| The .45 ACP was designed by John Browning in 1904 and was used in his
1905 semi-automatic pistol. Originally, it fired a 200-grain, FMJ,
.452-caliber bullet at 900 fps. After consultation with the U.S.
military, and in consideration of the Thompson-LaGarde terminal ballistic study, the standard load was changed to a 230-grain bullet at 850 fps. It was first issued in the Colt M1911 semi-automatic pistol. Shortly thereafter, it was chambered in Smith & Wesson and Colt M1917 revolvers and the Thompson and M3 submachine guns. |
