What twist rate does .45-60 Winchester use?

.45-60 Winchester typically uses a 1:20 twist rate.

What bullet diameter is .45-60 Winchester?

.45-60 Winchester uses a 0.4591″ (11.66 mm) diameter bullet.

Is .45-60 Winchester still in production?

.45-60 Winchester is discontinued; typical availability is collector.

What is .45-60 Winchester used for?

.45-60 Winchester is primarily used for hunting.

What is .45-60 Winchester based on?

.45-60 Winchester is derived from the .45-70 Government case.

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Rifle · CIP · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete

.45-60 Winchester

Also known as 45-60 Win · .45-60 WCF

Winchester lever-action cartridge from 1882.

Caliber: 0.4591″ · 11.66 mm
Introduced: 1879
Case: Rimmed
Parent: .45-70 Government
Primary use: Hunting
Status: Discontinued
Obsolete: Obsolete

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VelocityBeing verified

EnergyBeing verified

Identity

Introduced: 1879
Type: Rifle
Origin: United States
Inventor: Winchester
Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms
Standard: CIP · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
SAAMI: Not SAAMI standardized
Obsolete: Obsolete
Status: Discontinued
Availability: Collector

Build

Case capacity: 60 gr H₂O
Twist (typical): 1:20
Primer: Boxer Large Rifle
Case type: Rimmed

Pressure & range

Max pressure: 27,847 psi, CIP transducer
Eff. range: 200 yd
Max range: 3200 yd
Recoil: 12–18 ft·lb
Subsonic: Capable

Introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .45-60 Winchester — an obsolete/collector cartridge. Parent case: .45-70 Government.

Performance

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.

CIP TDCC · approximate

Measure	mm	in	✓
Bullet ⌀	11.66	0.459	✓
Neck ⌀	12.29	0.484	✓
Shoulder ⌀	n/a
Shoulder angle	n/a
Base ⌀	12.85	0.506	✓
Rim ⌀	15.98	0.629	~
Belt ⌀	n/a
Rim thickness	1.63	0.064	✓
Neck length	n/a
Case length	48.01	1.890	✓
Overall length	57.28	2.255	~

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. .45-60 Winchester 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.

Powder $/lb Charge (gr) Bullet $/ea Primer $/ea Brass reuses Brass $/ea

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

Firearms chambered in .45-60 Winchester

Turnbull Manufacturing Turnbull Model 1876 Centennial 45-60Taylor's & Co. Uberti 1876 Centennial .45-60 WinUberti 1876 Centennial Rifle 45-75 28-inchUberti 1876 Centennial .45-60Uberti 1876 Centennial .45-60 Win 28-inchWinchester Model 1886 45-70 GovernmentWinchester Repeating Arms Winchester Model 1876 .45-60 Win 28-inchWinchester Winchester Model 1876Winchester Model 1876 .45-75 WCF 28-inchWinchester Model 1876Winchester Model 1876 .45-60 WCF 28-inchWinchester Repeating Arms Winchester Model 1876 .45-75 Win 26-inch

Lineage

Family TreeOpen .45-60 Winchester in the interactive cartridge family tree

History

Winchester introduced this lever-action cartridge in 1882 for the Model 1876. A black powder design that fired 300-grain bullets at modest velocity; designed for use on large North American game before .45-70 Government dominated the market. Discontinued in the early 20th century.

FAQs

What twist rate does .45-60 Winchester use?: .45-60 Winchester typically uses a 1:20 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .45-60 Winchester?: .45-60 Winchester uses a 0.4591″ (11.66 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .45-60 Winchester still in production?: .45-60 Winchester is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
What is .45-60 Winchester used for?: .45-60 Winchester is primarily used for hunting.
What is .45-60 Winchester based on?: .45-60 Winchester is derived from the .45-70 Government case.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 1 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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