Compare / .45 Auto Rim vs .45 Colt

Cartridge comparison

.45 Auto Rim vs .45 Colt

.45 Colt is faster (1,200 vs 1,000 fps); .45 Colt carries more energy (650 vs 511 ft·lb); .45 Auto Rim recoils less.

.45 Auto Rim →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−61″61″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.45 Colt →
Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−42″42″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.45 Auto Rim.45 Colt
TypeRevolverRevolver
Introduced19201872
Bullet ⌀0.452″0.452″
Case length0.898″1.285″
Velocity810–1,000 fps750–1,200 fps
Energy265–511 ft·lb250–650 ft·lb
Max pressure17,400 psi14,000 psi
Recoil3–5 ft·lb10–25 ft·lb
Eff. range50 yd100 yd

FAQs

Is .45 Auto Rim faster than .45 Colt?
.45 Colt is faster — up to 1,200 fps versus 1,000 fps.
Does .45 Auto Rim hit harder than .45 Colt?
.45 Colt carries more muzzle energy (650 vs 511 ft·lb).