230gran vs 185gran .45ACP

[BJones]

I am new to the .45ACP have always shot 9mm and .40S&W

Is there a big difference in 185gran vs 230gran bullets for the .45ACP.

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[joshualee49]

I am new to the .45ACP have always shot 9mm and .40S&W

Is there a big difference in 185gran vs 230gran bullets for the .45ACP.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Assuming the powder charge is the same, the lighter bullet will have more velocity than the heavier one. If I understand correctly, the heavier bullet will have more drop at a shorter distance than the lighter bullet as well. It's not something you will notice within 7-10 yards but you may have to change your point of aim a touch if you are shooting 25 yards. Lighter bullets are generally less expensive (although not by a huge amount).

A lot of folks swear by a 200 grain SWC for target practice - I prefer 230 grain LRN myself, as I like to target practice with what I carry....

It's a great overall round. Price not considered, my suggestion would be to grab a box or two of each kind you are considering and see what shoots the best for you. As I said, I prefer shooting a pretty warm 230 grain hand load..

 

[Fordtough25]

I've always shot 230 gr hardball with great results!

 

[churchmouse]

We shoot mainly 230 hard ball but do notice some drop out past 50 yds.
I shoot 185 gr. hardball in my steel gun as it is a bit hotter out of the box. Since I put the compensated barrel in the gun it cycles better on the lighter round. 185 gr. does not drop as the 230 (same brand) does. It does carry about 300 FPS greater velocity than the 230. It is about $3.00 higher a box. I ran both through my TRP Sunday and the 185 does have a bit more "Bark" than the 230. JMHO

 

[Claddagh]

Basically, the main reason I stick with 230 gr. for my SD/HD/CCW ammo is that all of my .45s with fixed sights came with their POA/POI regulated for them.

I developed my 200 gr. LSWC practice/plinking loads so that their POI would be as closely similar as possible to the 230 gr. out to 25 yds in my pistols. Really doesn't matter in my 625-4, but sure makes things simpler in most everything else.

 

[indiucky]

I've always shot 230 gr hardball with great results!

If it ain't broke...Don't fix it...

 

[Fixer]

I carry 230 gr HP, but I shoot 185 gr. RN for target shooting as they do run a bit cheaper for reloading. At short distances i have yet to notice a difference in POA/POI between the two. I had a chance to shoot the 230's at about 15-20yds at a rabbit and was a perfect hit exactly where I was aiming. Over kill I know, only gun I had on me out at my parents.

 

[RandomName]

Its just heavier/slower vs lighter/faster. As mentioned above, if you have fixed sights they are probably set up for 230gr.

 

[cosermann]

...Is there a big difference in 185gran vs 230gran bullets for the .45ACP. ...

The difference is 45 grains.

Whether that's a big difference or not depends.

IMHO, it's a significant difference. It drops the sectional density of the bullet from 0.162 to 0.130. All other things equal, 230 gr will penetrate better than 185 gr. and it's what I use.

If your purpose is self-defense, virtually all the recommended conventional hollow points are 230 gr. (the exception being the all copper Barnes 185 gr hp).

For practice shoot whatever you want, BUT shooting a similar bullet weight, even for practice, will make your practice more closely mirror shooting with your carry load.

 

[Fullmag]

185gr little lighter recoil almost a 9mm feel in polymer guns. Not good for self defense but target shooting, OK, bought some to try for my own experience.

 

[DoggyDaddy]

I carry 230 gr HP, but I shoot 185 gr. RN for target shooting as they do run a bit cheaper for reloading. At short distances i have yet to notice a difference in POA/POI between the two. I had a chance to shoot the 230's at about 15-20yds at a rabbit and was a perfect hit exactly where I was aiming. Over kill I know, only gun I had on me out at my parents.

It's comin' right for us!!

It's Coming Right For Us (Season 1, Episode 3) - Video Clips - South Park Studios

 

[45fan]

My preference for carry is a 185 gr slug, not any scientific reason behind the choice, just a recommendation from someone who I know well, and has first had experience with the effectiveness of the lightweight 45 loads. Between the two, given good shot placement, I doubt any BG would stop any slower with one over the other.

 

[in625shooter]

I generally run only 230 gr through my 45 because it is a good solid performer. When I carry the 45 (I normally use a 357 or 9mm) I carry 230 gr JHP so 230 FMJ is a great practice round. Same POA/POI Plus EVERYWHERE carries 230 gr JHP and FMJ Not everybody has 185's or at least not as much of it.

 

[billyboyr6]

I carry the 185 hydra-shock's in a short barreled revolver just because it has a better chance to gain speed in a realy short barrel. All other guns I'll use 230's.

 

[ssblair]

I shoot 230 grain RN cuz it I figure it more closely approximates what I would carry if I were carrying defensive loads.

Check out brassfetcher.com to look at the different ballistic penetration tests of various calibers and loads. You may see a difference in penetration and bullet expansion. Although .45s have been lethal long before anybody came up with expanding bullets...

 

[spyder]

You could go with the normal 45 rounds... or you could get a good gun that can handle the 45 super..........

1252.2 fps / 644 ft lbs / all at 50 yards....
All from a 185 grain hollow point...


Or the 255 grain at 50 yards...
1169.5 fps / 774.4 ft lbs < That just makes you smile.

45 Super is externally/dimensionally identical to 45 acp or 45 acp+P and is designed to be used in 45 acp semi auto pistols that have been fitted with stronger than normal recoil springs and a shock buffer, plus a couple other modifications. While you can shoot 45 SUPER out of some stock 45 acp+P pistols such as the Glock 21, HK USP or the full sized all steel 1911, you will batter your pistol if you do not have them modified to handle the extra pressure and slide velocity of the 45 Super

These do make your guns (my Hk's) kick like a mule if you could imagine...

 

[88E30M50]

I carry 185g Gold Dots in my snub nose 1911, but carry 230g Gold Dots in all of my other 1911s. I think the short barrel guns work better with the lighter bullet than they do with the heavier one. I have not put either through the chrono to confirm that though.

 

[churchmouse]

You could go with the normal 45 rounds... or you could get a good gun that can handle the 45 super..........

1252.2 fps / 644 ft lbs / all at 50 yards....
All from a 185 grain hollow point...


Or the 255 grain at 50 yards...
1169.5 fps / 774.4 ft lbs < That just makes you smile.





These do make your guns (my Hk's) kick like a mule if you could imagine...

So, you are saying an H&K USP is already capable of firing this round??? What mods did you do to yours?????

 

[sloughfoot]

I am new to the .45ACP have always shot 9mm and .40S&W

Is there a big difference in 185gran vs 230gran bullets for the .45ACP.

Thanks in advance for your input.

In what regard? Terminal ballistics? Reliable feeding? Felt recoil? POI vs POA? Or what?

I rely on the 185+P as much I rely on the 230 as far as terminal ballistics, if that is the basis of your question. But that is just a guess of what you might be asking.

 

[billybob44]

YES Quite the OVERKILL..

"shoot the 230's at about 15-20yds at a rabbit"


Did you stop the Big Ole Rabbit?? HA HA.

Hell, I thought that I was a little excessive when I stopped a Rabbit with a 148gr. WC, out of my Smith Model 60??

But a 230gr.??? Ouch....Bill