Many have tried – and all have failed – to replace the legendary .45 ACP round. Discover why the 45 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge reigns supreme when we compare and contrast it to 45 GAP in real-world scenarios.
We’ll pit the cartridges head-to-head, comparing recoil, accuracy, stopping power, self-defense, overall cost and availability, and reloadability.
Let’s get started with the differences between these .45 cal cartridges.
What’s the Difference Between 45 ACP and 45 GAP?
The 45 ACP and 45 GAP are not the same cartridge. There are significant differences between the two.
The 45 Glock Automatic Pistol cartridge was designed to fill the void between the 45 ACP and 9mm. Firing virtually the same diameter bullet as the 45 ACP, the 45 GAP maintains similar energy levels while taking advantage of a smaller case length, making it perfect for concealed carry in compact pistols.
Just how much more compact is the 45 GAP round compared to the 45 ACP? Continue reading to find out!
Cartridge Specs
Since the 45 GAP was based on the 45 ACP, we can expect some similarities, such as similar bullet weights (165 grain to 230 grain for 45 GAP, and 68 grain to 300 grain for the 45 ACP – although most are 185 grain to 230 grain) and diameters (0.451 in for the 45 GAP and 0.452 in for the 45 ACP).
The most significant difference in size is in the case length. The 45 GAP has a shorter 0.755 in case, whereas the 45 ACP is 0.898 in. This translates into a longer overall length for the 45 ACP (1.275 in compared to 1.070 in).
To maintain similar ballistic performance, the creator of the 45 GAP cartridge (Ernest Durham) designed it with a higher maximum pressure. The 45 GAP has a max pressure of 23,000 psi; the 45 ACP has 21,000 psi.
Let’s see how these specifications affect real-world performance.
Recoil: 45 GAP vs. 45 ACP
Recoil is an important consideration when purchasing a new self-defense handgun. A round with heavy recoil is more challenging to control and will slow your follow-up shots.
Muzzle velocity (fps), bullet weight, propellant charge weight, and handgun weight all determine recoil. Felt recoil varies from shooter to shooter and cannot be objectively measured. Recoil energy, on the other hand, is quantifiable.
The recoil energy of the 45 ACP is generally 7-8 ft-lbs, depending on the exact load and firearm. The recoil energy of the 45 GAP is around 8 ft-lbs – again depending on your chosen load.
While you might notice a slight difference in recoil, these cartridges kick pretty much the same. This section is a tie because the difference in recoil is so minor.
Accuracy
It should go without saying that we want the most accurate round possible, especially in a home defense situation. Many factors contribute to a cartridge’s accuracy, such as the recoil, trajectory, shooter, firearm, and shooting conditions.
For instance, it’s much easier to be accurate with a 45 ACP carbine than a 45 ACP pistol, even when using the same ammo because of the carbine’s longer barrel.
When all the controllable factors are as equal as possible, shooters will have difficulty determining which .45 caliber handgun cartridge is more accurate.
This section is a tie because both cartridges can be very accurate in the hands of a capable shooter.
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