Dillon.
I think most people do not recognize/understand the capability of the .45. Part of that has to do with the fact that outside of custom manufacturers, there is almost no ammo available for the .45 ACP that is allowing it to be used to its full potential.
The 10mm is recognized for its ability, and it has a well deserved reputation. That said people really do not know much about the capabilities of a proper .45 load. Oddly enough, as this is being written, I am loading what I consider to be the ideal .45 ACP load that is appropriate for .45s in proper working order/properly maintained, with good springs.
That is a 250 grain hard cast flat point at a shade past 950 FPS.
In a bunch of testing the load averaged 956 out of 5" barreled 1911s.
People associate powerful .45 loads with revolvers, not autos...
Many recognize the power of the excellent .45 Colt.
John Linebaugh wrote the following:
I have personally taken about 10 antelope and 1 mule deer with a .45 Colt. My boys have taken around 6 antelope and 5 mule deer with their .45 Colts. They use a 4 3/4" Colt SA and the handload is a 260 Keith cast at 900 fps. This load will shoot lengthwise of antelope and mule deer at 100 yards.A 45 caliber 260grain hardcast @ 900 FPS has a well deserved reputation as an excellent game stopper. Using the standard USPSA power factor formula of bullet weight x velocity divided by 1K you get a power factor of 234.
In .the same 45 caliber (this time a semi auto platform) we are launching a 250 grain bullet at 956 for a power factor of 239.
Basically you are getting the same type of power, simply in a much easier to shoot semi auto platform.
Personally I don't care much about "formulas", I just use it as an easy reference for folks to compare.
The fact is that a hot, heavy hardcast .45 ACP is a rather formidable setup, and one that I carry often in the mountains.
I spent a lot of time in Grizzly country this year and I packed a 1911, loaded with this load more often than not this year.
Frankly, 10mm or hot .45 ACP, I think you are good either way. I think many are simply not aware of what is available with the .45.