45defensive ammo for short barrel pistols

[Robert Mitchum]

Thinking of getting a 45 shield ..
I have good amounts on hand of the following ammo ....

Winchester Ranger .45 ACP 230 Grain
HST 230 grain
Hornady Critical Duty .45 ACP 220 Grain +P


I use them for my M&P 45 and HK45 ,, not sure what's a good round for short barrel 45's.
Even if I have to get another brand that's fine.
Thanks for any info ..... it would be much appreciated.

[voodoo_man]

All have good results, I've seen .45 HST work well and would recommend it as it's still a widely used duty round.

[GJM]

If I understand the OP, he is asking about performance of .45 acp in shorter barrels, which is interrelated to how much velocity is lost in that caliber with shorter barrels. I am interested in any velocity numbers in .45, for different barrel lengths, as it may influence my thinking about the benefit of a threaded (and longer) barrel in the HK45C and USP FS.

[DocGKR]

In general, HST will work adequately in 3.5" or longer barrels, as will the all copper Barnes bullets.

[Nephrology]

In general, HST will work adequately in 3.5" or longer barrels, as will the all copper Barnes bullets.

I believe the .45 caliber Shield has a 3.3" barrel. Not sure if or how significant the 0.2" is.

[GJM]

Generally speaking, looks like not much difference in velocity between 4 and 5 inches, but significant reduction between 4 and 3 inch barrels.

http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/45auto.html

[Robert Mitchum]

If I understand the OP, he is asking about performance of .45 acp in shorter barrels, which is interrelated to how much velocity is lost in that caliber with shorter barrels. I am interested in any velocity numbers in .45, for different barrel lengths, as it may influence my thinking about the benefit of a threaded (and longer) barrel in the HK45C and USP FS.

This
"performance of .45 acp in shorter barrels"

[Robert Mitchum]

In general, HST will work adequately in 3.5" or longer barrels, as will the all copper Barnes bullets.

Thanks !

[DocGKR]

There are very few situations where I would envision a sub 4" barrel .45 Auto being superior to a similar small size 9 mm; for example, I'd much rather use a 9 mm Shield than a .40 or .45 version...

[Tamara]

If I understand the OP, he is asking about performance of .45 acp in shorter barrels, which is interrelated to how much velocity is lost in that caliber with shorter barrels. I am interested in any velocity numbers in .45, for different barrel lengths, as it may influence my thinking about the benefit of a threaded (and longer) barrel in the HK45C and USP FS.

I did some chronograph testing (http://booksbikesboomsticks.blogspot.com/2014/09/gods-own-pistol-caliber.html) out of a 6½" Hoag longslide, a 5" Gov't Model, and my roommate's Star Firestar, which has a 3¾" bbl, if I remember right...