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
Rifleman Q&A: Argentinian Auction Piece
"I purchased this .22-cal., six-shot, double-action revolver with a very good bore at auction. The barrel is 1.5" long, octagonal and engraved. Can you tell me more about it?"
The Rifleman Report: Magnificent Milestones
The last major milestone that I remember marking our nation’s founding, the 1976 bicentennial, occurred when I was a high schooler, a year before I enlisted in a nearby military academy’s Junior ROTC program.
NRA Partners With Specialists To Enhance Hearing Health
Start Hearing and SoundGear have partnered with the NRA to promote hearing health, safety and protection among members.
Bill Bachenberg Elected NRA President, Doug Hamlin Unanimously Reelected as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO
Today, the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), elected Bill Bachenberg of Pennsylvania as President of the NRA and Doug Hamlin as NRA Executive Vice President & CEO.
Review: Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph
Garmin is a longtime provider of useful electronics for outdoor enthusiasts, including handheld GPS units, archery optics and smartwatches. Near the end of 2023, the company expanded its offerings in a fresh direction by offering its very first chronograph, dubbed the Xero C1 Pro.
The Armed Citizen® April 28, 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.
Interests
SECTIONS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
EXPLORE MORE NRA PUBLICATIONS
