Revolver · SAAMI · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete
.45 Schofield
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
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1875
- Type
- Revolver
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Smith & Wesson / Major George Schofield
- Manufacturer
- Smith & Wesson
- Standard
- SAAMI · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Common
- Case capacity
- 34 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:16
- Primer
- Large Pistol
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 14,504 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 2000 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
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 ⌀ | 11.58 | 0.456 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 12.19 | 0.480 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 12.19 | 0.480 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 12.95 | 0.510 | ~ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.52 | 0.060 | · |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 27.69 | 1.090 | · |
| Overall length | 36.32 | 1.430 | · |
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
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 →
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
Lineage
Connected reference
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 →
