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AmmoCave has collected the best hottest Best 45 Colt Ammo for self-defense at sale prices
What is 45 Colt Ammo? 🔍
The .45 Colt ammo is a revolver cartridge originally designed in 1872 for use in the Colt Single Action Army revolver. It is a large, powerful cartridge that was widely used in the American West during the late 19th century.
🚀 It uses a bullet with a diameter of .452 inches and a case length of 1.285 inches. The original load for the .45 Colt was a 255-grain lead bullet propelled by 40 grains of black powder. Modern versions of the cartridge typically use smokeless powder and a range of bullet weights from 200 to 300 grains.
Features 💣
🔘 High stopping power | 🔘 Accuracy |
🔘 Versatility | 🔘 Reliability |
🔘 Historic Significance | 🔘 Availability |
Benefits ⚡️
⚫️ The .45 Colt has a large bullet size and weight ⇢ making it an effective round for self-defense and hunting purposes. |
⚪️ It can be used in a variety of firearms, including revolvers and lever-action rifles ⇢ making it a versatile round for many different applications. |
⚫️ The ammo has a long and storied history, dating back to its use in the American frontier and Wild West. It is still popular among cowboy action shooters and history enthusiasts. |
⚪️ Due to its relatively low velocity, the cartridge can be an accurate round at shorter ranges ⇢ making it a popular choice for target shooting and competitions. |
⚫️ The round is a well-established and widely used round ⇢ with a proven track record of reliability and effectiveness. |
⚪️ It is a commonly available round, with a wide range of ammunition manufacturers producing it ⇢ making it easy to find and purchase. |
Types of 45 Colt Ammo💡
♻️ There are several types of 45 Colt ammo available, including:
🔰 Lead Round Nose (LRN) | ⇢ a basic lead bullet with a rounded nose, commonly used for target shooting and plinking. |
🔰 Semi-Wadcutter (SWC) | ⇢ a lead bullet with a flat nose and a shoulder that provides a cleaner hole in paper targets. It’s also popular for self-defense applications because it creates a larger wound channel than LRN bullets. |
🔰 Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) | ⇢ a bullet with a lead core and a copper jacket that expands upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and increasing stopping power. It’s commonly used for self-defense and hunting applications. |
🔰 Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) | ⇢ a bullet with a lead core and a copper or brass jacket that does not expand upon impact. It’s commonly used for target shooting and practice. |
🔰 +P Ammo | ⇢ a higher-pressure version of the standard 45 Colt round, providing increased velocity and stopping power. It’s commonly used for self-defense and hunting applications. |
🔰 Cowboy Action Ammo | ⇢ a lower velocity, lead bullet round that’s designed for use in cowboy action shooting competitions, which require low recoil and muzzle flash. |
Best 🎯 45 Colt Ammo Reviews
1# 45 Colt – 250 Grain TMJ – Ammo
Looking for exceptional ballpoint ammunition for your next range session? Ammo, Inc. has you covered with their 45 Colt – 250 Grain TMJ – Ammo. This top-of-the-line ammo is designed for serious shooters who demand the best in terms of velocity, accuracy, and recoil. Thanks to hyperclean technology, you can shoot more and spend less time cleaning your firearm. Get the most out of your target practice with 45 Colt – 250 Grain TMJ – Ammo from Ammo, Inc.
2# 45 Colt – 225 Grain Flex Tip – Hornady
Looking for an accurate, reliable, and dependable bullet? Look no further than Hornady. Their patented Flex Tip technology ensures that your bullets will fly true and hit their target every time. But that’s not all – Hornady’s modern propellants give their bullets an extra boost, resulting in even more impressive downrange performance. So if you’re looking for ammo that will give you the edge in any situation, make sure to choose Hornady.
3# 45 Colt – 225 Grain 2.5″ Centerfire Shotgun – Winchester
The Winchester 45 Colt – 225 Grain 2.5″ Centerfire Shotgun is the perfect choice for personal defense. By combining the short-range and aim error capabilities of the 410 with the time-proven stopping power of the 45 Colt, this combo pack gives you the innovative technology needed to stop threats with two state-of-the-art personal defense loads in one convenient box. The 3 plated defense disc projectiles and 12-plated BBs provide ample stopping power, while the bonded hollow point bullet ensures six-segment expansion for maximum impact. This shotgun is sure to become your go-to choice for protection.
4# 45 Colt – 250 Grain Lead Flat Nose Brass – Winchester
The 45 Colt – 250 Grain Lead Flat Nose Brass – Winchester is the perfect choice for those who want to recreate the look and feel of the old west. These cartridges are designed for early American rifles and revolvers and have the reputation for being the ideal choice for cowboy action shooting. The flat-nose bullet is suited for use in revolvers and rifles with tubular magazines, and the lead bullet gives you the authentic frontier look. Combined with today’s advanced technology, these cartridges are of the highest quality and provide great performance for recreational shooting and target practice.
5# 45 Colt – 78 Grain Hollow Point – Liberty Ammunition
If you’re looking for a top-quality 45 Colt self-defense round, look no further than Liberty Ammunition. The Civil Defense line is designed to eliminate threats with one round, delivering maximum damage and tissue disruption.
45 Colt rounds are consistent in pressure ratings and safe to use in any antiques or specialty revolvers. Thanks to the innovative design, the projectiles function differently than any other self-defense round on the market – making them ideal for a variety of situations.
6# 45 Colt – 255 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass – Winchester
The .45 Colt – 255 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass from Winchester is the perfect ammunition for target and range shooting. With a muzzle velocity of 860 ft/s and muzzle energy of 419 ft-lbs, this centerfire cartridge provides consistent accuracy and performance. The lead bullet also recreates the frontier image, making it the perfect choice for handgun enthusiasts. The brass cartridge case also provides superior durability and reliability.
7# 45 Colt – 200 Gr XPB Handgun Hunting Cartridges
If you’re looking for top value in your handgun ammunition, look no further than Barnes VOR-TX Centerfire Handgun Ammunition. These premium rounds are perfect for maximum fun at the range, with great ballistics and reliable feeding. You’ll find the ammo you need for all calibers, grain weights, and bullet styles with this brand. Target practice or hunting, these rounds are sure to deliver. Pick up a box today and see for yourself!
8# 45 Colt – 225 Grain Jacketed Soft – Federal Premium
If you’re looking for top-quality American-made ammunition, you can’t go wrong with Federal Premium’s 45 Colt – 225 Grain Jacketed Soft. These bullets offer superior accuracy and reliability and are perfect for target practice. The clean-burning powders and Federal primers and brass make this ammunition an excellent choice for those who want to keep their weapons clean. And with a wide selection of bullet styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect ones for your needs. So invest in quality today with Federal Premium’s 45 Colt – 225 Grain Jacketed Soft bullets.
9# 45 Colt – 250 Grain Lead Round Nose – Remington
Looking to take your revolver and lever rifle skills to the next level? Then you need the 45 Colt – 250 Grain Lead Round Nose from Remington. This high-quality ammunition is engineered for maximum performance, delivering legendary accuracy and power that competitive and target shooters demand. The brass casing and Remington Kleanbore priming ensure reliable ignition in any condition, while the traditional revolver and lever rifle bullet styles make this ammo perfect for a variety of applications. So whether you’re at the range or in the field, make sure you’re packing the 45 Colt – 250 Grain Lead Round Nose from Remington.
10# 45 Colt – 225 Grain Silvertip Jacketed Hollow Point Brass – Winchester
The Winchester’s 45 Colt Silvertip Jacketed Hollow Point Brass is ammunition is designed to provide maximum stopping power in any situation, with its hollow point providing reliable and consistent expansion. The Super-X line of ammunition has been a trusted choice of hunters and shooters since 1922, and for good reason. You can depend on Winchester’s time-proven quality and performance to give you the edge when it matters most.
Product Temporarily Unavailable
11# 45 Colt – 250 Grain Bonded Hollow – Federal Premium
Federal Premium’s 45 Colt – 250 Grain Bonded Hollow is the perfect ammunition for your lever gun. This ammunition is designed for optimal cycling and performance from the time-tested rifle platform. With velocities that are customized to produce superior ballistics and terminal performance, this ammunition is sure to give you the edge you need. The construction of the molecularly bonded soft point bullets has also been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion. This ammo is sure to give you the confidence you need when you’re out in the field.
12# 45 Colt – 225 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow – Winchester
When it comes to personal defense, you need ammunition that you can rely on. Winchester PDX1 Defender ammunition is engineered to maximize terminal ballistics as defined by FBI test protocol. This means that it provides maximum stopping power to help keep you and your loved ones safe. The innovative bonding process welds the jacket to the lead core for improved penetration, 1.5x expansion, and the proven performance you need in a high-stakes situation. The hollow point design expands up to 1.5x the original diameter, while the notched jacket is preprogrammed to expand into six uniform segments for consistent tactical performance. With its superior design and proven performance, PDX1 Defender ammunition is the ideal choice for when you need the very best.
13# 45 Colt – 230 Grain Jacketed Hollow – Remington
Remington HTP Centerfire Handgun Ammunition is the perfect choice for those who demand the very best. This company offers a wide range of handgun ammo that covers nearly all uses and all calibers. Remington’s high terminal performance grade bullets are designed specifically for self-defense and hunting. These expanding bullets feature superb accuracy and stopping power, making them the perfect choice for whatever task you have in front of you. A waterproof sealant is used on all of the case mouths and all of the primers to ensure consistent performance in any conditions. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – choose Remington HTP Centerfire Handgun Ammunition.
Product No Longer Available
14# 45 Colt – 140 Grain Shotshell – CCI Ammunition
CCI Big 4 shotshells are the perfect choice for close-range pests. With a payload of No. 4 lead shots, these shotshells offer more energy and longer range than conventional handgun shotshells. Packed in reusable boxes of 10 shotshells, they are available in a variety of popular calibers.
15# 45 Colt – 250 grain Tracer-Like Total Metal Jacket Brass – Ammo
Ammo, Inc. STREAK .45 Colt 250gr Tracer-Like Total Metal Jacket Pistol Ammunition is the perfect choice for range training. The exclusive technology used to create this ammunition produces an illuminated bullet without generating heat, so you can see your bullet path day or night. This makes it easier to adjust your aiming point and improve your accuracy. Plus, the back of the bullet glows brightly for added fun. Safe for indoor range use, this Ammo, Inc. STREAK .45 250gr TMJ Visual Handgun Ammo is a great way to take your training to the next level.
16# 45 Colt – 225 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter – Remington
Ammo, Inc. STREAK .45 Colt 250gr Tracer-Like Total Metal Jacket Pistol Ammunition is the perfect choice for range training. The exclusive technology used to create this ammunition produces an illuminated bullet without generating heat, so you can see your bullet path day or night. This makes it easier to adjust your aiming point and improve your accuracy. Plus, the back of the bullet glows brightly for added fun. Safe for indoor range use, this Ammo, Inc. STREAK .45 250gr TMJ Visual Handgun Ammo is a great way to take your training to the next level.
17# 45 Colt – 150 grain Shotshell – CCI Ammunition
Looking for a way to take care of those pesky snakes without wasting valuable ammo? CCI has you covered with their Pest Control Shotshell .45 Colt 150 grain Shotshell Centerfire Pistol Ammunition. These specially designed shotshells are perfect for hitting targets at close range, and come in a handy reusable box so you can keep them fresh and ready to use. With ten #9 size shot shells included, this is the perfect option for quickly and effectively taking care of snakes on your property. So don’t let those slimy critters spoil your summer fun – grab a box of CCI Pest Control Shotshells and take care of business!
18# 45 Colt – 250 grain Tracer-Like Jacketed Hollow – Ammo
If you’re looking for an innovative take on tracer ammo, look no further than Ammo, Inc. STREAK .45 Colt 250gr Tracer-Like Jacketed Hollow Point Pistol Ammunition. These non-flammable bullets are safe to use at indoor ranges, making them an excellent training tool. But they also provide an immense advantage in self-defense situations. Home invasions can happen at any time of the day. Thankfully, with these rounds, you can get visual feedback on your shots in any lighting conditions. That way you can easily see where your shots land and make adjustments to your aim if necessary. So don’t be caught unprepared. Make sure you have next-gen Ammo, Inc. STREAK .45 250gr JHP Visual Pistol Ammo on hand to protect yourself and your loved ones.
19# 45 Colt – 225 grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow – Federal Premium
Federal Premium’s newest line of ammunition is perfect for high-volume shooters who want to practice reloading. The 45 Colt – 225 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow has a nominal diameter of 0.175 inches and 1000 primers, making it both accurate and consistent. Additionally, the new line is also noncorrosive. Perfect for small magnum pistols and revolvers, this line of ammunition from Federal Premium is sure to be a favorite amongst shooters.
45Colt vs 45ACP ⚔️
⚖️ 45 Colt (also known as .45 Long Colt) and 45 ACP (also known as .45 Auto) are two different cartridges with some notable differences:
🔸 Origin:
- ⇨ 45 Colt was first introduced in 1872 for use in Colt’s Single Action Army revolver, while the 45 ACP was developed in 1905 for use in the Colt Model 1911 pistol.
🔸 Bullet diameter:
- ⇨ Both cartridges have a bullet diameter of .452 inches, but the 45 Colt generally has a wider range of bullet weights available compared to the 45 ACP.
🔸 Cartridge length:
- ⇨ The 45 Colt cartridge is longer than the 45 ACP cartridge, measuring 1.285 inches compared to the 45 ACP’s length of 0.898 inches.
🔸 Muzzle velocity:
- ⇨ The 45 ACP typically has a higher muzzle velocity than the 45 Colt due to its higher chamber pressure, which results in a flatter trajectory and less bullet drop over the distance.
🔸 Recoil:
- ⇨ Due to its higher chamber pressure, the 45 ACP generally has more felt recoil than the 45 Colt.
🔸 Use:
- ⇨ While both cartridges are suitable for self-defense and hunting, the 45 ACP is more commonly used in semi-automatic pistols, while the 45 Colt is more commonly used in revolvers and lever-action rifles.
🎥 Watch the video to see the performance of both:
FAQ 🤔
Conclusion 🔔
In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best 45 Colt ammo on the market and shared the top picks with you. We’ve also included some tips on how to choose the right round for your needs. So whether you’re looking for target practice ammo or something more powerful for self-defense, we have you covered.😉
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Have you or anyone you know used cast hollowpoints in their revolvers for hunting whitetails? I recently acquired some 330 gr HP cast bullets and I’m curious if others have tried them for this purpose. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
✅ Cast hollowpoints are often used by hunters for taking down games, including whitetails. ⚖️ The weight of the bullet you mentioned could make it not a good choice for hunting whitetails. It’s mostly recommended to use the rounds with less weight.
🐻 330 gr rounds are usually recommended to use for hunting bears.
I’ve successfully hunted deer using a 45 Colt revolver loaded with 255 gr Keith-style SWC cast bullets made from wheel weights. The bullets traveled at just over 1000 fps and were shot at a range of 35 to 60 yards. I aimed for the front shoulder and all of the deer I shot had an entry wound in that area. The bullets consistently exited through either the off-side shoulder or behind the original entry wound. Some of the deer dropped immediately, while others ran about 50 yards before expiring. But from my experience, 330gr rounds were too heavy for deer from long-range dintances
To be honest< the recoil is manageable and the rounds are consistent, making it easy to hit my target every time.
Hello everyone, I wanted to share my reloading experience with the 45 Colt caliber. I have found it to be one of the easiest calibers to reload due to its straight wall case, which can be reloaded many times. There are also many powder and bullet options available. However, it’s important to be extra cautious about a possible double charge since the case may appear nearly empty with some powders. To avoid this, I immediately seat the bullet after charging a case with powder. This method helps eliminate the risk of a squib or double charge. Overall, I think the 45 Colt is a great caliber for reloading.
I have loaded several 1200fps and 250-grain rounds for one of my Blackhawks, of which I own five or six in the 45LC caliber. Shooting these rounds with the standard grip can be challenging due to their power, but still manageable. All of my revolvers have 4 5/8″ barrels, except for one.
I completely agree with you. It’s amusing to hear all the warnings about not loading the Colt over 1000 fps, even in the Blackhawk and Redhawks from Ruger. In my opinion, this is simply nonsense.
When I venture into the backcountry of the mountains in Tennessee as a black bear medicine, I carry MAX RUGER loads with 255 Keith SWC in my 5 1/2″ Ruger Black Hawk. However, for deer at shorter ranges within wooded areas, I have found that those high-powered loads aren’t necessary. Typically, an average range of 75 yards or less can be handled effectively with less powerful loads.
Do you know where I can find affordable 45 Colt range ammo? Additionally, what is the reason for the high cost of factory loads? I’m specifically looking for ammo that is designed to be inexpensive and suitable for range use.
🤷🏽♀️ Unfortunately, it can be challenging to find affordable .45 Colt range ammo on the market. Reloading your own ammunition may be the most cost-effective option in the long run.
💰 The high cost of factory loads can be attributed to a variety of factors, including production costs, material costs, and market demand. Additionally, ammunition manufacturers have to comply with various regulations, which can increase their costs and, in turn, the cost of their products.
I’ve noticed that 45 Colt ammo typically costs around $30 for a box of 50 rounds, which I consider to be a reasonable price. I recently purchased three boxes and have been reloading them myself. However, it’s possible that the price has increased due to the current pandemic situation.
Reloading is your only option. Unfortunately, there really isn’t such a thing as “cheap” .45 Colt ammo available on the market.
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I’ve been using 45 Colt ammo for years and it never fails to impress me. The accuracy and power of this ammo are unmatched, and it’s perfect for hunting and self-defense.