Best self defence ammo for 45 ACP

[Hobbs4421]

I will soon be buying an Smith & Wesson M&P 45. I am looking foreward to owning this gun! I have the M&P9 and it has been great, but I want the 45 ACP. I will have this on my side while archery hunting, so I want a heavy/powerful load.

What ammo do you recommend?
What are your experiences?
Feel free to let me know what the pros and cons are with the gun.

Thanks, Isaac

[philadelphia patriot]

I recommend two rounds, both made by Underwood Ammo:

1) 200 grain +p bonded JHP
2) 230 grain +p bonded JHP

As for the M&P 45, I hear they are good guns, but the triggers suck (like all M&Ps). I had an M&P 9 and the apex competition trigger helped make it a great gun.

[Hobbs4421]

Is the M&P 45 +P rated? I guess this will have a big impact on what I end up buying.

[sprrdhawk44]

Any quality hollow point with an established and proven track record. Don't overthink it. Put the round where it needs to go, as many times as you need to in order to stop the threat. I carry 230 grain Speer Gold Dots.

[philadelphia patriot]

Is the M&P 45 +P rated? I guess this will have a big impact on what I end up buying.

From what I have read +p is fine. Standard 45acp is 21,000 PSI and +p is 23,000 PSI.

[philadelphia patriot]

For what it's worth, I carry short barrel 230 grain .45acp Speer Gold Dots in my Glock 30S. The bonded jacket hollow points used by Underwood are Speer Gold Dot bullets. Underwood just puts a little more pressure/velocity/energy into the round.

[solrac7]

I like the Hornady critical duty (not critical defense, although I wouldn't be opposed to that ) - it works well in my pistols (higher strength springs) - whatever you use make sure it functions flawlessly !!!


Cb

[Hobbs4421]

Thanks guys!

[RockIsland]

Any quality hollow point with an established and proven track record. Don't overthink it. Put the round where it needs to go, as many times as you need to in order to stop the threat. I carry 230 grain Speer Gold Dots.

^^^^Yup, what he said.^^^^

I use Gold Dots, Remington Golden Sabres and Federal HST's. They all work well but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to explain each of their failings and how much they suck.

Certain guns prefer some over others, so always put a few hundred down range so you know they will work reliably when you need them to.

[PA1936MN]

Winchester PDX1
Hornady Critical Defense
Winchester Ranger T-Series

I use both the PDX1 and Critical Defense loads. Work well in my G30s.