Continuing my search for a factory load that uses the 160-grain Barnes TAC-XP bullet and provides the terminal performance and shootability I desire, I was informed by Wilson Combat's Bill Wilson that the company has been offering what I was looking for—for almost two years. In fact, it is Wilson's personal carry load. Velocity and expansion are above average for a .45 ACP, but penetration falls about .5-inch short. That said, the FBI and I both feel 1 foot of penetration is sufficient for the overwhelming majority of users. Just as important, muzzle flash with this load is negligible, ensuring your night vision won't be compromised. Until something better comes along, this is what I'll be stuffing in the magazines of any .45 I'm carrying. As always, when it comes to the .45 ACP, look to Wilson Combat for perfection.
| Load | Handgun | MV (fps) | PEN (inches) | EXP (inches) | RW (grains) |
| .45 ACP Wilson Combat 160-grain Barnes TAC-XP | 1911 (4.25-inch barrel) | 1,068 | 13.5 | 0.76 | 160 |
