The .45 for Self-Defense

Handguns in .45 Auto come in all shapes and sizes. One of the most popular carry handguns in .45 continues to be a Commander-size 1911.

One reason the .45 Auto cartridge has maintained its popularity is because of the balance of power, terminal performance and controllability it offers.

The 230-grain \"hardball\" or FMJ load originally adopted by the military 100 years ago is still the most popular .45 Auto load today. These bullets my not expand but they still make a near half-inch wide and very deep hole.

Remington's 230-grain Home Defense .45 Auto load uses its very well designed Golden Saber bullet. This load penetrates deep and expands even when passing through tough intermediate barriers.

Mid weight 200-grain .45 Auto loads like this one from Wilson Combat offer a compromise between the faster 185-grain and heavier 230-grain options. This load uses the Hornady XTP bullet, which is well known as a deep penetrator.

Mid weight 200-grain .45 Auto loads like this one from Wilson Combat offer a compromise between the faster 185-grain and heavier 230-grain options. This load uses the Hornady XTP bullet, which is well known as a deep penetrator.

Federal's new 165-grain Guard Dog load for the .45 Auto provides a low-recoil option for those that are recoil conscious. Because of the unique EFMJ (Expanding Full Metal Jacket) bullet this load uses, terminal performance is still impressive.

DoubleTap's 185-grain .45 Auto load which uses a Nosler JHP bullet is a powerhouse delivering over 500 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at the muzzle. As you might expect, recoil is stiff.

The old standard, 230-grain hardball load for the .45 Auto has served our military for 100 years. It's unlikely this bullet will expand but it will drive deep.

Winchester's 185-grain Silvertip load for the .45 Auto has been popular for a long time. It offers good terminal performance and moderate recoil making it suitable for lightweight, .45 Auto handguns.