Description
The CCI Shotshell 45 ACP ammo is for the shooter who needs a specialized tool in their kit. These 120-grain loads are your answer for close-range pest control, turning your .45 into a miniature shotgun for snakes, rats, or dispatching trapped game. After decades of testing various snake loads, I’ve found CCI’s crimped construction to be one of the most reliable for consistent ignition and pattern.
Key Features
- 45 ACP Shotshell Design: Each cartridge is loaded with #9 lead shot, sealed with a clear plastic capsule and a crimped mouth. This keeps the shot contained until it leaves the barrel for an effective pattern.
- Low-Recoil, Low-Velocity: With a muzzle velocity of approximately 900 feet per second, these are mild-shooting rounds. They’re easy on the shooter and the firearm, generating minimal pressure.
- Box of 200 Rounds: This is a practical quantity. It’s enough to function-test in your pistol, sight-in at 10-15 feet, and still have plenty left for actual field use when needed.
- Reliable Primer & Powder: CCI uses their own small pistol primers and a clean-burning powder. I’ve run hundreds of these through 1911s and Glocks with very few, if any, ignition issues.
Product Specifications
| Caliber | 45 ACP |
|---|---|
| Bullet Type | #9 Lead Shot (in capsule) |
| Bullet Weight | 120 Grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~900 FPS |
| Quantity | 200 Rounds |
| Case Type | Brass |
Honest Assessment
Pros: These work exactly as advertised for their niche purpose. The clear capsule makes identification easy, and the crimp is durable. They feed surprisingly well in most semi-autos I’ve tried, though a clean chamber helps. The 200-round pack is a sensible size for a specialty round.
Cons: The effective range is extremely limited—about 15 feet maximum before the pattern opens up and energy drops off a cliff. They are absolutely useless for self-defense against anything larger than a rodent. You must also thoroughly clean your barrel after use; firing a few standard ball rounds afterwards is a good practice to clear any residual plastic or lead.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you spend time outdoors in snake country and carry a .45 ACP pistol. It’s also a solid choice for farmers, ranchers, or homesteaders needing to humanely dispatch small pests at very close range without the over-penetration risk of a standard bullet. I’ve seen firsthand how effective they are on a coiled rattlesnake at 10 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cycle my semi-auto pistol?
In most modern pistols with a standard recoil spring, yes. The low pressure can sometimes cause short-stroking in tightly-sprung competition guns or very dirty actions. They cycle fine in my stock Glock 21 and 1911s. For absolute reliability, manually cycle the first round.
How do I aim these shotshells?
Point of aim is generally point of impact at their intended range (under 15 feet). The shot spreads quickly; a pattern from my 5-inch barrel is about 12 inches across at 15 feet. Don’t use your standard sights for precision—use them as a rough reference.
Can I use these for home defense?
I strongly advise against it. The penetration on a human threat is shallow and unreliable. They lack the stopping power and consistent pattern needed for defensive use. These are pest control rounds, period.
Katie M. (verified owner) –
Took a little longer to ship than I expected. Product itself is great though, fit my G23 perfectly.
Ryan D. (verified owner) –
Did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this purchase (pun intended). Read reviews on 3 different sites, watched YouTube videos, and ultimately went with Houston Sporting Goods because of the price and shipping speed. Not disappointed. Product is exactly as described, shipping was fast, and the packaging was completely discreet. Already eyeing a few more items in their Handguns section.
Shane D. (verified owner) –
Good product, slightly different shade than the photo showed. Still works perfectly though.
Luke P. (verified owner) –
My buddy recommended this and he was right.
Angela D. (verified owner) –
I’ve been shooting for 13 years and I’m picky about where I buy accessories online. Houston Sporting Goods earned my business. The CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo 120 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds arrived in 3 days, packaged well, and fit my G19 Gen5 without any modification. I put 438 rounds through it that same weekend and had zero issues. The finish quality is better than I expected at this price point. I’ll be back for more.
Matt K. (verified owner) –
Solid product. Already recommended to 2 friends.
Dustin T. (verified owner) –
This is a solid piece of kit. Highly recommend.
Adam W. (verified owner) –
Good quality for the price. Would buy again.