What is .45 ACP : What is The Difference Between he .45 AUTO And The .45 ACP
As an .45 ACP stands for .45 Automatic Colt Pistol, and it is a handgun cartridge that was developed by John Browning in the early 20th century. It is a popular cartridge used in many types of firearms, including pistols, revolvers, and submachine guns.
The .45 ACP is known for its large size and stopping power. It has a bullet diameter of .452 inches, and the cartridge typically uses a 230-grain bullet that can travel at a muzzle velocity of around 830 feet per second.
Some common firearms that use the .45 ACP cartridge include the Colt M1911 pistol, the Glock 21, the Smith & Wesson M&P45, and the HK USP. The .45 ACP is commonly used in law enforcement and military applications, as well as in personal defense.
Some common firearms that use the .45 ACP cartridge include the Colt M1911 pistol, the Glock 21, the Smith & Wesson M&P45, and the HK USP. The .45 ACP is commonly used in law enforcement and military applications, as well as in personal defense.One of the main differences between the .45 ACP and other handgun cartridges is its larger size and heavier bullet, which provides greater stopping power. However, this also means that the recoil can be more significant, making it more challenging to control for some shooters.
Pros of the .45 ACP cartridge include its stopping power, its versatility across a range of firearms, and the fact that it has been widely used and tested for many years. Cons include its relatively high recoil, which may make it more difficult to shoot accurately, and its relatively high cost compared to some other handgun cartridges.
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Who Uses .45 ACP Now and How
- Law enforcement agencies: Some police departments and other law enforcement agencies still use .45 ACP pistols as their duty firearms. The .45 ACP cartridge has a reputation for good stopping power and is often preferred by officers who want a larger caliber round.
- Military: The .45 ACP was the standard cartridge for the US military for many years, and it is still used by some special forces units. However, it has largely been replaced by the 9mm in most branches of the military.
- Competitive shooters: Many competitive shooters, particularly those who shoot in the “Single Stack” division of the USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association), use .45 ACP pistols. This is because the division requires the use of pistols with single-stack magazines, which limits the number of rounds that can be carried in the magazine. The .45 ACP cartridge is larger and more powerful than the 9mm, which gives it an advantage in this type of competition.
- Concealed carry: Some people choose to carry .45 ACP pistols for personal defense. Again, this is because the cartridge has a reputation for good stopping power and is often preferred by those who want a larger caliber round for self-defense.
Overall, while the .45 ACP cartridge has been largely replaced by smaller and more modern cartridges, it still has a loyal following among those who appreciate its power and performance.
How 45 ACP Differs From its Competitors
| Cartridge | Bullet Diameter | Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .45 ACP | .451 inch | 230 gr | 830 fps | 352 ft-lbs | Law enforcement, military, competitive shooting, personal defense |
| 9mm | .355 inch | 115-147 gr | 1,000-1,200 fps | 300-400 ft-lbs | Law enforcement, military, personal defense |
| .40 S&W | .400 inch | 165-180 gr | 950-1,200 fps | 350-550 ft-lbs | Law enforcement, personal defense |
| .357 Sig | .355 inch | 125-150 gr | 1,350-1,450 fps | 510-600 ft-lbs | Law enforcement, personal defense |
Note: Muzzle velocities and energies can vary depending on the specific ammunition and firearm used.
What is The Difference Between 45 AUTO And 45 ACP
Firstly, it’s important to understand that .45 Auto and .45 ACP are the same thing – ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol, which is just another name for the .45 Auto cartridge. So when you see .45 Auto or .45 ACP, it refers to the same cartridge.
To give you an example of how this works in real life, the M1911 pistol, which has been used by the US military for over a century, is chambered in .45 ACP (or .45 Auto). This means that the pistol is designed to fire rounds that are exactly 0.45 inches in diameter, with a case length of 0.898 inches, and a maximum overall length of 1.275 inches.
One practical piece of advice I would give is to always make sure that you use the correct ammunition for your firearm. Using the wrong ammunition can result in serious injury or death, as well as damage to your firearm. It’s important to read the owner’s manual for your firearm and understand which ammunition is recommended before you use it.
What is The Difference Between 45 ACP (45 AUTO) And 45 GAP
Both are cartridges that are designed to be fired from handguns. The .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) was developed by John Browning in 1905 and is a popular choice among military and law enforcement agencies. The .45 GAP (Glock Automatic Pistol) was introduced in 2003 by Glock and was designed to offer similar ballistics to the .45 ACP in a more compact package.
The main difference between the two cartridges is their dimensions. The .45 ACP has a larger diameter case (0.473 inches) and is longer (0.898 inches) compared to the .45 GAP which has a smaller diameter case (0.458 inches) and is shorter (0.760 inches). This means that the .45 ACP typically has a larger bullet and more powder behind it, resulting in slightly more power and recoil.
In practical terms, this means that if you are looking for a more powerful round, the .45 ACP is likely the better choice. However, if you want a more compact gun, the .45 GAP may be a good option. For example, the Glock 37 is a full-size .45 GAP pistol with a 10+1 round capacity, while the Glock 21 is a full-size .45 ACP pistol with a 13+1 round capacity.
Here is a comparison table of the .45 ACP and .45 GAP cartridges:
| .45 ACP | .45 GAP | |
|---|---|---|
| Date introduced | 1905 | 2003 |
| Diameter | 0.473 in | 0.458 in |
| Length | 0.898 in | 0.760 in |
| Bullet weight | 185-230 grains | 165-200 grains |
| Muzzle velocity | 750-950 fps | 975-1100 fps |
| Recoil | Moderate | Slightly more than .45 ACP |
| Magazine capacity (full-size pistol) | 10-13 rounds | 10 rounds |
| Availability | Widely available | Less common |
| Use in military/law enforcement | Yes | No |
As you can see, there are some notable differences between the two cartridges in terms of size, power, and availability. The .45 ACP has been around for much longer and is widely used by military and law enforcement agencies. It also typically has a larger bullet and more powder behind it, resulting in slightly more power and recoil. However, the .45 GAP was designed to offer similar ballistics to the .45 ACP in a more compact package, making it a good choice for those who want a smaller gun. The .45 GAP also has a slightly higher muzzle velocity than the .45 ACP, but has a lower magazine capacity and is less widely available.
What is The Difference Between 45 ACP (45 AUTO) and 45 COLT
Both the .45 ACP and .45 Colt cartridges are designed specifically for use in handguns. However, despite this similarity, the two cartridges have distinct histories and applications.
- The .45 ACP cartridge, also known as the Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge, was developed by firearms designer John Browning in 1905. Since its introduction, it has become a popular choice among gun enthusiasts and law enforcement agencies alike due to its versatility and effectiveness in modern pistols.
- On the other hand, the .45 Colt cartridge has a significantly longer history, dating back to its initial introduction in 1873. Originally created to be used in the Colt Single Action Army revolver, the .45 Colt has continued to be used in some modern revolvers as well. Despite its age, the .45 Colt cartridge remains a favorite among gun enthusiasts and hunters due to its power and accuracy, especially at longer ranges.
The main difference between the two cartridges is their size and power. The .45 Colt is a larger cartridge with a longer case length (1.285 inches) and larger diameter (0.480 inches), and can handle heavier bullets and more powder than the .45 ACP. The .45 ACP has a smaller case length (0.898 inches) and diameter (0.473 inches), and is typically loaded with lighter bullets and less powder than the .45 Colt.
In practical terms, this means that the .45 Colt generally has more power and recoil than the .45 ACP, but also has a greater range and stopping power. The .45 ACP is a popular choice for self-defense and law enforcement due to its manageable recoil and high magazine capacity, while the .45 Colt is often used for hunting and other applications where a more powerful cartridge is needed.
Here’s a comparison table to summarize the differences between .45 ACP and .45 Colt:
| .45 ACP | .45 Colt | |
|---|---|---|
| Date introduced | 1905 | 1873 |
| Diameter | 0.473 in | 0.480 in |
| Case length | 0.898 in | 1.285 in |
| Bullet weight | 185-230 grains | 225-325 grains |
| Muzzle velocity | 750-950 fps | 750-1,200 fps |
| Recoil | Moderate | Heavy |
| Magazine capacity (full-size pistol) | 10-13 rounds | N/A |
| Common applications | Self-defense, law enforcement | Hunting, single-action revolvers |
It’s important to note that while both cartridges can be effective in their intended applications, it’s essential to choose the right cartridge for your specific needs and preferences. Additionally, proper safety precautions should always be taken when handling firearms, regardless of the caliber or cartridge being used.
Cartridges that are very similar to 45 ACP
- .38/45 Clerk’s: The .38/45 Clerk’s cartridge was developed during World War II for use in Colt M1911 pistols chambered for .38 Special cartridges. It uses a .45 ACP bullet in a lengthened .38 Special case to provide a powerful cartridge for use in standard 1911 handguns. While not widely used today, it has a unique historical significance and is a favorite among collectors of military firearms.
- .400 Cor-Bon: The .400 Cor-Bon cartridge was developed as a high-velocity alternative to the .45 ACP. It uses a .45 ACP case necked down to accept a .40 caliber bullet, providing a flatter trajectory and increased velocity. While not as popular as other cartridges on this list, it is still favored by some enthusiasts who value its high velocity and accuracy.
- .45 Auto Rim: The .45 Auto Rim cartridge was developed for use in revolvers that couldn’t use moon clips, providing an alternative to the .45 ACP that could be loaded and fired without the need for special equipment. It uses a thicker case with a rimmed design to allow for reliable extraction in revolvers, and is still used by some enthusiasts and hunters today.
- .45 GAP: The .45 GAP cartridge was developed by Glock as a compact alternative to the .45 ACP. It uses a shorter case length and smaller diameter to provide a more compact cartridge that still delivers similar ballistics to the .45 ACP. It is used primarily in Glock pistols and has gained a following among those who value its compact size and reliability.
- .45 Peters-Thompson shotgun cartridge: The .45 Peters-Thompson shotgun cartridge was developed for use in a shotgun-pistol hybrid firearm known as the Thompson-LaGarde pistol. It uses a .45 ACP bullet in a shotgun shell casing, providing a unique combination of power and versatility that was favored by some law enforcement agencies in the early 20th century.
- .45 Remington-Thompson: The .45 Remington-Thompson cartridge was developed for use in the Thompson submachine gun, providing a high-powered cartridge that could deliver sustained automatic fire. It uses a longer case length than the .45 ACP and delivers higher velocity and energy, making it a popular choice for those who value its power and reliability.
- .45 Super: The .45 Super cartridge is a high-pressure variant of the .45 ACP that uses a stronger case and delivers higher velocity and energy. It is favored by some enthusiasts who value its increased power and accuracy, and is used primarily in custom-built firearms that are designed to handle its high pressure.
- .45 Winchester Magnum: The .45 Winchester Magnum cartridge was developed for use in hunting and self-defense, providing a high-powered cartridge that could deliver significant stopping power. It uses a longer case length and delivers higher velocity and energy than the .45 ACP, making it a popular choice among hunters and enthusiasts who value its power and accuracy.
- .450 SMC: The .450 SMC cartridge is a high-pressure alternative to the .45 ACP that delivers higher velocity and energy than the standard .45 ACP. It is favored by some enthusiasts who value its increased power and accuracy, and is used primarily in custom-built firearms that are designed to handle its high pressure.
- .451 Detonix Magnum: The .451 Detonix Magnum is a high-pressure variant of the .45 ACP that delivers higher velocity and energy than the standard .45 ACP. It is used primarily in custom-built firearms and is favored by some enthusiasts who value its increased power and accuracy.
- .460 Rowland: The .460 Rowland cartridge is a high-pressure variant of the .45 ACP that uses a stronger case and delivers higher velocity and energy. It is favored by some enthusiasts who value its increased power and accuracy, and is used primarily in custom-built firearms that are designed to handle its high pressure. It is popular among those who want a high-powered cartridge for hunting or self-defense, and is often used in 1911-style pistols.
- .50 GI: The .50 GI cartridge is a proprietary cartridge developed by Guncrafter Industries for use in their 1911-style pistols. It uses a .50 caliber bullet in a shortened .45 ACP case, providing a high-powered cartridge with significant stopping power. It is favored by some enthusiasts who value its power and accuracy, and is used primarily in custom-built firearms designed to handle its size and power.
In summary, these cartridges all offer unique benefits and applications, from increased power and accuracy to compatibility with specific firearms. Each cartridge has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the shooter.
| Cartridge | Date Introduced | Diameter | Case Length | Bullet Weight | Muzzle Velocity | Recoil | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .38/45 Clerk’s | Unknown | 0.473 in | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| .400 Cor-Bon | 1997 | 0.401 in | 0.923 in | 135-165 grains | 1,300-1,450 fps | Moderate | Self-defense, competition |
| .45 ACP | 1905 | 0.473 in | 0.898 in | 185-230 grains | 750-950 fps | Moderate | Self-defense, law enforcement |
| .45 Auto Rim | 1920 | 0.478 in | 0.898 in | 185-255 grains | 750-950 fps | Moderate | Revolver use |
| .45 GAP | 2003 | 0.458 in | 0.755 in | 165-200 grains | 975-1,100 fps | Slightly more than .45 ACP | Self-defense |
| .45 Peters-Thompson shotgun cartridge | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Shotgun-pistol hybrid |
| .45 Remington-Thompson | Unknown | 0.475 in | 1.08 in | 230-250 grains | 1,200-1,500 fps | Heavy | Submachine guns |
| .45 Super | Unknown | 0.473 in | 1.280 in | 185-300 grains | 1,100-1,400 fps | Heavy | Hunting, self-defense |
| .45 Winchester Magnum | 1979 | 0.476 in | 1.285 in | 225-260 grains | 1,300-1,600 fps | Heavy | Hunting, self-defense |
| .450 SMC | 2001 | 0.473 in | 1.280 in | 165-230 grains | 1,200-1,400 fps | Heavy | Self-defense, hunting |
| .451 Detonix Magnum | Unknown | 0.451 in | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| .460 Rowland | Unknown | 0.473 in | 1.285 in | 185-300 grains | 1,250-1,550 fps | Heavy | Hunting, self-defense |
| .50 GI | 2004 | 0.5 in | 0.898 in | 275-300 grains | 700-1,200 fps | Heavy | Self-defense, hunting |
