Shot a .45 for the first time.

[GunMan21]

I rented an XD 45 tactical today. It was my first time shooting a .45. I actually thought it was easier to shoot than my G19. Anyone else have a .45 they think is easier to shoot than 9mm?

Maybe its just cuz im comparing a compact and a fullsize...still i never thought it would be so easy. If i knew how pleasant it is to shoot, i wouldve skipped the 9 and went right to the 45.

[USAF385]

.45 is definitely a pretty mild round. It operates at pressure less than 9mm. 21,000 psi compared to about 34,000 psi. A lot of people are thrown off by how mild it is to shoot.

My girlfriend can handle my S&W 457 (.45) but won't touch any of my .40s (considered by many the harshest of the three)

[Bruce]

[...] It operates at pressure less than 9mm. 21,000 psi compared to about 34,000 psi. [...]

You've listed nearly the 'maximum' SAAMI pressures here. Your average "standard pressure" commercial ammo is usually lower in pressure than SAAMI max pressures.

Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sportin...s%27_Institute

Not "official", but 'ball park' info: http://www.handloads.com/misc/saami.htm

The SAAMI people: http://www.saami.org/

While "+P" ammo is 'supposed' to be at or just above SAAMI max pressures for a particular caliber - there (technically) is no actual "industry standard" set for the "+P" rating. So - any manufacturer could, theoretically, use any random pressure that they wanted and "label" it "+P".

It is safe to assume, though, that - unless you are handloading the ammo - most commercial 'factory' ammunition is not likely to reach or exceed SAAMI maximum pressures, even the +P stuff (it's kind of a liability thing).

And, old SAAMI specs for many handgun calibers were reduced a number of years ago (most attribute these 'industry wide' lower pressures to the newer lighter, and, in some cases, less durable materials used to produce some of today's 'alloy' handguns).

So, your typical (say, WWB .230gr FMJ) .45 ACP ammo is more likely (my personal guess) to probably be around 18,750 psi to 19,250 psi (and not anywhere nears 21,000 psi).
.

[Hokkmike]

A lot has to do with design of the pistol. For example some little .380 pistols with the blow-back design hack the thumb web more than a 9mm or .45.

[billamj]

I prefer shooting my XD45C than some of the .380s I've shot. As has been said it is all a matter of ergonomics and most .45s are easier to fire than similar 9s or .40s.

[USAF385]

You've listed nearly the 'maximum' SAAMI pressures here. Your average "standard pressure" commercial ammo is usually lower in pressure than SAAMI max pressures.

So, your typical (say, WWB .230gr FMJ) .45 ACP ammo is more likely (my personal guess) to probably be around 18,750 psi to 19,250 psi (and not anywhere nears 21,000 psi).
.

Oh yeah, I forgot some people actually buy factory ammo!

[Grumpa72]

Imo, to be able to accurately compare how two different calibers feel when shooting, one must use similar guns. For instance, my Sig P226 in 9mm and my P220 in .45 acp share the same size frame. They do feel different with the 9mm having less perceived recoil than the .45 acp. Just my two cents.

[mrnyman]

Actually very few .45's operate in the 21.000 cup range, most are 15,000-19000.

I like the recoil of the .45 above all handgun ammo, very smooth and accurate.

[CHEMICAL]

.45 is definitely a pretty mild round. It operates at pressure less than 9mm. 21,000 psi compared to about 34,000 psi. A lot of people are thrown off by how mild it is to shoot.

My girlfriend can handle my S&W 457 (.45) but won't touch any of my .40s (considered by many the harshest of the three)

and then you have the .357 Sig!..

[Spishack357]

I've heard the .45 can't even break skin past 20 yards, no wonder its recoil is a kitten...