There have been other cartridges that attempted to dethrone the .45 Auto as the premier defensive handgun cartridge. The 77-year-old .357 Mag. was a long-time favorite of law enforcement.

The .45 Colt +P loads struck a just-right balance of performance and felt recoil. However, the barrel porting seemed to operate at just-right levels with the .45 Colt +P loads.

A shooter loads 1911 magazines with .45 ACP. Tanner Denton Ballistic Properties of the 10mm Auto Similar to the .45 ACP, the 10mm Auto typically uses projectiles in the 180- to 200-grain range.

I tested the Kimber K6S 3”, a stainless .357 revolver with a 3” barrel, walnut grips and a double or single action (DA/SA) trigger. It proved to be accurate, intuitive, and a ...