Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Buffalo Bore 45 ACP +P ammo drives a 160-grain Barnes TAC-XP solid copper hollow point to 1250 feet per second, delivering 555 foot-pounds of muzzle energy from a full-size 1911 or polymer .45. Loaded to maximum SAAMI specifications, this round is engineered for personal defense and law enforcement roles where barrier penetration and weight retention are non-negotiable. The TAC-XP bullet is 100% copper — no lead core to fragment or shed — and expands predictably after passing through intermediate obstacles including auto glass, drywall, and light steel. Flash-suppressed powder keeps your sight picture intact during low-light engagements.
Performance at a Glance
Buffalo Bore loads this cartridge hot. The 160-grain projectile sits at the light end of the .45 ACP spectrum but compensates with velocity — 1250 fps from a 5-inch barrel puts it in the company of 10mm energy curves while staying inside +P pressure limits. The Barnes TAC-XP is a monolithic hollow point: six petals, deep cavity, no jacket to separate. In FBI barrier testing, the bullet retains 99-100% of its original weight and expands to roughly 0.70 inch after defeating heavy clothing, plywood, and sheet metal. Penetration depth averages 13-15 inches in 10% ballistic gelatin, meeting FBI protocol standards for duty ammunition.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 ACP +P |
| Bullet weight | 160 grains |
| Bullet type | Barnes TAC-XP Solid Hollow Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 1250 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 555 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Lead-free | Yes |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Buffalo Bore |
This load runs clean in full-size 1911s, Springfield XD-M, Glock 21, and SIG P220 platforms rated for +P pressures. Boxer-primed brass cases are reloadable for handloaders who want to match this velocity profile with other monolithic bullets. For a broader selection of defensive .45 ACP loads, visit our 45 ACP ammo category.
Who It’s For
Concealed carriers and duty officers who need barrier-blind performance without lead core fragmentation. The 160-grain TAC-XP penetrates auto glass and metal siding without deflecting or shedding jacket material, making it suitable for urban environments where intermediate barriers are likely. The lead-free construction also meets environmental restrictions at indoor ranges that prohibit traditional jacketed hollow points. Verify that your firearm is rated for +P pressures before use — older 1911s and aluminum-frame pistols may not be compatible.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four universal rules of firearms safety: treat every gun as loaded, never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local laws before purchasing — some jurisdictions regulate hollow-point ammunition or +P pressures.
- This is a +P load generating higher chamber pressures than standard 45 ACP. Use only in firearms marked “+P” or confirmed by the manufacturer to handle overpressure cartridges. Do not fire in older, weaker, or aluminum-frame handguns.
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