230 gr or 185 gr?

I shoot a little of several different bullet weights in .45acp at paper. I only load 230's for defense. Since not all of my 1911's are totally reliable with anything but 230 ball I keep plenty of that on hand. Good enough for the military, good enough for me.

However... my primary defensive pistols ,all 1911s, are well stocked with 230 hydra shoks.

They keep my 18" 870 quite warm and fuzzy feeling.
 
If you believe Marshall & Evans data has credibility, the 230gr Hydro-Shok has a One Shot Stop history of 100% out of 5" barrels and 84% out of 4-1/4 barrels. The 185gr+P Hydro-Shok has a One Shot Stop history of 92% out of a 4-1/4" barrel. Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch has said that A 5" barrel is required for the .45ACP. I suspect he was speaking of 230gr. Hard Ball ammo because it is what he uses.

Some people do not place any credibility in Marshall & Evans' data but most all of us believe statistics based on history. Personally, I do. My opinion only.

Martyu
 
With 230 hollowpoints, you get the advantage of readily available training ammo (standard hardball). 185 gr loads are a little harder to come by and usually don't have a hardball configuration, and, in my experience, are less reliable.

185 grain rounds are the only thing I've seen that will choke a Glock!
 
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