.45 Colt
Reloading data for .45 Colt cartridges and specifications for cases and loads in this caliber.
Product number: CID_731
Load data for caliber ".45 Colt"
The .45 Colt, also known as the .45 Long Colt, is a centerfire revolver cartridge that was developed in the late 19th century for use in the Colt Single Action Army revolver. It was one of the most popular cartridges of the Old West era, and it has remained in use to this day in a variety of firearms.The .45 Colt has a bullet diameter of .452 inches (11.5 mm) and a case length of 1.285 inches (32.6 mm). It is a powerful cartridge capable of taking down large game like deer and bear, with a typical muzzle velocity of around 800 to 1,000 feet per second (245 to 305 m/s) and a muzzle energy of around 350 to 550 foot-pounds (475 to 750 J).
The .45 Colt was originally designed as a black powder cartridge, but it has been modernized over the years to use smokeless powder. It is used in a variety of firearms, including single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and even some semi-automatic pistols. It is a popular cartridge for target shooting, hunting, and cowboy action shooting competitions.
The .45 Colt has a rich history and has become a symbol of the American West. It is often associated with cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws of the Old West era, and it has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows, and novels. Despite its age, the .45 Colt remains a popular and respected cartridge among firearms enthusiasts.
You find .45 Colt with all common powders and bullets by clicking the 'Loads in this caliber' button above.
Technical Specifications (based on the respective safety standard - see more details in tab 'Datasheet' if available)
| Caliber: | .45 Colt |
|---|---|
| Cartridge Type: | Pistol/Revolver |
| Bullet Diameter: | 0.451 '' | 11.46 mm |
| Primer Size: | Large Pistol Magnum (LPM) |
| Max. Case Length (l3): | 1.27'' | 32.16 mm |
| Max .Cartridge Length / OAL: | 1.6'' | 40.64 mm |
| Maximum Standardized Pressure: | 15954.4 psi | 1100 bar |
C.I.P.
The Commission internationale permanente pour l'épreuve des armes à feu portatives ("Permanent International Commission for the Proof of Small Arms" – commonly abbreviated as C.I.P.) is an international organisation which sets standards for safety testing of firearms. (The word portatives ("portable") in the name refers to the fact the C.I.P. tests small arms almost exclusively; it is ordinarily omitted from the English translation of the name.) As of 2015, its members are the national governments of 14 countries, of which 11 are European Union member states. The C.I.P. safeguards that all firearms and ammunition sold to civilian purchasers in member states are safe for the users.
To achieve this, all such firearms are first proof tested at C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses. The same applies for cartridges; at regular intervals, cartridges are tested against the C.I.P. pressure specifications at the ammunition manufacturing plants and at C.I.P. accredited Proof Houses.