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Lindcott Armory

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
26.7 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Large Pistol
Case type
Semi-Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
21,000 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Recoil
9–14 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

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

12 models in the database chamber .45 ACP. Browse all →

Henry Repeating Arms Homesteader .45 ACP 16.5-inchFN Herstal 545 TacticalGlock Glock 21 Gen 5 FSIWI Masada Full Size .45 ACPRock Island Armory BBR 10mm LimitedRuger American Pistol ProKimber Rapide Dawn .45 ACP 5-inchKimber Rapide Dawn 10mmSpringfield Armory 1911 Saint .45 ACP 5-inchCMMG DissentDan Wesson Heritage .45 ACPRock Island Armory TCM Rock Standard FS 10mm

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (5)
.450 SMC.45 Winchester Magnum.45 GAP.45 Auto Rim.460 Rowland.38-45 Clerke.400 Cor-Bon
Family TreeOpen .45 ACP in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Loads465 factory loads for .45 ACPReloading55 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .45 ACP

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 438 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →