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Lindcott Armory Lindcott Armory
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Pistol · SAAMI

.45 ACP

Also known as .45 Auto · 11.43x23mm

Legendary American pistol cartridge with cult following.

Caliber
0.452″ · 11.481 mm
Introduced
1905
Case
Semi-Rimmed
Primary use
Self Defense, Military, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains185 · 200 · 230 gr
Identity
Introduced
1905
Type
Pistol
Origin
United States
Inventor
John Moses Browning
Manufacturer
Colt
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Abundant
Build
Case capacity
25 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Large Pistol
Case type
Semi-Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
21,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
2200 yd
Recoil
7.8–9 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable
+P .45 ACP +P 23,000 psi, SAAMI transducer

This cartridge: 21,000 psi, SAAMI transducer

Introduced by Colt

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .45 ACP.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 11.480.452 ✓
Neck ⌀ 12.010.473 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 12.090.476 ✓
Rim ⌀ 12.190.480 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.240.049 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 22.810.898 ✓
Overall length 32.391.275 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .45 ACP is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

55 reloading powders listed for .45 ACP, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

No. 1N310S065RS10Bull's-EyeRed DotIMR Hi-Skor 700XRS12700XS070ClaysBA9Winchester 452AAe3Vihtavuori N320American SelectInternational ClaysTitegroupZipShooters World Action Pistol
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .45 ACP

Henry Repeating Arms Homesteader .45 ACP 16.5-inchGlock Glock 21 Gen 5 FSGlock Glock 21 Gen 5 FS MOSKimber Rapide Dawn 10mmFN 545 TacticalGlock Glock 21 Gen 5 FS MOS NSGlock Glock 30 Gen 5Wilson Combat Experior .45 ACPIWI Masada Full Size .45 ACPGlock Glock 30 Gen 5 MOSGlock Glock 21 Gen 5 MOSRuger American Pistol Pro

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (7)
.45 GAP.45 Winchester Magnum.400 Cor-Bon.45 Auto Rim.450 SMC.45 Super.45 HP.38-45 Clerke.460 Rowland
Family TreeOpen .45 ACP in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Reloading55 suitable powders — cross-reference

History

Designed by John Browning in 1905 for the Colt M1911 pistol. Adopted by US military in 1911. Replaced by 9mm in 1985 but remains extremely popular among enthusiasts and '1911 guys.'

FAQs

What twist rate does .45 ACP use?
.45 ACP typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .45 ACP?
.45 ACP uses a 0.452″ (11.481 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .45 ACP still in production?
.45 ACP is active; typical availability is abundant.
What is .45 ACP used for?
.45 ACP is primarily used for self defense, military, target, competition.
What are the best powders for .45 ACP?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .45 ACP include No. 1, N310, S065, RS10, among 55 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 435 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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