TexasCHLforum.com

USA1 & suprise_i'm_armed,
I went over to http://www.taurusarmed.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; to check a little. I think the 200 grain bullet thing was for the older 1st or 2nd gen PT145s. In 2007 Taurus OKed 230 grain and for 2008 and newer they are OK with +P loads.
Taurus sold a 185 gr solid copper hollow point. Maybe they were trying to get people to buy them?
I have a 3rd gen PT145 and it shoots anything, so far. The issue of the recoil springs comming out of the slide and jamming the gun has kept me from trusting it for primary carry. I've never had a problem in over 600 rds. but I don't trust it.

Here is a good thread on bullet expansion from short barrel guns; http://handgunforum.net/showthread.php?t=4826" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
It seems to show that now days most hollow point bullets will expand even at lower velocities.

Regards, OE

Here are some additional Glock suggestions:
The G33, G27 are the smallest frames. They can use the G32/23 barrels and the barrel will stick out about 1/2" from the slide. Longer barrel more velocity.

The G33 can use a 13 round G32/23 magazine or a 15 round G31/22 magazine. They both stick out the bottom of the grip.
You can buy a magazine spacer to put on the G32 magazine that makes the grip just like a G32/23 pistol.

I have a flat bottom 9 round G33 mag for use when I need the smallest gun possible. ie. SmartCarry holster.
I have a 9 round mag with a + one pinky extension. It makes the gun a little easier to grip & shoot. I have a G32 13 round mag with the spacer on it. It makes the gun even easier to hold on to and IWB concealment with a 'camp shirt' or a jacket is no problem at all. The 15 round G31 mag is my spare mag that I carry no matter how I have the gun setup.

Get the G33.

Regards, OE

Most of the ballistic info you will find was done with at least a 5" long test barrel. Because velocity drops off with shorter barrels CCI Speer makes Speer GoldDot self defence ammo in a "short Barrel" version for most calibers.

With the Glocks and SIGs you can swap out just the barrels between 40 S&W and 357Sig and shoot either in the same gun.
I have a Glock 33 and I bought an aftermarket 40S&W barrel for it. I bought an aftermarket barrel because of the "unsupported chamber" hoopla surrounding 40 cal Glock barrels. (see http://www.glocktalk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for info). Now I can shoot either. I practice mostly with 40 S&W because it's cheaper. I carry 357Sig.

I have a SIG P239 and a P229, I have both caliber barrels for each. I would carry with either caliber, but I choose to carry the 357Sig.

With a 45acp you are stuck with that one caliber for your gun and it is an expensive caliber. The velocity drops off a lot with a 3" barrel in 45acp. Taurus says not to shoot over 200 grain bullets out of the PT145.

I would carry a Glock 30 without hesitation. I personally don't like the S/A cocked & locked carry of a 1911 style gun.

With todays problems in finding ammo and the costs, I'ld suggest a gun with the dual caliber capabilities, 40/357Sig.

I have aftermarket "conversion barrels" to shoot 9mm in the G33 and the P229. But I would never carry with the "conversion barrel" it is not recommended by any manufacturers of "conversion barrels". It helps on practice ammo cost.

Regards, OE