45 +P

[GunLover]

I have a Glock 36, Kimber CDP Pro and a Full size Kimber eclipse.
I wanted to buy some defense ammo when I carry and at home. I was wondering if a round like GS 230gr was a good all around ammunition for all these pistols. Or should I get a +p for the G36 and use the GS 230 for the 1911s. If I use the +p for the G36 will the extra recoil be worth the extra energy?
Thanks,
G

[Snapping Twig]

FWIW, the .45acp isn't meant to be magnumized - not sure that's a real word.

I too shot a bunch of +P in my acp, but the sad truth is that it isn't worth it, tough on the frame.

I roll my own, so it's easy to vary bullet weights and powder charges to try different things.

The acp is powerful enough for the intended task in its original 230g, 850fps format.

Typically a steel frame pistol is OK for +P, anything else, not so much.

You want higher velocity, go for it, but the bottom line is that if you can't get the job done with standard velocity acp, perhaps a different caliber is in order.

[GunLover]

I reload my own too. I use reloads for pratice. When it comes down to it everyone wants to carry the best performing ammunition available for their caliber in SD situations. I prefer factory high quality ammunition for when I carry. So i will not be putting many factory or +p rounds thru my pistols when I go to the range. I cant afford to shoot mass amounts of factory +p ammo in my pistols anyway. I was wondering weather the 230 Gr suffers in performance in a 3.75 inch barrel enough that i should I go +P when I carry.
For those of you who have shorter barrel 45s what do you carry? I did shoot my friends Kimber Ultra with some Doubletapp 185gr and it recoiled much harder than my 185gr reloads or 230gr WWB. Fast follow up shots will be more difficult. Is it worth more energy?

[Johnny661]

I only use the factory standard pressure 230 gr ammo for my XD45 Compact & MC Operator 1911, for HD purposes I dont see a need for the +P ammo.

[Bug Splat]

I only use the factory standard pressure 230 gr ammo for my XD45 Compact & MC Operator 1911, for HD purposes I dont see a need for the +P ammo.

+1. 230gr factory ammo marketed as defensive ammo. Not worth the legal worries making my own. The numbers with standard pressure ammo will give you more than enough penetration.

[CalNRA]

if your HD ammo is +p and says "Self Defense" or something like that, I don't see why not. Most 45 auto handguns are fine with +p ammo anyway.

For 1911s, use a Wilson recoil buffer. problem solved. It works fine with all my plinking rounds.

[Knauga]

I use 230gr +P JHP rounds in my 45's. They are 3.5" barrels so I want to make back some of the velocity that is lost due to the shorter barrel.

I wouldn't use them in alloy frames or tupperware, but in a steel frame pistol it isn't an issue.

[FiveSeven]

FWIW, the .45acp isn't meant to be magnumized - not sure that's a real word.

I too shot a bunch of +P in my acp, but the sad truth is that it isn't worth it, tough on the frame.

I roll my own, so it's easy to vary bullet weights and powder charges to try different things.

The acp is powerful enough for the intended task in its original 230g, 850fps format.

Typically a steel frame pistol is OK for +P, anything else, not so much.

You want higher velocity, go for it, but the bottom line is that if you can't get the job done with standard velocity acp, perhaps a different caliber is in order.

Several things, Glock manual does state not to use +P ammo, some other manufacturer like Beretta do. Glock can use all +P and +P+ ammo and that's every single Glock model.
Polymer/plastic frame is actually better then alloy since the flex transfers and absorbs energy better. It can withstand much more flex then alloy can withstand before cracking.
Since .45ACP was designed for 5" barrel it is a subsonic cartridge and has muzzle velocity of 835fps out of five inch barrel... Now, since Glock 36 has 3.6" barrel 230gr bullet will be about 675 fps and in my opinion its borderline unsatisfactory. In order to maximize .45ACP in a short barrel handgun you must use 185gr+P or even 165gr +P. And speaking of +P ammo in .45, it's only 23,000 PSI vs 21,000 standard pressure. Much less pressure then what .40S&W or 9mm +P operates.

So yes, for a short barrel .45, +P is a must in my book especially for a self defense load.

[Rudolf the Red]

^^^^

That.

[E. Fudd]

Fwiw, the Gold Dot 230 +p 'Short Barrel' load has quite a bit more recoil than the std. velocity version in the G36. Makes it quite a handful to control. I prefer the std. myself in the G36 for faster recovery and follow shots.

Not so much a big deal in G30's or G21's.

[Army GI]

I always say that if you need more power, get a bigger caliber.

In this case, go with a 10mm.

[FiveSeven]

I always say that if you need more power, get a bigger caliber.

In this case, go with a 10mm.

10mm is not bigger than .45ACP, it's actually smaller .40 (10mm) vs .45.
People who like or prefer .45 actually like it mainly because of that "bigger" caliber or bigger hole.
The whole point to this discussion is that .45ACP traditional 230gr bullet was not designed for a short barrel and looses velocity quite a bit since its already a low velocity round. That is why +P ammo in a lighter gr are recommended and not because the round needs more power.

[Johnny661]

Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection - 45 Auto

I am going to get a couple of boxes of these to see how my XD45 Compact likes them.
Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Personal Protection - 45 ACP
Part Number Cartridge Bullet Wt. Bullet Type
23975 45 ACP 230gr GDHP-SB
Velocity (fps)
Muzzle 50 yards 100 yards Test Barrel Length
820 783 749 4"

[Army GI]

10mm is not bigger than .45ACP, it's actually smaller .40 (10mm) vs .45.
People who like or prefer .45 actually like it mainly because of that "bigger" caliber or bigger hole.
The whole point to this discussion is that .45ACP traditional 230gr bullet was not designed for a short barrel and looses velocity quite a bit since its already a low velocity round. That is why +P ammo in a lighter gr are recommended and not because the round needs more power.

Thank you captain obvious. I didn't think I would need to spell it all out, but I guess I do to avoid getting "schooled".

Yes, I know .45 is larger in diameter than the 10mm. The .45 is 11.43mm or so compared to the 10mm. The whole point I was trying to make was that the 10mm is also much more powerful in terms of kinetic energy and penetration which leaves the .45 ACP in the dust in standard barrel lengths or shorter barrels.

[cineski]

All modern firearms are +P rated. Federal HST 230 grain +P is a very potent round if you can find it. The G36 should handle it just fine but will be jumpy. Stick to standard pressure for target practice. And yes, 200 grain 10mm is a potent little beast! Standard pressure 45 will not penetrate as much as 230
+P or the heavier 10mm rounds.