This page summarises the specifications of the 45 ACP product in the current Özkursan catalogue.
What Is .45 ACP?
.45 ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol. It is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge designed by John Moses Browning in 1904 and in production since 1905, adopted with the Colt Model 1911 pistol. It is also called .45 Auto, .45 Automatic or 11.43×23 mm, and these are all the same cartridge.
.45 ACP Size in mm and Specifications
The ".45" is the nominal diameter in inches: 0.45 in is 11.43 mm. The measured bullet diameter is 0.452 in, or about 11.5 mm.
| Specification | .45 ACP |
|---|---|
| Nominal calibre | .45 in (11.43 mm) |
| Bullet diameter | 0.452 in (11.5 mm) |
| Case length | 0.898 in (22.8 mm) |
| Overall length | 1.275 in (32.4 mm) |
| Case type | Rimless, straight-walled |
| Primer | Large pistol |
| Maximum pressure (SAAMI) | 21,000 psi (23,000 psi for +P) |
| Maximum pressure (C.I.P.) | 19,000 psi |
| Typical bullet weight | 230 grain (available from 68 to 300 grain) |
Is .45 Auto the Same as .45 ACP?
Yes. .45 Auto and .45 ACP are two names for the same cartridge, and ammunition marked either way fits the same chamber. It must not be confused with .45 Colt, which is a different, older revolver cartridge.
Typical .45 ACP Factory Loads
| Load | Velocity | Energy |
|---|---|---|
| 230 grain FMJ, standard load | 835 ft/s (254 m/s) | 356 ft·lbf (483 J) |
| 230 grain FMJ, higher-velocity load | 960 ft/s (293 m/s) | 471 ft·lbf (639 J) |
Values are typical published figures from two manufacturers and vary by brand, lot and barrel length. The standard military load is a 230-grain bullet at about 830 ft/s from the M1911A1.
Which Guns Use .45 ACP?
- Colt M1911 and M1911A1: the pistols the cartridge was adopted for.
- Colt Model 1905: an early Colt pistol chambered for it.
- Thompson M1A1: a submachine gun that fires it at about 950 ft/s.
- Glock 21: a modern polymer-frame pistol.
.45 ACP vs 9mm
| Feature | .45 ACP | 9×19 mm |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum pressure (SAAMI) | 21,000 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Standard bullet weight | 230 grain | 115 grain |
.45 ACP is the larger, heavier cartridge and operates at a lower pressure. For the 9 mm range see types of 9mm ammunition.
Ozkursan .45 ACP Products
The current Özkursan Small Arms Ammunition catalogue includes the following 45 ACP product.
| Product | Case | Bullet | Grain | Primer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 ACP | Brass Plated Steel | FMJ Brass | 230 | Boxer |
Current .45 ACP Case Specification
The current catalogue specifies a brass-plated steel case, a 230-grain FMJ Brass bullet and a Boxer primer for 45 ACP.
.45 ACP Calibre Overview
Designed by John Moses Browning in 1904 and in production since 1905, .45 ACP remains widely used in semi-automatic pistols today. At 11.43 mm, its diameter is larger than smaller-calibre rounds such as 9 mm or .40 S&W, and a 230-grain bullet weight is the calibre's typical production standard.
Typical Platforms
.45 ACP is used widely in semi-automatic pistols, particularly classic designs such as the 1911 platform. Its large diameter and heavy 230-grain bullet are the calibre's defining features.
FMJ Brass Bullet Construction
The FMJ Brass (Full Metal Jacket) bullet construction used in Ozkursan's .45 ACP products fully encloses the lead core in a copper/brass alloy jacket. This construction leaves less lead fouling in the bore and is a standard choice for sport shooting and training use.
Browse the current .45 Cal pistol ammunition range in the Ozkursan catalogue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is .45 ACP?
.45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge designed by John Moses Browning in 1904 and in production since 1905. It is also called .45 Auto and 11.43×23 mm.
What does ACP stand for?
ACP stands for Automatic Colt Pistol.
How big is .45 ACP in mm?
The nominal calibre of .45 inch is 11.43 mm. The measured bullet diameter is 0.452 inch, about 11.5 mm. The case is 22.8 mm long and the loaded cartridge 32.4 mm. See the specification table.
Is .45 Auto the same as .45 ACP?
Yes. .45 Auto, .45 Automatic and .45 ACP are the same cartridge. It is not the same as .45 Colt.
Which guns use .45 ACP?
The Colt M1911 and M1911A1 pistols, the Colt Model 1905, the Thompson M1A1 submachine gun and the Glock 21 are chambered for it.
What is the difference between .45 ACP and 9mm?
.45 ACP uses a heavier, larger bullet (230 grain, 11.5 mm) at a lower maximum pressure of 21,000 psi, while the standard 9×19 mm load is 115 grain at up to 35,000 psi. See the comparison table.
Review product categories, the catalog and corporate inquiry options for current Ozkursan information.
