I know their is a section devoted to ammo but I'm wanting to know what is considered the best defensive ammo for use in 1911 .45 ACPs specifically since I want to start  carrying my 1911. Does anyone have any first hand experience other than what a local gun rag says is good?  Also which weight 185 Gr. or 230 Gr.

Hydrashok sucks.

Edit, replace with Federal HST.

Top 3 is likely to be a toss up between Federal HST, Winchester SXT, and CCI Gold Dot.

I wouldn't call it "the best", but I use Golden Sabers, while I've used 185 Gr, I prefer the 230 Gr.

I'm currently using Golden Saber 230 gr.

Have some HST on the way so I'm looking forward to trying it.

Speers Gold Dots, Corbon DPX, Federal HSTs

+1 for HST.  I did some testing of these in my 1911 for duty carry.  Didn't have any feeding problems in my S&W 1911PD.

What about the Winchester Ranger T series or Hornady Tap?

I use Speer Gold dot and 230 gr. ball. Anythig thats 230 grains is going to be effective.

I think Clint Smith carries 230 grain FMJ, and that is one astronomical case where he and I disagree, AND he is clearly wrong (then again, when you train as much as him, .380 FMJ may beat .44 mag from a casual shooter). I couldn't tell you which of popular brands of defensive JHP is in fact the best, but then again I am not entirely positive what the "true" criteria is for what makes the best defensive round. We can talk about the numbers regarding expansion widths, muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, etc, but that is woefully dismissive of what feeds reliably from YOUR 1911. There is also the issue of case setback after more than a couple of chamberings, which is more prevelant in some brands than in others. I personally use Speer Gold Dots and have run Federal with good results in the past. I don't know if either is/was the best choice, but both were successful choices for my specific needs.

ETA: Go 230 grains. 1911s in .45 is all about slow and heavy, not light and fast.

Don't trust gun magazines.  Don't trust personal experience.  There is a ton of research available to benefit your decision making.  Read the sticky http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/index.htm.

Also more information available at brassfetcher.com

Remington Golden Sabre, Winchester Ranger T, Federal HST, Cobon DPX and Speer Gold Dot are all good to go.  I suggest checking availability and prices before you finalize your choices to see which ones your gun likes.

Started using 185 grain Corbon DPX after carrying 230 grain Hydra-shoks for a long time based upon what I read in the FAQ. But, I wouldn't have a problem with any of the new stuff by Winchester, Speer, or Federal either based upon what I read in the FAQ.

NAD

Gold Dot 230.  This has to be the easiest ammo choice I've ever made.

200gr JHP Hornady TAP +p