Are these bullets really "self-defense"?

Spurshot · February 13, 2016

I'm a fan of 1911 .45s as well. If I had a 1911 .45 in hand with some IPSC Major loads in hard cast SWC, I'd have no reservations about what it will do in a self-defense situation. It wouldn't be a conscious choice, but I'd put more confidence in it than a 380 with HPs. I recall someone shooting a mid-sized deer with that IPSC SWC load...one shot kill...heart shot.

foo.c · February 13, 2016

In reality .45 is not the all powerful round many think it is. 9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP all suck about the same.

Here's a dude who got shot 9 times with .45ACP Gold Dot and didn't stop until one went through his eye.

http://lawofficer.com/2009/06/17/officer-down-a-warriors-sacrifice/

Spurshot · February 13, 2016

In reality .45 is not the all powerful round many think it is. 9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP all suck about the same.

Here's a dude who got shot 9 times with .45ACP Gold Dot and didn't stop until one went through his eye.

http://lawofficer.com/2009/06/17/officer-down-a-warriors-sacrifice/

Shot placement matters. Anyone that has decent big game hunting experience can tell you a well place shot in vital organs is necessary to kill quickly. No disrespect to officer Borders abilities.

foo.c · February 13, 2016

Shot placement matters. Anyone that has decent big game hunting experience can tell you a well place shot in vital organs is necessary to kill quickly. No disrespect to officer Borders abilities.

Yep, it matters. There's nothing special about .45ACP in that regard.

Cowpie · February 13, 2016

True, there is nothing special about the .45. There is no perfect round that will fulfill every situation that can come up. There is nothing special about a 30-30 either, but it has dropped more game in N. America than any other cartridge. There are some things that just plain work. I base many of my cartridge choices on that premise. Hell, there have been people that took a wallop from a .50 BMG or a 20mm and still did not go down. You want guarantees, then launch a 105mm beehive round at them. Based on my personal experience, the .45 is a great choice. Not perfect, just great cartridge with a excellent, proven track record in a lot of situations. Of course, you hit them in the wrist or the big toe, you are not going to put them down.