I don't see this question anywhere so here we go.
I would like to know which of the weights is best for defense rounds, 185 , 200 , 230?

Thanks, Jim

I think that they will all work fine against people (given modern bullets). I use 230-grain Ranger SXT standard-pressure rounds in my home defense gun and 200-gr Hornady TAP +Ps in my walking-around gun. I suspect there's not really much difference between their ultimate performance in people.

While I tend to like mass for ensured penetration, I'm of the opinion that the one that you shoot most accurately and quickly from your gun is probably the best for you.

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Now go make God proud...

i just bought some gold dot 185gr for my new 1911. havent been to the range yet though.

i have heard good things about golden sabers. but like most ammo, i can find any.

I personally prefer 230s in standard pressure; Ranger T, HST, Gold Dot, or Golden Saber.

IMHO it depends on the weather and location.

If you are at the beach or in the mountains?

Summer or winter?

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Doug "N Frame Addict"
CO

See what you and the gun shoot best with together. I tend toward lighter midweight bullets in a given caliber. I think 200 grainers are a safe bet.

I prefer the 185 in light, short barreled, pistols. The lower recoil allows somewhat quicker followup shots. The 185+P gives somewhat higher velocity out of short barrels, helping to ensure expansion of hollowpoints. For full-size pistols or the 625, the 230 is king.

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USAF, 69-92
Vietnam, 72-73

The standard pressure Remington Golden Saber in 185 grain have been my standard issue for several years. They function 100% in every .45 I own. If in doubt, the old 230 G.I. ball ammo has been dispatching bad guys for almost 100 years. It is hard to go wrong with a .45 ACP load as long as it functions well.

Use what you can shoot well in your gun.

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Centennial Every Day

Thank you all....
I stopped my usual ammo store today to check on the ammo in stock.
They have the new Win. Bonded PDX1 there. Has anyone tried them yet?

That is the great thing about all .40+ caliber bullets. the things just work.
In .45 acp, I prefer the 230gr Golden Sabres.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

I like the 230gr Federal Hydra-Shok load.

+1

+ Another fan for Hydra-shok. I have numerous confirmed fantasy kills in .38,.357,.9mm..40,.45asp and .44mag. It's the ammo dreams are made of.

230 Hydra-Shok.

I'm normally an ammo snob (I use one and only one load in 9mm) but for .45 ACP I like any standard pressure 230 gr JHP.

Having the same feel and impact point as ball helps to make that choice easier.

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Stu

I like 230 grain Cor-Bon.... expensive, but hey, what isn't anymore?

Bottom line, which would you prefer to be shot with? None of the above? That's what I thought...

Erich has it right: shot placement is king, penetration is queen, everything else... is well, just something to yammer on about in threads like this.

the 45 in any bullet design will penetrate, count on that... do your job: place good shots and don't worry about it!