In response to numerous customer requests, Buffalo Bore has developed several effective low-recoil .45 ACP loads. This particular load travels at approximately the same velocity as the original 230-grain ball load used by the U.S. military for decades. However, the bullet weighs only 185 grains—45 grains lighter—resulting in significantly reduced free recoil.
Due to the limitations of lead-based jacketed bullets at lower velocities, reliable expansion is not feasible. Even if expansion occurs, it would severely reduce penetration, potentially rendering the bullet ineffective against large individuals wearing heavy clothing or shot at difficult angles.
To address this, Buffalo Bore uses a non-expanding solid bullet with a flat nose, designed to maximize terminal damage. Key advantages include:
- The .45 caliber bullet does not require expansion to be highly effective
- Flat-nosed bullets crush tissue, causing more damage than round-nosed bullets, which tend to slip through
- Penetration depth of approximately 20 inches in mammalian tissue
- Effective against large individuals in heavy winter clothing, even from poor angles
- Flash-suppressed powder minimizes vision loss in low-light scenarios
This ammunition operates at pressures well below the SAAMI maximum of 21,000 PSI for .45 ACP, making it safe for use in all properly functioning .45 ACP handguns.
Buffalo Bore determines published velocities using real-world factory firearms. We reject the use of extra-long laboratory barrels that produce inflated velocity figures, as they mislead customers and do not reflect actual performance.
Test velocities from various firearms:
- 829 fps – Series 70 Colt Gold Cup 1911, 5-inch barrel
- 827 fps – Series 90 Colt Gold Cup 1911, 5-inch barrel
- 865 fps – H&K USP Tactical, threaded 5-inch barrel
- 787 fps – S&W 1911PD (“Commander”), 4.25-inch barrel
- 735 fps – Colt Lightweight Officers Model, 3.5-inch barrel
- 681 fps – S&W Model 325PD (revolver), 2.5-inch barrel
