You know you’ve got a powerful cartridge when the man most influential in its selection was General John T. Thompson, also known as the man behind the invention of the Thompson submachine gun. He served in the Spanish-American War, retired, and then re-upped to serve as the Army’s Director of Arsenals during World War I. When the war ended, he retired again – and perfected the Tommy gun. But before the Tommy gun, Thompson was instrumental in the .45 ACP becoming the Army’s cartridge of choice. After witnessing the failure of the .38 Long Colt in combat, he proclaimed the need for a real “man stopper,” and with the .45 ACP, he got it.
.45 ACP cartridge has precise specifications, including:
- Case type: rimless and straight
- Bullet diameter: .452 inches
- Neck diameter: .473 inches
- Base diameter: .476 inches
- Rim diameter: .480 inches
- Case length: .898 inches
- Overall length: 1.275 inches
- Case Capacity: 25 gr H2O
- Rifling twist: 1 in 16 in (406mm)
- Maximum pressure: 21,000 psi
Sellier & Bellot has been manufacturing quality target rounds in the Czech Republic since 1825. These FMJ rounds were created specifically for training purposes, whether target, tactical, or plinking. They weigh 230 grain, which is an impressive, heavy weight. Muzzle velocity is 853 feet per second, proving they can still zip down-range at a decent pace, and muzzle energy is 372 foot-pounds. .45 ACP’s real talent is punching devastating holes in targets, and these rounds will give you the practice necessary to improve your marksmanship with the powerful caliber. There are 50 rounds in this box, so order one – or two – and make your big handgun happy by treating it to a day at the range.
