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45 Long Colt Ballistics Charts

Jump to an ammo company: Aguila | Ammo Inc. | Armscor | Atomic | Barnes | Black Hills | Blazer | Buffalo Bore | Corbon | DoubleTap | Federal | Fiocchi | G2 Research | Hornady | HSM | Liberty | Magtech | Remington | Sellier & Bellot | Sierra | Underwood | Winchester

Aguila Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

Aguila 45 Long Colt 200 grain SP Ballistics Chart

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Ammo Inc. Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

Ammo Inc 45 Long Colt 250 grain TMC Ballistics Chart

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Armscor Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

Armscor 45 Long Colt 255 grain LRN Ballistics Chart

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Atomic Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Atomic Ammo Cowboy 45 Long Colt 200 grain LFP | Atomic Ammo Defensive 45 Long Colt 250 grain JHP

Atomic Ammo Cowboy 45 Long Colt 200 grain LFP Ballistics Chart

Atomic Ammo Defensive 45 Long Colt 250 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Barnes Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Barnes Pioneer 45 Long Colt 200 grain XPB | Barnes VOR-TX Handgun 45 Long Colt 200 grain XPB

Barnes Pioneer 45 Long Colt 200 grain XPB Ballistics Chart

Barnes VOR-TX Handgun 45 Long Colt 200 grain XPB Ballistics Chart

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Black Hills Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

Black Hills Authentic Cowboy 45 Long Colt 250 grain RNFP Ballistics Chart

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Blazer Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

Blazer Aluminum 45 Long Colt 200 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Buffalo Bore Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Buffalo Bore 45 Long Colt 225 grain XPB | Buffalo Bore 45 Long Colt +P 225 grain XPB | Buffalo Bore Anti-Personnel 45 Long Colt 225 grain HCWC | Buffalo Bore Anti-Personnel 45 Long Colt 225 grain SCHN | Buffalo Bore Dangerous Game 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain Mono-Metal WFN | Buffalo Bore Deer Grenade 45 Long Colt +P 260 grain MC HP-GC | Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt 200 grain JHP | Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt 255 grain SC RNFP-GC | Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt +P 260 grain JHP | Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain JFN (800 lbs game) | Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain JFN (1000 lbs game) | Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman 45 Long Colt +P 325 grain LBT-LFN

Buffalo Bore 45 Long Colt 225 grain XPB Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore 45 Long Colt +P 225 grain XPB Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Anti-Personnel 45 Long Colt 225 grain HCWC Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Anti-Personnel 45 Long Colt 225 grain SCHN Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Dangerous Game 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain Mono-Metal WFN Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Deer Grenade 45 Long Colt +P 260 grain MC HP-GC Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt 200 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt 255 grain SC RNFP-GC Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt +P 260 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain JFN (800 lbs game) Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Heavy 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain JFN (1000 lbs game) Ballistics Chart

Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman 45 Long Colt +P 325 grain LBT-LFN Ballistics Chart

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Corbon Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Corbon 45 Long Colt 165 grain JHP | Corbon 45 Long Colt 200 grain JHP | Corbon 45 Long Colt +P 225 grain DPX | Corbon 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain JSP | Corbon 45 Long Colt +P 335 grain HC

Corbon 45 Long Colt 165 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Corbon 45 Long Colt 200 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Corbon 45 Long Colt +P 225 grain DPX Ballistics Chart

Corbon 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain JSP Ballistics Chart

Corbon 45 Long Colt +P 335 grain HC Ballistics Chart

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DoubleTap Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Doubletap 45 Long Colt 160 grain TAC-XP | Doubletap 45 Long Colt 185 grain Bonded JHP | Doubletap 45 Long Colt 230 grain Controlled Expansion JHP | Doubletap 45 Long Colt 250 grain Controlled Expansion SJHP | Doubletap 45 Long Colt 255 grain LSWC | Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 255 grain LSWC | Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 225 grain XPB | Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 335 grain HC WFN-GC | Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 360 grain HC WFN-GC

Doubletap 45 Long Colt 160 grain TAC-XP Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt 185 grain Bonded JHP Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt 230 grain Controlled Expansion JHP Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt 250 grain Controlled Expansion SJHP Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt 255 grain LSWC Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 255 grain LSWC Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 225 grain XPB Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 335 grain HC WFN-GC Ballistics Chart

Doubletap 45 Long Colt +P 360 grain HC WFN-GC Ballistics Chart

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Federal Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Federal American Eagle 45 Long Colt 225 grain JSP | Federal Champion 45 Long Colt 225 grain SWCHP | Federal Premium Hammer Down 45 Long Colt 250 grain Bonded HP

Federal American Eagle 45 Long Colt 225 grain JSP Ballistics Chart

Federal Champion 45 Long Colt 225 grain SWCHP Ballistics Chart

Federal Premium Hammer Down 45 Long Colt 250 grain Bonded HP Ballistics Chart

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Fiocchi Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Fiocchi Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 250 grain LRNFP | Fiocchi Range Dynamics 45 Long Colt 255 grain CMJ

Fiocchi Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 250 grain LRNFP Ballistics Chart

Fiocchi Range Dynamics 45 Long Colt 255 grain CMJ Ballistics Chart

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G2 Research Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

G2 Research Telos 45 Long Colt 160 grain CHP Ballistics Chart

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Hornady Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Hornady Cowboy 45 Long Colt 255 grain LRNFP | Hornady Critical Defense 45 Long Colt 185 grain FTX | Hornady LeveRevolution 45 Long Colt 225 grain FTX

Hornady Cowboy 45 Long Colt 255 grain LRNFP Ballistics Chart

Hornady Critical Defense 45 Long Colt 185 grain FTX Ballistics Chart

Hornady LeveRevolution 45 Long Colt 225 grain FTX Ballistics Chart

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HSM Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: HSM Bear Load 45 Long Colt 325 grain LWFN-GC | HSM Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 200 grain LRNFP | HSM Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 250 grain LRNFP | HSM Pro Pistol 45 Long Colt 300 grain JSP | HSM Training 45 Long Colt 255 grain Plated FP | HSM Training 45 Long Colt 260 grain MAG HP

HSM Bear Load 45 Long Colt 325 grain LWFN-GC Ballistics Chart

HSM Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 200 grain LRNFP Ballistics Chart

HSM Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 250 grain LRNFP Ballistics Chart

HSM Pro Pistol 45 Long Colt 300 grain JSP Ballistics Chart

HSM Training 45 Long Colt 255 grain Plated FP Ballistics Chart

HSM Training 45 Long Colt 260 grain MAG HP Ballistics Chart

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Liberty Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

Liberty Ammunition Civil Defense 45 Long Colt 78 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Magtech Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Magtech Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 200 grain LFN | Magtech Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 250 grain LFN

Magtech Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 200 grain LFN Ballistics Chart

Magtech Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt 250 grain LFN Ballistics Chart

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Remington Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Remington HTP 45 Colt 230 grain JHP | Remington Performance WheelGun 45 Long Colt 225 grain LSWC | Remington Performance WheelGun 45 Long Colt 250 grain LRN

Remington HTP 45 Colt 230 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Remington Performance WheelGun 45 Long Colt 225 grain LSWC Ballistics Chart

Remington Performance WheelGun 45 Long Colt 250 grain LRN Ballistics Chart

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Sellier & Bellot Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Sellier & Bellot 45 Long Colt 230 grain FMJ | Sellier & Bellot 45 Long Colt 230 grain JHP | Sellier & Bellot 45 Long Colt 250 grain LFN

Sellier & Bellot 45 Long Colt 230 grain FMJ Ballistics Chart

Sellier & Bellot 45 Long Colt 230 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Sellier & Bellot 45 Long Colt 250 grain LFN Ballistics Chart

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Sierra Ballistics Chart - 45 Long Colt

Sierra Sportsman 45 Long Colt 225 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

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Underwood Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 135 grain Xtreme Defender | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 220 grain Maximum Expansion | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 225 grain SC LHP | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 225 grain Wadcutter | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 250 grain FMJ-FN | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 250 grain XTP | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 250 grain XTP | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain XTP | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 250 grain Xtreme Penetrator | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 250 grain Xtreme Penetrator | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 255 grain LSWC-GC | Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 325 grain LFN-GC

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 135 grain Xtreme Defender Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 220 grain Maximum Expansion Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 225 grain SC LHP Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 225 grain Wadcutter Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 250 grain FMJ-FN Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 250 grain XTP Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 250 grain XTP Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 300 grain XTP Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 250 grain Xtreme Penetrator Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 250 grain Xtreme Penetrator Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt 255 grain LSWC-GC Ballistics Chart

Underwood Ammo 45 Long Colt +P 325 grain LFN-GC Ballistics Chart

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Winchester Ballistics Charts - 45 Long Colt

Jump to a ballistics chart: Winchester Big Bore 45 Long Colt 250 grain SJHP | Winchester Defender 45 Long Colt 225 grain Bonded JHP | Winchester Silvertip 45 Long Colt 225 grain JHP | Winchester Super X 45 Long Colt 225 grain Silvertip HP | Winchester Super X 45 Long Colt 250 grain Cowboy Action LFN | Winchester Super X 45 Long Colt 255 grain LFN

Winchester Big Bore 45 Long Colt 250 grain SJHP Ballistics Chart

Winchester Defender 45 Long Colt 225 grain Bonded JHP Ballistics Chart

Winchester Silvertip 45 Long Colt 225 grain JHP Ballistics Chart

Winchester Super X 45 Long Colt 225 grain Silvertip HP Ballistics Chart

Winchester Super X 45 Long Colt 250 grain Cowboy Action LFN Ballistics Chart

Winchester Super X 45 Long Colt 255 grain LFN Ballistics Chart

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Administrative Note: The information above comes from the manufacturer and is only informational. The actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from the advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load. When manufacturer ballistic data was unavailable, ballistics were calculated using a ballistics calculator.

45 Long Colt Trajectory Chart

A bullet's trajectory is its flight path. We measure trajectory in inches of bullet drop, though minute of angle (MOA) is also a popular metric.

A flat trajectory is preferred for long-range shooting because the shooter will require fewer adjustments to compensate for bullet drop. The 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent example of a flat trajectory cartridge, which is why it's popular among long-range shooters.

Contrary to what its name might suggest, the 45 Long Colt is not a long-distance cartridge. It is a pistol round that was designed for black powder (as opposed to the far more potent propellant utilized nowadays). Even when it is loaded with modern smokeless propellant and fired in a lever-action rifle, the 45 Long Colt's trajectory cannot compare to those of modern semi-auto carbine and lever-action rifle cartridges.

Take the 454 Casull for comparison. Although it accelerates heavier bullets to significantly higher velocities, it is also not a long-distance round – yet it still has a much flatter trajectory than the 45 Long Colt.

Below is a sample 45 Long Colt bullet drop chart that gives you a general idea of the 45 Colt trajectory.

Note: The chart above is an example of one 45 Long Colt load, and actual ballistic performance may vary depending on bullet weight, lot, barrel length, and environmental conditions while shooting.

45 Long Colt Velocity

A bullet's velocity is measured in feet per second (fps). Muzzle velocity is the rate at which the bullet leaves the barrel. Generally, a longer barrel produces a higher muzzle velocity, as it gives the exploding propellant more time to exert its energy against the bullet. That's why the 45 Long Colt velocity will vary depending on whether you're firing a Henry or Marlin lever-action rifle or a Ruger Blackhawk (or discontinued Redhawk) revolver.

Velocity will also vary when using heavier bullets and +P loads, both of which are common for self-defense.

The muzzle velocity of the 45 Long Colt ranges from about 700 fps to 1,400 fps, depending on the load, projectile and barrel length. For example, the jacketed hollow point 200-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps, whereas the Federal 225-grain SWCHP (a non-lead bullet) has a muzzle velocity of 830 fps.

Handloads can easily exceed these velocities. Just take care not to surpass the recommended amount of propellant for the case.

45 Long Colt Energy

A bullet's energy is measured in foot-pounds (ft lbs). The muzzle energy measures how much force a bullet exits the barrel with.

Heavier bullets tend to have higher muzzle energy, but velocity also plays a significant role. That's why lighter bullets can still have high muzzle energy.

We can expect the 45 Long Colt to consistently get 600 ft lbs to 1,200 ft lbs of muzzle energy, depending on which load and firearm you're firing. You can exceed these muzzle energies when reloading – but again, always be careful and follow a trusted reloading guide.

How Do 45 Long Colt Ballistics Compare to Other Cartridges?

Though developed for the U.S. Army during the early 1870s, the 45 Long Colt has withstood the test of time. It is still massively popular among Colt Single Action Army (SAA) enthusiasts, as well as S&W Governor and Taurus Judge owners.

The 45 Long Colt round can be compared to the 38 Special, 9mm, 44 Magnum, 45-70, 454 Casull, 45 ACP, and many other cartridges. For simplicity's sake, we'll keep it relatively brief and only compare the ballistics of a few standard calibers.

45 Long Colt vs 44 Mag Ballistics Comparison

45 Long Colt vs 45-70 Ballistics Comparison

45 Long Colt vs 45 ACP Ballistics Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

The team at Ammo.com has gathered and answered commonly asked questions regarding 45 Long Colt Ballistics.

What is the effective range of a 45 Long Colt?

The effective range of a 45 Long Colt depends on the load and firearm you're using, but it is generally 100 yards.

How powerful is the 45 Long Colt?

The 45 Long Colt is a very powerful round, relatively speaking. It is comparable to a 45 ACP.

Is a 45 Long Colt more powerful than a 357 Magnum?

No, a 45 Long Colt is not more powerful than a 357 Magnum.

Is a 45 Long Colt as powerful as a 44 Magnum?

No, a 45 Long Colt is not as Powerful as a 44 Magnum.

What is the muzzle velocity and energy of a standard 45 Long Colt cartridge?

The muzzle velocity and energy of a standard 45 Long Colt cartridge are 860 fps and 411 ft lbs.

What are the standard bullet weights and muzzle velocities for the 45 Long Colt cartridge?

The standard bullet weights and muzzle velocities for the 45 Long Colt cartridge are 250 grains and 860 fps.

Are 45 Long Colt and 45 Colt the same thing?

They are. The proper name of the cartridge is "45 Colt." It is common practice to add "Long" to its name to further differentiate it from the 45 ACP.

Are 45 Long Colt and 45 ACP the same thing?

They are not. A 45 ACP cartridge cannot chamber in a 45 Long Colt firearm, and vice versa.

45 Long Colt Ballistics Tables From All the Major Ammunition Manufacturers originally appeared in The Resistance Library at Ammo.com.