Skip to content
Lindcott Armory

Revolver · Obsolete

.44 Colt

Also known as 11.2x26mmR

Colt's first metallic centerfire revolver cartridge, used in the 1871–72 Open Top revolver and converted cap-and-ball revolvers.

Caliber
0.451″ · 11.455 mm
Introduced
1871
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Military, Self Defense
Status
Discontinued

Buy this cartridge

Buy at Rivertown

Buying from Rivertown

Partner link
VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains210 · 215 gr
Identity
Introduced
1871
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Colt
Manufacturer
Colt
Standard
Obsolete
Status
Discontinued
Availability
Antique
Build
Case capacity
24.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:20
Primer
Large Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
18,000 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
100 yd
Recoil
2.5–4 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Introduced by Colt

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .44 Colt — an obsolete/collector cartridge.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

Wikipedia · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 11.460.451 ·
Neck ⌀ 11.460.451 ~
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 11.580.456 ·
Rim ⌀ 12.270.483 ·
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness ——
Neck length n/a
Case length 27.941.100 ·
Overall length 38.101.500 ·

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .44 Colt is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .44 Colt

7 models in the database chamber .44 Colt. Browse all →

Taylor's & Company Taylor's 1873 Open Top .44 Colt 7.5-inchUberti 1871-72 Open-Top 44 Colt 7.5-inchNavy Arms 1872 Open-Top Navy 44 Colt 7.5-inchCimarron 1872 Open Top .44 Colt 7.5-inchUberti 1860 Army Conversion .44 Colt 7.5-inchUberti 1860 Army Conversion .45 LC 8-inchUberti 1858 New Army Conversion .45 LC 8-inch

Connected reference

Loads18 factory loads for .44 ColtFirearmsFirearms in .44 Colt

History

Introduced in 1871 for Colt's first cartridge revolvers — conversions of cap-and-ball percussion revolvers and the new 1871–72 Open Top model. The US Army briefly used .44 Colt revolvers before adopting the .45 Colt with the Single Action Army in 1873. The cartridge survived in civilian use until the early 20th century; original ammunition is extremely rare antique material. Reproduction brass and cartridges are available from specialist suppliers for shooters of antique Colt conversions.

FAQs

What twist rate does .44 Colt use?
.44 Colt typically uses a 1:20 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .44 Colt?
.44 Colt uses a 0.451″ (11.455 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .44 Colt still in production?
.44 Colt is discontinued; typical availability is antique.
What is .44 Colt used for?
.44 Colt is primarily used for military, self defense.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 5 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →