The table below shows common performance parameters for several .45 ACP loads. Bullet weights from 185 to 230 grains are common. Loads are available with energies from just over 350 (ft•lbf) to over 500 (ft•lbf), and penetration depths from 11 inches to over 27 inches are available for various applications and risk assessments. The Marshall and Sanow "one-shot stop" rating varies from 65% for the non-expanding FMJ which produces a ballistic pressure wave of 252 psi to over 90% for the some JHPs. The average incapacitation times (estimated for a 170 lb male shot in the center of the chest) vary from 7.2 to 13.8 seconds.
| Manufacturer | Load | Mass (grains) | Velocity (ft/s) | Energy (ft•lbf) | Expansion (inches)[1] | Penetration (inches)[1] | BPW[2](psi) | PC[1] (in3) | TSC[1] (in3) | OSS[1] | AIT[2] (sec) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal | HydraShok JHP | 230 | 850 | 369 | 0.78 | 12.0 | 587 | 5.73 | 28.4 | 94.4% | 9.1 |
| Remington | Golden Saber JHP | 230 | 875 | 391 | 0.75 | 14.3 | 522 | 6.32 | 25.4 | 92.9% | 9.6 |
| Cor-Bon | JHP | 185 | 1150 | 544 | 0.7 | 11.3 | 920 | 4.35 | 28.6 | 91.7% | 7.2 |
| Winchester | Silvertip JHP | 185 | 1000 | 411 | 0.79 | 12.0 | 654 | 5.88 | 30.2 | 82.2% | 8.6 |
| Winchester | Ranger SXT | 230 | 900 | 414 | 0.78 | 13 | 608 | 6.21 | 25.4 | 80.6% | 8.9 |
| Remington | FMJ | 230 | 835 | 356 | 0.45 | 27 | 252 | 4.29 | 9 | 64.75% | 13.8 |
Key: Expansion – expanded bullet diameter (ballistic gelatin). Penetration – penetration depth (ballistic gelatin). BPW – ballistic pressure wave associated with remote wounding effects known as hydrostatic shock. PC – permanent cavity volume (ballistic gelatin, FBI method). TSC – temporary stretch cavity volume (ballistic gelatin). OSS – Marshall and Sanow “one-shot stop” rating. AIT – Average incapacitation time, time from unobstructed hit in the center of the chest until involuntary incapacitation for 170 lb male as determined from ballistic pressure wave model.