When it comes to choosing a firearm cartridge for self-defense, hunting, or recreational shooting, there are numerous options available to gun enthusiasts.
Two popular choices that often come into consideration are the .300 Blackout and the .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridges.
Both of these rounds have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making them suitable for different purposes and preferences.
In this comparison, we will delve into the key features, ballistics, and use cases of the .300 Blackout and .45 ACP cartridges, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Caliber and Size
.300 Blackout
The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge boasts a caliber of 0.30 inches (7.62mm) and is primarily tailored for rifles, especially those styled after the AR-15.
It stands out for its adaptability, enabling shooters to select from a diverse array of bullet weights and styles to match their specific shooting requirements.
Bullet weights for the .300 AAC Blackout typically vary, encompassing common choices spanning from 110 grains to 220 grains.
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP cartridge features a caliber of 0.45 inches (11.43mm). It’s renowned for its substantial caliber, enhancing its stopping power and making it a preferred choice for numerous individuals in self-defense and combat scenarios.
Commonly, .45 ACP ammunition launches bullets within the .45 caliber spectrum, with typical bullet weights ranging from 185 grains to 230 grains.
Guns and Applications
.300 Blackout
The .300 Blackout and .45 ACP cartridges serve distinct purposes in the firearms world.
The .300 Blackout, primarily used in rifles, excels in applications where longer-range accuracy and stopping power are essential, making it a favorite for tactical situations, home defense, and hunting medium-sized game.
The best .300 Blackout caliber rifles, in my opinion, are:
- RUGER AR-556 (Editor’s Choice)
- DIAMONDBACK DB15
- RUGER MINI-14 TACTICAL
The finest selection among these three is the RUGER AR-556 since it is the most cost-effective without compromising much on the features and the build quality. It provides comparable functionality to others but at a lower cost. Its features include a cold hammer forged barrel, type III hard coat anodized and a 7075-T6 aluminum body.
.45 ACP
On the other hand, the .45 ACP, designed for pistols, prioritizes close-quarters self-defense with its larger, slower-moving bullets, making it a popular choice for personal protection.
The top. 45 ACP pistols, in my opinion, are:
- SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 1911 DEFENDER (Editor’s Choice)
- TAURUS 1911 45 ACP
The SpringField Armory 1911 Defender is my personal recommendation, as it is a very popular and highly rated choice among fellow gunners. It excels in reliability, ergonomics, and reputation for performance compared to other guns in the category.
The deciding factor, however, for most is the price. At close to $600, it is very economically priced for a top-quality G.I.-inspired pistol that includes a short military-style trigger, an arched mainspring housing, a spurred hammer and a single 7-round box magazine.
Range and Ballistics
.300 Blackout
The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge is known for its relatively flatter trajectory compared to the .45 ACP. This means that when you fire a round from a rifle chambered in .300 Blackout, the bullet’s path to the target will have less curvature.
It makes it easier to hit distant targets accurately without having to compensate as much for bullet drop. The effective range of the .300 AAC Blackout extends beyond 200 yards and can reach several hundred yards with the right setup. This makes it suitable for medium-range engagements. With the supersonic variant, the accuracy and range are further improved.
.45 ACP
In contrast, the .45 ACP has a much more curved trajectory due to its lower muzzle velocity and heavier bullets. When fired from a handgun and from a distance, the bullet arcs are more pronounced, which means that at longer distances, you need to aim higher to compensate for the bullet’s drop.
The .45 ACP is primarily designed for close-range engagements, typically within 50 yards. Beyond this distance, its effectiveness and accuracy diminish significantly.
Velocity and Energy
.300 Blackout
When a .300 Blackout cartridge is fired, the bullet can travel at speeds ranging from 1,900 to 2,300 feet per second. Additionally, the energy produced by the bullet when it hits a target can range from 1,000 to 1,400 foot-pounds.
.45 ACP
In contrast, a .45 ACP cartridge typically propels the bullet at lower speeds, around 800 to 1,000 feet per second. This is slower compared to the .300 Blackout.
Consequently, the energy generated by a .45 ACP bullet is also lower, ranging from 350 to 500 foot-pounds.
Terminal Performance
Terminal ballistics deal with what happens to the bullet after it hits the target, particularly in self-defense scenarios.
.300 Blackout
The .300 Blackout, especially when using subsonic ammunition (which is slower and quieter but still effective), can deliver reliable terminal performance, but at shorter ranges.
It may not penetrate as deeply as a .45 ACP, but it can still be effective for self-defense.
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP are typically larger, slower-moving bullets. These bullets have excellent stopping power because they transfer a significant amount of energy to the target upon impact.
They also tend to penetrate well, which means they can go deep into a target. This combination of stopping power and penetration is desirable in self-defense situations.
Price and Value for Money
.300 Blackout
The price of the .300 Blackout ammo ranges from $20-$35 for a 20-round pack, depending on the bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and energy.
If you are in the market looking for ammo, I would recommend getting it from Guns.com. Get the Winchester 200 Grain, subsonic version if you are not gunning for the long range.
Alternatively, get the Nosler 220 Grain Custom Competition, if you want a better long-range trajectory.
.45 ACP
The price of a 20-round box of .45 ACP ranges from $25-$60. The difference in the price depends on bullet grain, material, type and the manufacturer.
My personal choice is the FEDERAL AMERICAN EAGLE 230 Grain, FMJ (full metal jacket) because it is economically priced despite the high grain and a full metal jacket.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the .300 Blackout and the .45 ACP have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
If you are training for a long-range competition and prioritize versatility and ballistics, the .300 Blackout might be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you seek a reliable and cost-effective option for self-defense, the .45 ACP is a solid pick.
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Note that there is no winner here because both these calibers serve different users and cater to different purposes.