With the right shot placemnet the 45 ACP would kill about any animal in NA. However this is not really their intended use. It is mainly a short range self defense cartridge and an excellent taget and match caliber. If hunting big game is what you have in mind then the 357 Mag would be my minimum choice and the 44 Mag would be better yet. For self defense and fun shooting though, the 1911 45 ACP is a very good choice.