Let’s Dive into **Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off**
The Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off is a specialized round designed for shooters who demand reliable performance and controlled expansion in their .45 ACP firearms. Hornady has a reputation for quality, and this ammunition, featuring their well-regarded XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullet, aims to deliver just that. The reduced price point also makes this ammo particularly attractive right now.
I’ve always leaned towards heavier .45 ACP rounds, typically the classic 230-grain variety. However, after acquiring a lightweight Commander-sized 1911, I wanted to explore lighter bullet weights to potentially reduce felt recoil and improve handling for faster follow-up shots. The promise of controlled expansion and reliable feeding was also a major draw.
Unboxing the Hornady ammunition revealed neatly organized rows of brass-cased cartridges. The XTP hollow point design looked aggressive, promising reliable expansion upon impact. The cartridges felt well-made and consistent.
I considered other premium .45 ACP hollow points from Federal and Speer, but the combination of Hornady’s reputation, the XTP bullet’s proven track record, and the attractive discount swayed my decision. Plus, many of my colleagues have had positive results with Hornady products. This appeared to be a perfect balance of performance and value.
My initial excitement was high. The promise of reduced recoil in my Commander 1911, coupled with the XTP bullet’s reputation, made me eager to get to the range. I was also hoping the lighter round might improve my groupings.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off took place at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and mild, perfect for a comfortable shooting session. I primarily tested the ammo in my Commander-sized 1911, along with a full-size 1911 for comparison.
The ammunition performed admirably under ideal conditions. Recoil was noticeably reduced compared to standard 230-grain loads, making rapid follow-up shots easier to control. Feeding and ejection were flawless in both pistols.
There were no immediate issues or surprises. The ammo cycled reliably and accuracy was good. I was initially impressed by the noticeable difference in recoil management.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, the Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off has proven to be consistently reliable. I fired approximately 200 rounds during this time. I experienced no malfunctions of any kind.
There are no visible signs of wear or degradation. The brass casings remain in excellent condition, and the bullets maintain their integrity. Cleaning the firearms after use was standard, with no excessive fouling noted.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard 230-grain FMJ ammunition, the Hornady XTP rounds offer a clear advantage in terms of recoil management and potential terminal performance. The lighter bullet weight contributes to faster target acquisition. It is noticeably more comfortable for extended practice sessions.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
- Caliber: .45 ACP – The ubiquitous and powerful .45 ACP cartridge, a classic choice for self-defense and target shooting.
- Bullet Weight: 185 grain – A lighter bullet weight than the standard 230 grain, offering potentially reduced recoil and faster velocity.
- Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) – Designed for controlled expansion upon impact, maximizing stopping power.
- Muzzle Velocity: 970 ft/s – A respectable muzzle velocity for a .45 ACP round, contributing to a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target.
- Muzzle Energy: 386 ft-lbs – Provides sufficient energy transfer for effective stopping power.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass – High-quality brass cases ensure reliable feeding, extraction, and potential for reloading.
- Primer Style: Centerfire – Standard centerfire primer for reliable ignition.
- Sectional Density: 0.13 – A measure of a bullet’s penetration ability relative to its diameter; a lower number generally indicates less penetration and greater expansion.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.139 – Indicates how well the bullet resists air drag during flight. A lower number means more drag and a faster loss of velocity.
These specifications are crucial for understanding the ammunition’s intended performance. The lighter bullet weight and JHP design prioritize controlled expansion and reduced recoil. This makes it a suitable choice for self-defense and scenarios where rapid follow-up shots are important.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off performs its job admirably. It delivers consistent accuracy, reliable feeding, and manageable recoil. The ammunition meets my expectations for a premium self-defense round.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its reduced recoil, reliable feeding, and potential for controlled expansion. The lighter bullet weight does result in a flatter shooting experience. There are no significant weaknesses observed during my testing.
This ammunition meets my expectations. It even exceeds them in terms of recoil reduction and accuracy in my Commander-sized 1911. The ammo also offers excellent terminal performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition is well-designed and manufactured. The brass casings are clean and consistent. The XTP bullet features a well-formed hollow point cavity.
The ammunition is easy to load and use. The rounded profile of the bullet facilitates smooth feeding in various .45 ACP firearms. There is no learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition is designed for single use. However, the high-quality brass casings are suitable for reloading. Properly stored ammunition should maintain its performance for many years.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply clean your firearm after use to remove any residue. No special care is required for the ammunition itself.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come directly with the ammunition itself, as it is a self-contained product. However, it’s worth mentioning that the lighter recoil of this ammunition might make it more suitable for use with compensators or other recoil-reducing accessories on your firearm. I’d consider this a customization option.
The ammunition is compatible with any standard .45 ACP firearm designed to handle jacketed hollow point ammunition. Some shooters may choose to use different magazines or grips to further enhance their shooting experience with this ammunition. Be sure to use high-quality accessories, such as Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick magazines, for optimal performance.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off**
Pros
- Reliable feeding and extraction in various .45 ACP firearms.
- Noticeably reduced recoil compared to standard 230-grain loads, improving control and follow-up shots.
- Excellent accuracy potential, especially in shorter-barreled pistols.
- Proven XTP bullet design for controlled expansion and effective terminal performance.
- High-quality brass casings suitable for reloading.
Cons
- Lighter bullet weight may result in slightly reduced penetration compared to heavier .45 ACP loads (depending on the target and barrier).
- Some older or finicky .45 ACP pistols might require a break-in period to reliably feed JHP ammunition.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off**?
This ammunition is perfect for: concealed carriers, home defenders, and shooters seeking reduced recoil without sacrificing terminal performance. Those with shorter-barreled .45 ACP pistols will likely see improved performance. It’s also a great choice for competitive shooters looking for faster follow-up shots.
Those who prioritize maximum penetration above all else might prefer heavier .45 ACP loads. Individuals with older .45 ACP pistols that are known to be unreliable with JHP ammunition might also want to proceed with caution.
A high-quality holster designed for concealed carry is a must-have accessory. Reliable magazines from reputable brands are also essential. Consider adding a weapon-mounted light for home defense scenarios.
Conclusion on **Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off**
The Hornady Custom .45 ACP 185 Grain eXtreme Terminal Performance Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
90904 39% Off is an excellent choice for shooters seeking a balance of manageable recoil, reliable performance, and effective terminal ballistics in their .45 ACP firearms. It’s a well-designed and manufactured round that consistently delivers.
At the current discounted price, the value proposition is outstanding. The ammunition’s performance justifies the cost, especially compared to other premium self-defense options. This makes it a very worthy choice.
I would absolutely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a high-quality, reduced-recoil .45 ACP option for self-defense or target shooting. I will definitely be stocking up on more of this ammunition while the discount lasts. Go ahead and experience the Hornady difference for yourself!