If you are concerned about 4 legged threats 40 S&W is a huge step ahead of 45. My personal preference is a G20 or G29 loaded with 200 gr DoubleTap ammo at 1300 fps. They offer the same bullet in 40 S&W @ 1100 fps with a 4.5" barrel. I used a G23 with this load before upgrading to 10mm.
There is nothing in 45 ACP that will come close to the penetration you'd get from that load. Even typical 180 gr factory loads at about 1000 fps will out penetrate anything in 45 ACP.
Penetration is what you need. Within the same caliber and everything else being equal mass equals penetration. But when comparing different calibers the bullets sectional density and construction come into play. Even with the best bullets 45 is does not penetrate well. 230 gr bullets are heavy, but not really heavy in relation to the caliber.
There is nothing in 45 ACP that will come close to the penetration you'd get from that load. Even typical 180 gr factory loads at about 1000 fps will out penetrate anything in 45 ACP.
by now I'm sure you've learned, when it comes to dangerous game, mass is what you need.
Penetration is what you need. Within the same caliber and everything else being equal mass equals penetration. But when comparing different calibers the bullets sectional density and construction come into play. Even with the best bullets 45 is does not penetrate well. 230 gr bullets are heavy, but not really heavy in relation to the caliber.