From the Firing Line: The History of .45 ACP
A Legacy Forged in Combat
The .45 ACP, a cartridge synonymous with American firearms history, emerged from the needs of a military facing new challenges. Before the advent of the .45 ACP, the U.S. Army predominantly relied on revolvers and cartridges such as the .38 Long Colt. During the Philippine-American War, American soldiers, armed with .38 Long Colt revolvers, encountered fierce resistance from Moro warriors, who often displayed a high degree of resilience to the .38’s stopping power. The .38 Long Colt’s shortcomings in stopping determined opponents led the military to seek a more effective cartridge.
Enter John Browning, a name that reverberates throughout firearm design. Tasked with crafting a more powerful and reliable cartridge and handgun combination, Browning developed the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) alongside the legendary M1911 pistol. This partnership revolutionized handgun design and performance. The .45 ACP was designed with a larger bullet diameter, a heavier bullet weight, and a lower velocity. The result was a cartridge that delivered a substantial impact, resulting in the famous “one-shot stop” potential.
The .45 ACP and the M1911 were adopted by the U.S. Army in the early 20th century and saw extensive service in both World Wars, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The cartridge proved to be a formidable force, known for its reliability, stopping power, and enduring popularity among soldiers and civilians. The .45 ACP’s effectiveness quickly earned it a reputation that has lasted for over a century. Even after the military adopted the 9mm Parabellum as its standard sidearm, the .45 ACP continues to thrive in the civilian market, particularly among those who value raw power and stopping ability. The enduring legacy of the .45 ACP serves as a testament to its historical significance and unwavering performance.
The Rise of the .40 Smith & Wesson
A Balance of Power
The .40 Smith & Wesson, a relative newcomer compared to the .45 ACP, was born from a different set of circumstances. In the late 1980s, many law enforcement agencies desired a round that would provide a balance between the 9mm’s higher capacity and the .45 ACP’s stopping power. The FBI’s adoption of the 10mm Auto cartridge had demonstrated a desire for greater ballistic performance. However, the 10mm Auto, with its full-power loads, proved too much to handle for many law enforcement officers, with excessive recoil and the size of the firearms.
Smith & Wesson, working in conjunction with Winchester, saw an opportunity. They took the .451 Detonics, shortened the case, and created a cartridge that would be less powerful than the full-power 10mm Auto but more potent than the 9mm. The result was the .40 Smith & Wesson. Introduced in 1990, the .40 S&W quickly gained popularity. Its ability to fit comfortably within existing 9mm-sized firearms and offer a substantial increase in stopping power, compared to the 9mm, made it an attractive option for many law enforcement agencies.
The .40 S&W was, at one point, incredibly widespread. Police departments across the United States and around the world embraced the new cartridge, making it the dominant caliber in many law enforcement circles. Its rise was rapid, filling a perceived gap in the market. However, in more recent years, its popularity has waned somewhat, with some agencies returning to 9mm, citing factors like ammunition cost, recoil, and advancements in 9mm ammunition technology. Despite these shifts, the .40 S&W continues to be a viable choice for both self-defense and recreational shooting.
Examining the Physical Characteristics
A Matter of Size and Shape
When comparing these two cartridges, their physical dimensions provide valuable insight. The .45 ACP, as designed, is a significantly larger cartridge overall. The bullet diameter of a .45 ACP is .452 inches, whereas the .40 S&W has a bullet diameter of .400 inches. This difference in bullet diameter alone points to a fundamental difference in design philosophy: the .45 ACP is built for a larger bullet, offering a larger wound channel, and the .40 S&W takes a slightly smaller bullet diameter that benefits from increased speed.
The case length of a .45 ACP is approximately 0.898 inches, while the .40 S&W case length is roughly 0.850 inches. This slight difference in case length impacts overall cartridge length and, in turn, the dimensions of the firearms designed to accommodate each round.
Overall cartridge length is the most important factor in deciding which fits in your firearm. This is what determines whether your .45 ACP can fit in a Glock 30S versus a .40 S&W in a Glock 23.
Delving into Ballistic Performance
Power and Potential
The performance differences between the .40 S&W and .45 ACP extend beyond the physical dimensions. A critical factor to consider is the energy that the bullet delivers to the target.
The energy of a bullet is measured in foot-pounds, or energy. Higher energy means a greater impact, which can translate to increased stopping power. In general, .45 ACP cartridges will typically have more foot-pounds of energy, at closer distances.
However, it’s crucial to remember that energy is not the sole determinant of stopping power. Factors like bullet design, expansion, and penetration also play significant roles. Bullets that expand upon impact will create a larger wound cavity, which can increase the effectiveness of the cartridge. Penetration is equally critical; a bullet must penetrate sufficiently to reach vital organs to effectively stop a threat.
The .40 S&W tends to have a flatter trajectory at further ranges because of its higher velocity.
Firearms and Their Characteristics
Choosing the Right Tool
The firearms that chamber each round also affect your decision.
Firearm Availability:
Both .40 S&W and .45 ACP enjoy excellent availability across a wide range of firearms. The .45 ACP has a particularly strong presence in the 1911 platform, though it can be found in many other pistol types. The .40 S&W has been chambered in a wide variety of pistol designs.
Firearm Size and Weight:
A crucial factor, especially for concealed carry, is the size and weight of the firearms. Given that the .40 S&W cartridge is often found in similar-sized firearms to the 9mm, they can sometimes be somewhat smaller and lighter, though this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.
The .45 ACP generally necessitates a larger frame for a given capacity, with the exception of thin-frame 1911s. This can impact concealability and comfort.
Recoil and Handling:
Recoil, the felt movement of the firearm when fired, varies significantly between the .40 S&W and .45 ACP. The .45 ACP, with its larger bullet and higher energy, tends to produce a heavier, more noticeable recoil. The .40 S&W, while still possessing a substantial recoil impulse, often delivers a snappier, higher-frequency recoil that some shooters find more difficult to manage.
The user needs to have a good grip for each cartridge to deal with the recoil that they produce.
Ease of control is another essential element. For most shooters, the .40 S&W’s recoil is more abrupt. Experienced shooters may prefer the .45 ACP due to its heavier, less snappy recoil.
Considering Ammunition and Costs
The Price of Power
Another critical aspect in selecting a cartridge is ammunition availability and cost.
The price of ammunition can be a significant factor, particularly for those who enjoy recreational shooting or want to practice frequently. Generally, .45 ACP ammunition is often more expensive than .40 S&W ammunition, although the price differences can vary depending on manufacturer, bullet type, and current market conditions.
Both cartridges are widely available, with numerous ammunition manufacturers producing a wide variety of loads.
In some areas, the larger .45 ACP may be a bit more readily available, depending on the location, and the inventory will remain more stable than .40 S&W.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Making an Informed Decision
The Advantages of .40 S&W:
The .40 S&W’s primary advantages are typically higher magazine capacity in similar-sized firearms (as compared to .45 ACP), and its higher velocity. These advantages can allow for quicker follow-up shots.
The .40 S&W provides a potent blend of stopping power and manageable recoil.
The Disadvantages of .40 S&W:
It has the reputation for a “snappy” recoil. Some find this to be less comfortable than the recoil of the .45 ACP. This can make it more difficult to control during rapid fire, and ammunition can be slightly harder to come by in certain locations.
The Advantages of .45 ACP:
The .45 ACP’s appeal lies in its larger bullet diameter and long-held reputation for effectiveness. The heavier bullet delivers a substantial impact, often creating a larger wound channel. The slower, more powerful cartridge can also be advantageous in that it has less overall stress on the firearm.
The Disadvantages of .45 ACP:
Typically has a lower magazine capacity in the same-sized firearms. The heavier recoil can make it slower for follow-up shots. It may also be more difficult to find concealed carry holsters for it, and the price of ammunition is often higher.
The Right Choice for You
Finding the Best Fit
Choosing between the .40 S&W and the .45 ACP involves a personal assessment of your needs, preferences, and shooting experience.
For individuals prioritizing maximum stopping power and are comfortable with the heavier recoil, the .45 ACP remains an excellent choice. Its proven track record and substantial impact offer peace of mind. For those prioritizing ease of control, a flatter trajectory, and higher capacity, the .40 S&W can be a compelling option. It provides a balance of power and manageability.
Ultimately, the “better” cartridge depends on your specific requirements. Consider factors such as concealability, recoil tolerance, intended use, and ammunition costs. Practice with both cartridges if you can, and determine which one feels most natural and controllable in your hands.
The selection between .40 S&W and .45 ACP is more of a preference. The best cartridge is the one that best suits the individual shooter, and that choice should be determined by a careful evaluation of the facts and personal preferences.
