You likely do not need us to tell you that the venerable M1911A1 was eventually replaced by the 9mm Beretta M9 after a long and illustrious service history, both domestic and military, that spanned two World Wars.
The reasons for this are many, but there are many who refuse to give up their old .45’s in favor of the newer, lighter kicking 9’s.
This short post will break down some of the biggest differences between 9mm and .45 ACP ammo, from a very high level.
Stopping Power
The .45 ACP cartridge fires a heavier, slower bullet than the 9mm Luger, but it also produces more stopping power.
Take a 230-grain .45 ACP bullet that leaves the muzzle at 950 FPS. That bullet will carry 461 ft-lbs of energy. The cartridge generally bears muzzle energy in the realm of 340 to 460 ft-lbs.
Now let’s look at a 9mm Luger cartridge loaded with a 117-grain bullet that leaves the muzzle at 1250 FPS. That bullet will carry 401 ft-lbs of energy. Generally, 9mm Luger produces around 350 to 400 ft-lbs of energy.
So, as you can see, you trade speed and low weight for a heavier, harder hitting bullet. Strictly speaking, the .45 ACP hits harder.
Recoil
Higher recoil comes with higher stopping power, and that maxim is observed here. A handgun chambered in .45 ACP will produce recoil that has been likened to a relatively hard shove on the wrist, whereas 9mm produces recoil more akin to a sharp snap.
Either way, if you hold all factors equal, .45 ACP produces more kick.
It is important, however, to remember that the static mass of the gun is a big factor here. A light G19 with its polymer frame is likely to kick a lot harder than a heavy, all-steel 1911.
Of course, there are things you can do about this, like mounting a compensator – but it is important to note anyway that lower recoil and easier handling are in favor of the 9mm Luger.
Round Count
Most single-stack 1911 mags hold 7 rounds. A standard G19 mag holds 15, the G17 even more at 17.
That is largely due to the orientation of the magazine, and there are double-stack .45 mags, but the fact is also that the nod goes to 9mm here.
They are lighter, more compact cartridges and all else being equal, you can cram more of them into a smaller space, giving you more overall firepower.
Cost and Availability
A real kicker here is the tradeoff in price. While .45 ACP may offer a bit more stopping power, it comes at a price – a literal price.
Per-round costs will vary according to brand, type of bullet loaded, where you buy the ammo, and of course, quantity purchased, but inevitably, you will almost always pay more for .45 ACP ammo.
You can usually get 9mm for 20 to 25 cents per round (for target loads) whereas .45 ACP generally costs 30 cents or even more – and it only goes up from there once the object becomes hollow point defensive rounds or specialized target rounds like wadcutters.
Where Can You Get 9mm or .45 ACP Ammo Online?
It’s great to get your 9mm and .45 ACP ammo at your local gun shop, but when the shortages hit, make sure you have an online supplier in reserve.
Make that online seller Able Ammo. They carry a wide range of different calibers, including 9mm and .45 ACP ammo, from the top brands, and all at competitive prices. Check out their collection today and stock up.
