Lindcott Armory Compare / .45 ACP vs 9mm Luger
Cartridge comparison
.45 ACP vs 9mm Luger
9mm Luger is faster (1,250 vs 1,000 fps); .45 ACP carries more energy (450 vs 400 ft·lb); 9mm Luger recoils less.
.45 ACP →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
9mm Luger →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .45 ACP | 9mm Luger | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1905 | 1902 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.452″ | 0.355″ |
| Case length | 0.898″ | 0.754″ |
| Velocity | 850–1,000 fps | 990–1,250 fps |
| Energy | 350–450 ft·lb | 300–400 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 21,000 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Recoil | 9–14 ft·lb | 5–8 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 50 yd | 50 yd |
FAQs
- Is .45 ACP faster than 9mm Luger?
- 9mm Luger is faster — up to 1,250 fps versus 1,000 fps.
- Does .45 ACP hit harder than 9mm Luger?
- .45 ACP carries more muzzle energy (450 vs 400 ft·lb).