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Lindcott Armory

Revolver · SAAMI

.45 Schofield

Also known as .45 S&W Schofield · .45 S&W

Shorter than .45 Colt, developed for the top-break Schofield revolver.

Caliber
0.4559″ · 11.58 mm
Introduced
1875
Case
Rimmed
Parent
.45 Colt
Primary use
Military (Historical), Cowboy Action
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains230 · 250 gr
Identity
Introduced
1875
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Smith & Wesson / Major George Schofield
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Common
Build
Case capacity
27 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Large Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
13,500 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
200 yd
Recoil
3–5 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Introduced by Smith & Wesson

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .45 Schofield. Parent case: .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 ⌀ 11.580.456 ·
Neck ⌀ 12.190.480 ·
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 12.190.480 ·
Rim ⌀ 12.950.510 ~
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.520.060 ·
Neck length n/a
Case length 27.691.090 ·
Overall length 36.321.430 ·

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 Schofield is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

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

Suitable powders

1 reloading powder listed for .45 Schofield, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Bull's-Eye
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 Schofield

12 models in the database chamber .45 Schofield. Browse all →

Cimarron Firearms Cimarron Schofield .45 Colt 7-inchTaylor's & Co Uberti Schofield 45 Colt 5-inchFreedom Arms Model 97 45 Colt 4.25-inchFreedom Arms Model 97 45 Colt 7.5-inchUberti Schofield 45 Colt 7-inchUberti Schofield 2nd ModelDan Wesson DW 460 Dan Wesson 10-inchUberti Uberti 1875 Schofield .45 S&W Schofield 7-inchS&W Schofield .45 S&W 7-inchSmith & Wesson Model 3 Schofield .45 S&W 7-inchSmith & Wesson Smith & Wesson Model 3 .44 S&W 6.5-inchSmith & Wesson S&W Model 3 American .44 S&W American 8-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
.45 Colt
Family TreeOpen .45 Schofield in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Reloading1 suitable powder — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .45 Schofield

History

Major George Schofield of the 10th Cavalry pushed for adoption of the S&W Schofield revolver. Its top-break action allowed faster reloading on horseback than the Colt SAA. The Army bought 8,969 Schofields but the incompatibility with .45 Colt proved a logistical disaster. Buffalo Bill Cody reportedly preferred the Schofield for its faster reload.

FAQs

What twist rate does .45 Schofield use?
.45 Schofield typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .45 Schofield?
.45 Schofield uses a 0.4559″ (11.58 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .45 Schofield still in production?
.45 Schofield is active; typical availability is common.
What is .45 Schofield used for?
.45 Schofield is primarily used for military (historical), cowboy action.
What is .45 Schofield based on?
.45 Schofield is derived from the .45 Colt case.
What are the best powders for .45 Schofield?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .45 Schofield include Bull's-Eye.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 10 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →