.45 HD/SD ammo

[Rob Roy]

What do you recommend? I was thinking about Federal "Hydra-Shok" JHP 230/185 grains.

[scr83jp]

I bought 1000 rounds of 220gr FMJ PMP 45acp ammo from Century Arms at a Las Vegas Shot show several years ago for $150 plus shipping of $13 & change, it's accurate in my Sig P220 .

[scr83jp]

I purchased Magtech165gr Solid Copper Hollow Point +P 45acp ammo from midwayusa that I want to try in sig p220,colt 1991a1 & ruger bh 4 5/8" barreled revolver.

[Patriot]

Whatever you go with, makes sure it is reliable in your HD/SD gun. I hear the "200 rds minimum" figure tossed around a lot.

[domokun]

Here's the two HD ammo I'd use:

Federal Law Enforcement Tactical HST 230gr. +P JHP.
Hornady Close Quarters (CQ) TAP 230gr. +P JHP.

This stuff is expensive but it's very accurate and uses low flash powder. If it's good enough for the LEOs to use as duty ammo, it must be good enough for HD.

[nobody_special]

I'd use Federal HST instead of Hydra-shok... much better expansion characteristics.

[M. Sage]

+1 to HST. All the "test" images I've seen out there really impressed me.

What kind of handgun is this for, BTW? Some loads are better for short barrels, others are good in longer barrels. For example, 230 grain standard pressure is fine for a full-size handgun like a P220, but in a compact, you'll want to go with +p and/or lighter bullets.

[Moonclip]

+1 to HST. All the "test" images I've seen out there really impressed me.

What kind of handgun is this for, BTW? Some loads are better for short barrels, others are good in longer barrels. For example, 230 grain standard pressure is fine for a full-size handgun like a P220, but in a compact, you'll want to go with +p and/or lighter bullets.

I agree pretty much 100% with this. Full length barrel .45acp, I go 230 standard pressure hydra shok usually, has a good record.

Short barrel .45acp,which I really don't like though, I'd rather use something like the Winchester 185gr silvertip or something to get better expansion with the reduced velocity.

+P I avoid especially in alloy frames and short barrels.

[BlackDrop50]

Federal HST is supposed to be a little better, and strangely, is cheaper at most places.

[shoupdawg]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm

I got a box of 20 hydrashoks in .45 acp for under $26 out the door so I have those. Plus, don't know how old this article is so don't know if they had HST back then. At any rate, good reading.

[M. Sage]

http://www.tds-us.com/catalog.php/tds/dt49209/Federal_Tactical_HST_LEO

[AJD]

http://ammunitiontogo.com has 50 round boxes of defense/duty/hollowpoint for about the price you would pay for 20 at a local gun store. Most of the types of defense ammo they have available you can't find at a local store either.

[Moonclip]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/ammo_by_anonymous.htm

I got a box of 20 hydrashoks in .45 acp for under $26 out the door so I have those. Plus, don't know how old this article is so don't know if they had HST back then. At any rate, good reading.

A very old article but a good read. It needs to be updated but it's a good start.

[Rob Roy]

+1 to HST. All the "test" images I've seen out there really impressed me.

What kind of handgun is this for, BTW? Some loads are better for short barrels, others are good in longer barrels. For example, 230 grain standard pressure is fine for a full-size handgun like a P220, but in a compact, you'll want to go with +p and/or lighter bullets.

The barrel length is 3.78 (glock)