.45ACP vs. .45GAP?

I heard the pressures in .45GAP are almost identical to auto +P loads... but supposedly will not keep up to the +P if same bullet weights are used.

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edit, here's a good article http://www.gunsandammomag.com/reloads/gar0506/
 
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45 GAP also use's a small pistol primer, I had Glock 37 45 gap it was a super pistol to shoot ... but try and find ammo for it could be tough. Some companies discontinued the 45 gap in thier line up of pistols .. and I also read that its one of those cartridge's headed for the graveyard. It's mainly used in law enforcement in the states. If was to choose between the two .. I would choose the 45 ACP simply because of the ammo issue ... also you cannot use 45 ACP brass for reloading even if you trim it to the right spec's, its a whole different brass for the 45 GAP.
 
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JohnS said:
also you cannot use 45 ACP brass for reloading even if you trim it to the right spec's, its a whole different brass for the 45 GAP.
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I did shorten a few .45 ACP cases to see if there was any difference. The ACP cases I used were from PMC, and, after shortening, they performed exactly the same as the GAP cases with the same powder and bullets.

The above was quoted from the site darko put up. IMO a useless cartridge. Why pay more and look harder for ammo that really doesn't out perform the ACP. Unless you have small hands and want the smaller grip.
 
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Gap sucks..especially when some deadbeat mixes in boxes of .45 Gap into a huge .45acp pile.Then you buy several boxes and realize you have to go back to the store for an exchange. The Gap visually looks much much shorter.
 
I have had a G37 for awhile now. I bought it because I wanted a Glock and I wanted a 45, but the G21 was like holding a brick. It is a snappy little cartridge but it does beg the question...why?

It would make a great sub gun round though, IMHO.
 
45 Gap

If you have big hands and can handle the Model 21 (45 ACP) there is likely little need to go to the Model 37 (45 GAP). However, the slimmer grip does make it acceptable for a much wider spectrum of people. Factory ammo IS harder to come by but I just laid in a supply of Starline 45 GAP cases (same price as 45 ACP) and am now set for a LONG time. If you already reload for 45 ACP the outlay to shoot the GAP is minimal since the same bullets can be used.

The smaller primer pockets ARE a bit of a pain but I understand that now some 45 ACP (Winclean?) is being loaded using small pistol primers and if true, sorting 45 cases by primer size is going to be a fact of life anyway, whether the GAP goes away or not.

I personally like mine - 45 ACP power in a 9mm/40 S&W size package.
 
johnl said:
Marketing ploy by Glock to sell more pistols. To quote Jeff Cooper, a perfect solution to a non existing problem.
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if you've got big hands thats true, but to those of us with smaller mits, the smaller frame the gap round allows feels much better and adds controlability.
 
The .45GAP intrigues me but not so much as to run out and get a Glock 37 even though I have a source for .45GAP brass...
 
buster said:
i,ve heard the same about the 45GAP going the way of the dodo bird.i wouldn't expect any new pistols to be chmabered for it.
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The springer XD is chambered for it.

Personally I think the 45GAP is a great idea. If I were on duty, or for CCW use I would be all over the GAP. However since I can do neither (yet..), it serves no real purpose to me. Too bad it didn't really catch on though...
 
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In my opinion, it's all fun and games with GAP until you have problems finding ammo and end up paying $1/round when you do. Similar issues with reloading.

Dave L. said:
What's the difference? I'm interested in knowing more about this mysterious .45 GAP that they say is able to outperform the .45 ACP.

Anyone got the scoop on .45GAP? How would it fare against .45 +P ammunition?

- Dave.
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I don't think the GAP will die out. I believe it will become more and more popular with police services as they can increase firepower and keep a familiar sized frame. Therefore no having to train on a new firearm. Honestly, look at how long it took for the 45ACP to gain it's popularity. Then again, look how fast the .40 gained popularity...so what do I know...
 
Dr. Gary Roberts has this to say about .45 GAP:
When comparing well designed, robust expanding JHP ammunition, like Winchester Ranger Talon, .45 GAP and standard pressure .45 ACP offer similar terminal ballistic results, although the GAP is running at higher pressure. If one compares .45 ACP loaded to the same pressure as .45 GAP, then the .45 ACP +P offers better terminal performance.

If only non-expanding FMJ is going to be used then .45 GAP and .45 ACP are ballistically identical.
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I don't own a GAP pistol, nor will I ever as I have large hands and just don't need it. Since the GAP offered the .45 round in a smaller package, I thought there was a place for it, but then the XD45 came out showing that it can be done with ACP.
 
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