​.45 ACP vs. 9mm.

This is an age-old argument. And, everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this matter. I’m not a ballistics expert, nor am I a marksman who has some profound insight into which round performs better under stress or in any other particular scenario. But I do have a sneaking suspicion that post HPA (Hearing Protection Act), the venerable 45ACP is going to make a big revival. Why? Because by default it’s subsonic and thereby inherently suppressible. The 9MM on the other hand is by default supersonic and it is this superior speed that equalizes it’s wound-channel capabilities with that of the 45ACP (as outlined by the FBI in their summation of the two rounds). But by being supersonic it offers slim sound advantages when suppressed, so shooters are inclined to pay more for subsonic rounds to maximize on their hard-won silencer advantage. However those subsonic rounds measuring .38” are dramatically less effective than great chunks of lead measuring .45” in diameter, PLUS they cost the same as the average box of 45ACP. You can see where I’m going with this?! I’m predicting that post HPA with the easy procurement of silencers to reduce hearing damage, people will go with the bigger 45ACP round because it will be significantly more effective than a subsonic 9MM - essentially just a 380ACP. In a nutshell, if we have to choose between 45ACP and 380ACP, the majority of us will choose the former…I know I will. So if you’re considering a choice between a threaded 45ACP and a threaded 9MM in anticipation of the Act passing, I say go with the 45 and thank yourself a year’s hence when there’s a shortage on overpriced subsonic 9MM ammo. HH.

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