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Overview of 45 Long Colt Ammo

Introduced in 1872, the 45 Long Colt cartridge was originally designed for the Colt Single Action Army revolver. It offers a balance of manageable recoil and substantial stopping power. Today, it remains popular among cowboy action shooters and hunters seeking a versatile revolver cartridge.

Why It's a Top Choice

Strong stopping power with moderate recoil
Wide availability across manufacturers
Compatible with many revolver models
Effective for hunting medium game
Popular in cowboy action shooting sports

Key Variants

45 Long Colt ACP — Modern jacketed rounds for enhanced penetration and velocity.

45 Long Colt Lead Flat Nose — Traditional soft lead bullets for cowboy action shooting.

45 Long Colt Hard Cast — High-density cast bullets for deep penetration on game.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	45 Long Colt Ammo	44 Magnum Ammo	357 Magnum Ammo
Typical Velocity (fps)	900-1200	1200-1500	1250-1400
Energy (ft-lb)	400-500	700-900	500-600
Recoil	Moderate	Heavy	Moderate-Heavy
Suitable Firearms	Revolvers, lever actions	Revolvers, carbines	Revolvers, pistols
Notable Pro	Classic, versatile	Higher power	Good accuracy
Notable Con	Lower velocity	Increased recoil	Less stopping power

Best Use Cases

Revolver self-defense
Cowboy action shooting
Medium game hunting
Range target practice
Collectors of classic cartridges

FAQs

Can I use 45 Long Colt ammo in a 45 ACP firearm?

No. The 45 Long Colt cartridge is larger and has different case dimensions than 45 ACP, making them incompatible.

What firearms commonly chamber 45 Long Colt ammo?

Primarily revolvers like the Colt Single Action Army and lever-action rifles from brands like Marlin and Winchester.

How does 45 Long Colt ammo perform for hunting?

It offers adequate energy and penetration for medium game such as deer, especially with hard cast bullets.

45 LONG COLT AMMO for Sale