CALIBER WIKI
What is .45 ACP?
11.43×23mm · .45 Auto — The big-bore pistol classic behind the 1911.
.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) is a large-diameter handgun cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904 for the Colt 1911 pistol. It fires a heavy, slow bullet that hits hard at short range with famously manageable recoil.
On IndianGuns you will find it in full-size 1911-pattern pistols such as the Kiehberg 1911 and Malhotra MSD series — all licensed firearms.
Quick facts
- Bullet diameter: 11.43 mm
- Typical bullet: 230 grain FMJ
- Famous guns: Colt 1911, Glock 21
- Use: sport shooting, self-defence (with license)
Licensed firearm caliber in India. You need a valid arms license issued anywhere in India to purchase and use it.
Makers chambered in .45 ACP
Buying guides
Technical specifications
Representative standard loading: Standard 230 gr FMJ military ball. Figures from Wikipedia.
| Bullet diameter | 11.43 mm (.452 in) |
|---|---|
| Case length | 22.8 mm (.898 in) |
| Bullet weight | 230 gr FMJ (14.9 g) |
| Muzzle velocity | 255 m/s (835 ft/s) |
| Muzzle energy | 483 J (356 ft·lbf) |
| Origin | United States |
| Designer | John Browning |
| Test barrel | 5 in (127 mm) service pistol |
.45 ACP vs other well-known calibers
Typical muzzle energy — bars to scale. A .177 airgun pellet hits with roughly 1/25th the energy of a 9mm round.
| Caliber | .45 ACP | 9mm Luger | .357 Magnum | .380 ACP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Ø | 11.43 mm (.452 in) | 9.01 mm | 9.07 mm (.357 in) | 9.0 mm (.355 in) |
| Bullet weight | 230 gr FMJ (14.9 g) | 7.45 g FMJ (115 gr) | 158 gr JHP (10.2 g) | 95 gr FMJ (6.2 g) |
| Velocity | 255 m/s (835 ft/s) | 360 m/s (1,180 ft/s) | 378 m/s (1,240 ft/s) | 299 m/s (980 ft/s) |
| Energy | 483 J (356 ft·lbf) | 481 J (355 ft·lbf) | 731 J (539 ft·lbf) | 275 J (203 ft·lbf) |
Bullet size, to scale
Front view of each bullet at true relative size.
.45 ACP 11.43 mm
9mm Luger 9.01 mm
.357 Magnum 9.07 mm
.380 ACP 9.02 mm
