45 Long Colt Ammo For Sale
History of 45 Long Colt Ammo
The .45 Long Colt (LC), or .45 Colt, has a rich U.S. history. Developed by Samuel Colt in 1872 for the Colt Single Action Army revolver, it features a .454-inch bullet in a 1.285-inch case. Originally loaded with black powder and a 255-grain lead bullet, it reached up to 900 fps. Modern loads, known for accuracy and stopping power, typically have 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy and a velocity of 860 fps.
Produced by Colt Firearms and Union Metallic Cartridge Company for the Colt Single Action Army, the .45 LC became the official U.S. Army handgun and ammunition in 1873. Known as “the gun that won the west,” it remained popular with civilians, transitioning from black powder to smokeless powder. Hunters, sport shooters, Cowboy Action Shooting enthusiasts, and handloaders appreciate its versatility, with modern loads reaching over 1,000 fps.
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.45 Colt vs. .45 ACP
Aspect | .45 Colt | .45 ACP |
---|---|---|
Bullet Diameter | .454 inch | .451 inch |
Case Length | 1.285 inches | .898 inch |
Overall Length | 1.6 inches | 1.275 inches |
Case Diameter | .480 inch | .476 inch |
Case Thickness | .011 inch thicker than .45 ACP | .011 inch thinner than .45 Colt |
Max Pressure (SAAMI) | 14,000 psi | 21,000 psi |
Velocity Range | 900 to 1,300 fps | 835 to 1,350 fps |
Muzzle Energy | 444 to 1,151 ft-lb | 356 to 587 ft-lb |
Recoil and Muzzle Blast | Higher, requires more time to get back on target | Lower, quicker to get back on target |
For a comprehensive breakdown of .45 Colt ballistics, please check out our detailed article.