Pistol · Not SAAMI standardized
.450 SMC
Short .45 ACP-compatible cartridge designed for compact pistols.
- Caliber
- 0.452″ · 11.481 mm
- Introduced
- 2003
- Case
- Rimless
- Parent
- .45 ACP
- Primary use
- Self-Defense
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 2003
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Peter Pi / Triton Cartridge
- Manufacturer
- Triton
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Limited
- Case capacity
- 27.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:16
- Primer
- Boxer Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 32,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Recoil
- 4–7 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .450 SMC. Parent case: .45 ACP.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 11.48 | 0.452 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 12.01 | 0.473 | ~ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 12.09 | 0.476 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 12.19 | 0.480 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.24 | 0.049 | ✓ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 22.81 | 0.898 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 32.39 | 1.275 | ✓ |
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. .450 SMC is highlighted below.
Factory loads
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.
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Developed as a compact .45 ACP variant for subcompact carry pistols. Uses a shortened case while maintaining the same rim diameter as .45 ACP, enabling use in modified .45 ACP pistols with a barrel and magazine change. Designed for concealed carry applications where full-size .45 ACP is impractical.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .450 SMC use?
- .450 SMC typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .450 SMC?
- .450 SMC uses a 0.452″ (11.481 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .450 SMC still in production?
- .450 SMC is active; typical availability is limited.
- What is .450 SMC used for?
- .450 SMC is primarily used for self-defense.
- What is .450 SMC based on?
- .450 SMC is derived from the .45 ACP case.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 20 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →