45 Colt Self Defense Loads

[Balrog]

I didn't find a recent thread on the best 45 Colt loads for self defense so figured I would start a new one. I have seen a few videos of 45 colt loads being tested in gel, but haven't seen compiled results for how they performed. Has anyone seen compiled data for various 45 Colt loads for self defense? Most of the videos seem to show good enough penetration (meeting FBI requirement for penetration) but expansion is poor with many hollow points.
Love to hear what others are using as 45 Colt defense loads against 2 legged predators.

 

[defjon]

2 legged critical defense or Winchester.

Flat point cowboy rounds would likely do fine though.

4 legged I go to hardcast

 

[ontarget]

Haven't you ever watched a western movie? Any marginal hit with a 45 Colt, even out to 3-400 yards is instant death.
It doesn't even matter what bullet or powder you use. Heck, even a real close miss might do the trick.

But seriously, if I were going to carry one of my 45 Colts for SD, I'd probably use a 230-250gn LSWC or try to find a full WC.
That would punch a good hole.

 

[Balrog]

How would jacketed soft points work for self defense? They have a good bit of exposed lead at the end, but no hollow point. Can any expansion be expected?

 

[Anchorite]

How would jacketed soft points work for self defense? They have a good bit of exposed lead at the end, but no hollow point. Can any expansion be expected?

When I’m toting any of my 45C’s, expansion is not on my list of criteria. Penetration is.

 

[buck460XVR]

@ .452", a .45 caliber bullet is about the size of an expanded 9mm/.38 projectile. With .45 ACP for SD, I'm more concerned with accuracy than I am with expansion. Same would be true if I used .45 Colt.

 

[Balrog]

When I’m toting any of my 45C’s, expansion is not on my list of criteria. Penetration is.

Penetration does not appear to be an issue with round travelling at typical velocities.
I figure, might as well maximize expansion, right?

 

[Balrog]

@ .452", a .45 caliber bullet is about the size of an expanded 9mm/.38 projectile. With .45 ACP for SD, I'm more concerned with accuracy than I am with expansion. Same would be true if I used .45 Colt.

Yes, agree accuracy and shot placement are critical.
But might as well maximize expansion, right?

 

[CraigC]

A cast bullet with a big flat nose doesn't need to expand. It will make a hole bigger than the bullet and get the job done. Expansion will cost you penetration.

Hardball is a completely different story.

 

[.45Coltguy]

250gr rnfp over 8.0-8.3gr Unique should do nicely. It's what I carry when camping/fishing in the Eastern Sierras.

 

[Savage30L]

Given the size of a .45 Colt slug, I suspect any load would work.

 

[Smokin Gator]

250gr from Matt's Bullets.

 

[Rule3]

Given the size of a .45 Colt slug, I suspect any load would work.

Which is my reply when folks ask about "best" for 45 acp or 357 Mag. Don't think it matters.

 

[CraigC]

Given the size of a .45 Colt slug, I suspect any load would work.

Bullet shape makes a huge difference. A wide flat nose is very effective. Hardball, not so much.

 

[Smokin Gator]

This same bullet I posted earlier is available in 45cal 250gr and 44cal 250 or 180 gr.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Flat point cowboy rounds would likely do fine though.

They'll certainly penetrate enough. I've shot Black Hills 250 grain RNFP hard cast into a seasoned 12" pine log from about 10 yards. It penetrated all the way through, stopping under the bark on the far side.

That load was supposed to be doing about 750 FPS at the muzzle. I shot it from a Remington 1858 with an 8" barrel and a Kirst Konverter, so the velocity was probably as advertised. It has more energy than .455 Webley Mark VI Ball, which the Brits thought was a suitable military service pistol load.

 

[Roverguy]

View attachment 1169387
250gr from Matt's Bullets.

Yes indeed! I like ‘em

 

[StrawHat]

View attachment 1169387
250gr from Matt's Bullets.

I use a similar bullet, SAECO 453, a 235 grain full wadcutter. I load it for my ACP revolvers over a hardball dose of powder, usually Bullseye. A very good hunting load. If I would not use a load to hunt Ohio white tailed deer, I will not carry it for self defense.

And, since we all enjoy photographs, here is my edc,




Kevin

 

[45/30-06OKIE]

I didn't find a recent thread on the best 45 Colt loads for self defense so figured I would start a new one. I have seen a few videos of 45 colt loads being tested in gel, but haven't seen compiled results for how they performed. Has anyone seen compiled data for various 45 Colt loads for self defense? Most of the videos seem to show good enough penetration (meeting FBI requirement for penetration) but expansion is poor with many hollow points.
Love to hear what others are using as 45 Colt defense loads against 2 legged predators.

I see a couple other guys said the same thing, a 250gr flat nose lead cowboy spec load would be more than adequate for human attackers.

 

[Balrog]

Will 45 Colt semi jacketed soft point flat nose ammo expand?

 

[JeffG]

Just a 250gr cast Keith or flat point, 900-1000 fps. Pretty much my everything load.

 

[SDGlock23]

Don't know about "best" but WInchester does make a 225gr bonded JHP that is a pretty cool option if you want a modern type loading, I think they call it the "Defender"

 

[Tinman357]

Underwood makes a 45 SD load that appears to do the job well.

 

[Anchorite]

Penetration does not appear to be an issue with round travelling at typical velocities.
I figure, might as well maximize expansion, right?

Tell me you don’t understand meplats without telling me you don’t understand bullet shape. Expansion and penetration are not mutually exclusive.

 

[Anchorite]

Bullet shape makes a huge difference. A wide flat nose is very effective. Hardball, not so much.

Don’t talk dirty to me like that on a Friday night before a long holiday weekend.