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Lindcott Armory Lindcott Armory
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Revolver · SAAMI

.45 Colt

Also known as .45 Long Colt · .45 LC

The original American frontier cartridge.

Caliber
0.452″ · 11.48 mm
Introduced
1872
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Cowboy Action, Hunting, Self-Defense
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains225 · 250 · 255 gr
Identity
Introduced
1872
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Colt / U.S. Army
Manufacturer
Colt, Winchester
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
41.7 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Large Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
14,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
Eff. range
100 yd
Max range
2200 yd
Recoil
10–10.8 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .45 Colt.

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.

CIP TDCC · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 11.480.452 ✓
Neck ⌀ 12.190.480 ~
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 12.190.480 ✓
Rim ⌀ 13.000.512 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.520.060 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 32.641.285 ✓
Overall length 40.641.600 ✓

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 Colt is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

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

Suitable powders

18 reloading powders listed for .45 Colt, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Bull's-EyeVihtavuori N320N330Vihtavuori N340UniversalHP-38Power Pro 2000-MR572N350HercoS123HS-6Blue DotHS-7Vihtavuori 3N37N110N360Vihtavuori 3N38
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 .45 Colt

Marlin Model 1894 CB .45 Colt 24-inchMarlin Model 1894 .45 Colt 16.5-inchMarlin Model 1894 Classic .45 ColtHenry Repeating Arms Axe 410-45 ColtTaurus Raging Hunter .460 S&W MagnumMarlin 1894 Cowboy .45 ColtMarlin Marlin Model 1894 Classic .45 ColtRuger Marlin 1894Henry Repeating Arms Big Boy Brass .45 Colt 20-inchTaurus Judge Executive Grade .45 ColtColt Anaconda .45 Colt 4-inchColt Anaconda .45 Colt 6-inch 2021

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (1 · 2 total)
.45 Schofield.454 Casull
Family TreeOpen .45 Colt in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Reloading18 suitable powders — cross-reference

History

Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873 for the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Saw service throughout the Indian Wars and became synonymous with the American West. Remained the standard cavalry sidearm until replaced by .38 Long Colt in 1892.

FAQs

What twist rate does .45 Colt use?
.45 Colt typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .45 Colt?
.45 Colt uses a 0.452″ (11.48 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .45 Colt still in production?
.45 Colt is active; typical availability is common.
What is .45 Colt used for?
.45 Colt is primarily used for cowboy action, hunting, self-defense.
What are the best powders for .45 Colt?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .45 Colt include Bull's-Eye, Vihtavuori N320, N330, Vihtavuori N340, among 18 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 145 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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