamental truths behind the Second Amendment. They also learn the practical side of the right to keep and bear arms.
Interests
The Armed Citizen® August 29, 2025 | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- Bullpup Your AR-15: The A3 Industries Triad Modular Bullpup Chassis | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- Thompson/Center Arms Acquires Green Mountain Rifle Barrel Company | An Official Journal Of The NRA
- NRA Hunters' Leadership Forum | Interior Department Expands Hunting and Fishing Access at National Wildlife Refuges and Hatcheries
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
