.45 ACP ASYM Precision 230-grain Bonded Tactical JHP

Since 2001, Stan Chen has crafted some of the finest custom 1911 pistols in the world. In 2010, Chen took that same attention to detail and applied it to the manufacture of precision, match-grade ammunition for tactical, defensive and competitive purposes under the name ASYM Precision Ammunition.

This 230-grain.45 ACP load appears to use the famous Gold Dot bullet, but it is listed as "bonded" on the box—a common practice of ammo companies loading Speer Gold Dot bullets. Most impressive was the penetration and expansion this load delivered at such a low velocity. Rated at 860 fps from a 5-inch barrel, the average velocity from a 4.25-inch barrel was about 100 fps slower.

A box of 20 has a suggested retail price of $21.90—about a dollar a shot—but if extreme performance is your goal, it's well worth the cost.