Affiliate Disclosure: AmmoCave.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet, Brownells, Cabelas, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Rainier Arms, Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Guide, Ammo.com, Ammo Man, Primary Arms, MidWayUsa, Amazon, eBay, etс. Clicking a link helps keep AmmoCave.com free, at no extra cost to you!
Authors: Each article is verified by AmmoCave's expert team. Professional hunters, firearm trainers, gunsmiths, and gun experts write the articles. AmmoCave Team independently researches, tests, reviews, and uses recommendations from our community of gun owners. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any agency's official policy or position. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions about Best 45 Long Colt Ammo in the comments and join the discussions. Let's share 💬 our ammo & gun experiences together!
What is 45 Long Colt ammo? 🤔
It is a type of centerfire metallic cartridge developed by Colonel Samuel Colt in 1873. It is known for its black powder loading and was initially used for revolvers and lever-action rifles.
Features 🔥
The 45 Long Colt ammunition is an incredibly versatile round that offers a great combination of power, accuracy, and low recoil. Some of the key features of this type of ammunition include:
- ❇️ Power: It packs a powerful punch with its high velocity and energy levels. Its impressive power allows it to be used for all types of hunting, as well as target shooting and self-defense. It’s also capable of taking down large game animals when used with proper technique.
- ❇️ Accuracy: This type of ammo is extremely accurate, thanks to its design which ensures reliable performance every time.
- ❇️ Low Recoil: Despite its potent power, this ammo has low felt recoil thanks to its design.
- ❇️ Reliability: It is designed with reliability in mind, resulting in consistent performance from start to finish with each firing session.
- ❇️ Cost Effective: This type of ammunition is also quite cost-effective compared to other calibers, making it one of the most popular choices for those who are on a budget.
Benefits 🤩
45 Long Colt ammo is ideal for many outdoor activities, including target shooting and hunting.
- ☑️ Its relatively low recoil gives it an advantage over some other ammo types in terms of comfort and control.
- ☑️ It provides good stopping power with its large caliber size and solid construction.
- ☑️ Its accuracy can be increased by using heavier bullets which can lead to improved performance at long ranges compared to lighter loadings.
- ☑️ This ammo is easy to find and available in many different grain sizes and loadings, making it a great choice for shooters who want to customize their ammunition to best suit their needs.
Ballistic characteristics 💥
😉 The 45 Long Colt is a rimmed, straight-walled cartridge that was developed by the United States Army in 1872. The round has considerable stopping power for a handgun cartridge and is capable of delivering deep penetration at moderate velocities. It is also known for its excellent trajectory characteristics which allow it to hit targets with great accuracy.
🎯 It has a muzzle velocity of 950 to 1,300 feet per second and an effective range of around 100 yards.
➡️ When it comes to recoil, it is a light recoiling round with manageable felt recoil due to its slow-burning powder. This makes it ideal for shooters who are recoil sensitive or those shooting smaller handguns such as pocket pistols where the original load might be too much.
- 🔷 The most common type is the jacketed soft point (JSP). JSP rounds are designed to expand upon impact and cause maximum damage.
- 🔷 Other types include hollow point (HP) bullets that offer more control over expansion and reduce tissue damage.
- 🔷 Also, full metal jacket (FMJ) ammo offers increased velocity and penetration with minimal expansion.
🤠 However, the majority of shooters prefer the JSP rounds for hunting applications due to their excellent stopping power and terminal performance.
Our Selection 15 Best 🚀 45 Long Colt Ammo – Editor’s Choice
1# 45 Long Colt – 200 Grain LFN – American Cowboy
If you need a 45 Long Colt round that offers both power and accuracy? Look at the American Cowboy 200 Grain LFN. This round is perfect for match shooting or range training, thanks to its impressive muzzle velocity of 686 fps. The 200-grain Lead Flat Nose bullet is also great for taking down the game, making this an ideal round for hunters as well. So don’t wait any longer, order your American Cowboy 45 Long Colt today!
2# 45 Long Colt – 250 Grain RNFP – Black Hills
This 45 Long Colt ammunition is manufactured by the Black Hills, one of the most trusted names in the firearms industry. This 250-grain round-nose flat point (RNFP) ammo is perfect for target practice and is sure to make your shooting experience more enjoyable. Order your box today!
3# 45 Long Colt – 225 Grain JSP – Federal American Eagle
Introducing Federal’s American Eagle line. This particular offering is a 225-grain Jacketed Soft Point, perfect for range training or self-defense. The bullet design provides good expansion and penetration, while the soft point ensures reliable feeding and functioning in a wide variety of firearms. Don’t miss out on this great deal – pick up a box or two today!
4# 45 Long Colt – 225 Grain – Federal Champion LSWCHP – 20 Rounds
The Federal Champion 45 Long Colt – 225 Grain – LSWCHP is ideal for range training. This new ammo features a lead semi-wadcutter hollow point bullet that is designed to provide superior accuracy and reliability. The brass casing is boxer-primed and can be reloaded for future use. With a muzzle velocity of 830 fps, this ammo is sure to provide the power and performance you need. Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on this great new ammo!
5# 45 Long Colt – 250 Grain – LRN FP – Fiocchi
The Fiocchi 45 Long Colt – 250 Grain – LRNFP – is excellent for range training or self-defense. With a muzzle velocity of 750 fps, these rounds are sure to pack a punch. The lead round-nose flat-point bullet is encased in boxer-primed brass casings, making it a reliable and consistent choice for your firearm.
6# 45 Long Colt – 255 Grain CMJ – Fiocchi
The 45 Long Colt from Fiocchi is a 255-grain complete metal jacket bullet that is good for indoor range training or target practice. The brass casing is boxer-primed and the muzzle velocity is 750fps. This ammo does not attract magnets and is extremely accurate. Buy your 45 Long Colt ammo today!
7# 45 Long Colt – 255 Grain Lead Flat Nose – Cowboy – Hornady
Presenting the Hornady 45 Long Colt – 255 Grain Lead Flat Nose – Cowboy excellent for range training or self-defense. This ammunition is Boxer-primed brass and has a muzzle velocity of 725 fps and muzzle energy of 298 ft-lbs. Each round is precision made to ensure consistent accuracy and reliable performance. Order your supply of this high-quality ammunition today!
8# 45 Long Colt – 185 Grain JHP FTX Critical Defense – Hornady
If you’re looking for a great self-defense round that packs a punch, check the Hornady 45 Long Colt – 185 Grain JHP FTX Critical Defense. These bullets feature a unique flex tip technology that makes them perfect for close-range situations where accuracy is key. When it comes to self-defense, you can’t go wrong with the Hornady 45 Long Colt – 185 Grain JHP FTX Critical Defense.
9# 45 Long Colt – 200 Grain – Magtech LFN
Seeking an affordable, reliable option for your 45 Long Colt needs? Notice Magtech’s 200-grain Lead Flat Nose ammo. This ammo is perfect for range training and practice. The boxer-primed brass casings are easy to reload, and the lead flat-nose bullets are sure to give you the accuracy and precision you need. So don’t wait any longer – grab a box of Magtech’s 200-grain Lead Flat Nose ammo today!
10# 45 Long Colt – 250 Grain – Magtech LFN
The Magtech LFN is a 250-grain lead flat-nose bullet that is perfect for both range training and self-defense, and they deliver outstanding performance and accuracy. The high muzzle velocity and energy make this round punchy with great penetration. And because the brass is boxer-primed, you can be sure these rounds will function reliably in your weapon. So don’t settle for anything less than the best – grab a box of Magtech LFNs today!
11# 45 Long Colt – 230 Grain JHP – Remington HTP
The Remington HTP 45 Colt is awesome for self-defense. The bullets are jacketed with hollow points that will expand on impact, making them incredibly effective. The brass casings are boxer-primed and of high quality, so you can be sure they will function reliably in your firearm. The muzzle velocity of this ammunition is 850 fps and it packs muzzle energy of 369 ft-lbs. Order your supply of Remington HTP 45 Colt today!
12# 45 Long Colt – 250 Grain LRN – Remington Performance Wheel Gun
Turn attention to these 250-grain lead round nose cartridges from Remington. While they may not be the hottest loads on the market, they are very close to the originals in terms of performance. These bullets are perfect for range training, and you’ll find them easy to clean up after a long session of shooting. Best of all, they’re very reasonably priced, so you can stock up.
13# 45 Long Colt – 230 Grain JHP – Sellier & Bellot
Do you want a little more bang for your buck? Then you need to check out the 45 Long Colt from Sellier & Bellot. This powerful round packs a serious punch, with a 230-grain jacketed hollow point bullet that is sure to stop any target in its tracks. Whether you’re shooting for self-defense or just plinking at the range, this ammo is sure to give you the results you’re looking for. So don’t wait any longer, pick up a box of Sellier & Bellot’s 45 Long Colt today!
14# 45 Long Colt – 250 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass – Ammo
This bullet is perfect for target practice or self-defense, thanks to its hollow point design. The brass casing ensures that each shot is consistent and reliable, while the 842 ft/s muzzle velocity means you’ll have no trouble hitting your target. With an impressive 385 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, this ammunition packs a serious punch. So don’t settle for second best – pick up a box of Ammo, Inc. .45 Long Colt 250 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition today!
15# 45 Long Colt – 78 grain Hollow Point – Liberty
Notice a top-quality self-defense round for your 45 Colt revolver? Its Liberty’s Civil Defense 45 Colt rounds have a serious punch, with more kinetic energy and less recoil than any other self-defense round on the market. And because they are designed to create maximum damage and tissue disruption, you can be confident that one well-placed shot will stop any threat. So don’t settle for anything less than the best – choose Liberty’s Civil Defense 45 Colt rounds for your self-defense needs.
How to reload it? 🧑🔧
When it comes to reloading your 45 Long Colt ammo, there are a few key steps you’ll need to follow.
- ➡️ First, make sure that you have the right components for each cartridge you plan to reload by consulting the owner’s manual for your reloading press.
- ➡️ Next, choose the correct shell holder for your ammunition type and insert it into the press.
- ➡️ Once that is secured, select the appropriate powder measure and drop tube combination for your cartridge.
- ➡️ After these steps are complete, begin loading. Place a clean case in the shell holder and raise it until it contacts the die.
- ➡️ Depress the handle of the press to position the case in line with its corresponding die chamber before lowering back down again.
- ➡️ When the case is in position, rotate the powder measure to the desired charge weight and drop it into the primed case.
- ➡️ Finally, insert a round-nose bullet appropriate for your load into the neck of the case before lowering it down once more to seat the bullet properly.
🚨 Once each reloaded round is complete, inspect it thoroughly to make sure that all components are present and intact.
FAQ 😎
Conclusion 🌟
45 Long Colt ammo is a powerful round that has been used for hunting and self-defense for years. In this article, we’ve reviewed the best ammo on the market to help make your purchase easier. We’ve also answered some common questions about it to help you understand the benefits of this caliber. With the right ammunition, you can enjoy the benefits of this caliber without worry. We hope our list helps you find the best ammo for your needs. 😎🎯
I recently bought a NIB P1850, which happens to be only my second SAA. Back in the 60s, when I was stationed in Texas, I owned an SAA but ended up selling it in the 70s. Since I plan to shoot my new P1850 only occasionally, I want to make sure I use the best ammo for my SAA. As a retiree with ample time, I’m excited to learn as much as I can.
As someone who is a fan of cast bullets, I would consider cowboy action ammo for my P1850. There are numerous options available when it comes to jacketed ammo, but for my occasional shooting needs, I believe cast ammo would work perfectly fine. However, I would avoid any cast bullets that are loaded with original black powder loads, as they require more effort to clean.
From my experience, the best ammo for my P1850 will be the one that both my gun and I prefer. That’s why I plan to try several brands to see which one works best for me. However, I believe that the ultimate best ammo will be the ones I reload myself specifically for my gun. I’m excited to start reloading and experimenting with different loads now that I have the time.
If you’re planning to shoot your P1850 only occasionally (although that might change once you experience a Colt), I would recommend getting either the Remington or Winchester lead round-nose flat-point ammo. It closely resembles what they used in the 1800s, except for being black powder back then. This ammo is loaded to Colt pressure specifications and I’ve clocked it at just over 800fps. It’s quite accurate and provides a good representation of what they had back then. I’m sure many of us would be interested in hearing how it performs for you.
I’m trying to clarify if “45 Colt” and “45 Long Colt” refer to the same round. I’ve attempted to search for the answer on Google, but the articles that come up are often lengthy and delve into the history of Colt and revolvers. I apologize if I’m mistaken, but could someone please confirm whether these terms are interchangeable or not?
It’s important to differentiate between cartridges and caliber when discussing rounds like .45 Colt, ACP, and Schofield. Caliber refers to the actual diameter of the projectile. For example, a .45 Colt or Long Colt has a diameter of .452 inches, while .45 ACP has a diameter of .451 inches, and .45 Schofield has a diameter of .454 inches. While .45 ACP can be used in a .45 Colt, using a larger diameter round like .45 Schofield may cause issues. Additionally, if you reload your ammo, it’s crucial not to use .452 bullets meant for a .45 Colt. An easy way to illustrate this concept is to consider rounds like .458 Win Mag and .460 Weatherby Mag, which are different cartridges but both use the same .458 caliber diameter.
In my experience, most reloaders tend to refer to the round as “colt,” while most shooters refer to it as “long colt.”
A friend of mine suggested using jacketed bullets when reloading .45 LC as they tend to be cleaner and function better with a bullet feeder in a progressive press. I’m wondering if anyone knows where I can find jacketed bullets for reloading in .45 LC. Also, I’m curious if bullets intended for .45 ACP can be used in reloading the Long Colt.
As for using bullets designed for .45 ACP in reloading the Long Colt, it is possible as long as proper loading procedures are followed. It’s recommended to crimp over the ogive slightly if there is no groove available, and always consult reliable reloading manuals for recommendations and guidelines.
It’s worth double-checking if the barrel material of your firearm can handle jacketed rounds before using them. However, if you are using a Judge revolver, this may not be a concern.