+p?

[Cactus]

I see on some ammo that it says +P and +P+. What does that mean? A higher powder charge?

Thanks
Cactus

 

[CeeZer]

Yes.

 

[bjhill]

And pressures

 

[chemo]

and most importantly, stronger brass that tolerates higher pressures:

the standard .45 has two SAAMI standards: 21000 psi for standard loads, and 25000 psi for .45+p loads

 

[sunray]

"...stronger brass..." Nope. Same brass loaded to higher pressure. The '+' is there so the factory doesn't get 'em mixed up.

 

[Woodbeef]

The +P began for Police use in handgun cartridges. That were loaded to a higher pressur like 38 Special +P. After that the designation has also been used in rifle calibers too like the 257 Roberts +P for new guns.

 

[curtmg]

Don't use +p or +p+ in old guns, either. All modern guns are capable of safely using the higher pressure stuff, but except for defensive carry ammunition (and even then) it's not really necessary. Just more blast, and unless you train a lot with it, it'll slow down follow up shots.

You can reload the brass interchangeably, as stated earlier, the brass is the same, just stamped different for ID

 

[chemo]

"...stronger brass..." Nope. Same brass loaded to higher pressure. The '+' is there so the factory doesn't get 'em mixed up.

so I'm paying extra $ for my +p starline brass for no reasons?

Starline

The 45 Auto+P is a strengthened version of the 45 Auto with the same external dimensions. A thicker web and heavier sidewall at base strengthens the case in potentially unsupported areas. This case has approximately 2 grains less internal water capacity than the standard 45 Auto.

Had I known that was a lie I wouldnt pay the extra 10$ a 500!

 

[Yehen]

so I'm paying extra $ for my +p starline brass for no reasons?

Yep. I think you are But then again, think of the extra manufacturing cost of stamping the "+P" onto your brass.

 

[Cactus]

Thanks for clearing that up guys

Cactus

 

[Splatter]

so I'm paying extra $ for my +p starline brass for no reasons?
Had I known that was a lie I wouldnt pay the extra 10$ a 500!

Actually, .45+P brass is one of a very few examples of where the +P actually means the brass is different.

Way back in the day, I believe that .38 ACP and the .38 Super (.38 ACP +P) were also different.

 

[tjhaile]

.45 Super brass is thicker through the web, but +P .45 ACP brass is the same as regular .45 ACP brass.

.38 Super brass is the same as .38 ACP, other than the headstamp. It is also commonly (but not always) nickel plated so that the two cartridges can be easily distinguished.