.45 ACP

.45 ACP (.452 bore)

History & Design Intent

The .452-inch designation is the precise groove diameter of the .45 ACP family that John Browning designed in 1904–05 for the M1911. The cartridge was built to give a service pistol authoritative stopping power with a heavy, slow-moving bullet at modest chamber pressure.

Operational Profile

Loaded with a 230-grain bullet at a subsonic ~830 fps, the .45 ACP is known for its mild muzzle report, manageable straight-back recoil impulse, and excellent feeding in the 1911 and its descendants. It remains a benchmark defensive and target cartridge among large-bore semi-autos.