This EDC is a Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 chambered in .45 ACP as well as a couple folding knives. Although 9mm has become the frontrunner for various alphabet agencies and civilians there are still gun owners who choose to carry guns chambered in other cartridges. This time it’s .45 ACP (side note: I own this gun myself).
Before you let the “soul-stealing” jokes fly, remember that .45 ACP has its merits. Like it or not, bigger holes allow for faster loss of vital body fluids (but yes, placement is always king…this could — and may — become a massively long discussion).
If you’re going to carry a .45 ACP take care with ammunition selection. Of course, you should always choose carefully, but I mention this specifically with .45 ACP because not all ammunition is created equally and you want a load capable of greater velocity, expansion, and weight retention than most.
A truly slow round with poor penetration is the last thing you want on your hip. Federal HST 230 grain JHPs have a muzzle velocity of 890 feet per second and muzzle energy of 404 foot-pounds and average penetration depth of 14 inches. If you prefer a lighter bullet check out Remington Golden Saber 185 grain HPJs (High Performance Jacket) which has a muzzle velocity of 1015 feet per second and muzzle energy of 423 foot-pounds.
Remember, your 9mm/.380 ACP/10mm/whatever won’t do you any good if you cannot aim well under stress. So whatever you carry, train.
