150 years of the .45 Colt cartridge
1873-2023: 150 years of successful life of the .45 Colt, "THE" .45 caliber cartridge
150 years of the .45 Colt cartridge
In firearms history there are some successful ammunition for which a question rises spontaneously: it’s just “modern marketing”, or they are still so popular today because they have been designed to do a type of “work” that is still done so well today that thinking about other alternatives is simply useless?
After 150 years, the .45 Colt cartridge continues to hold its popularity today, driven by a combination of historical significance, adaptability, and solid performance.
Without any doubt, when we talk about the .45 Colt cartridge, its deep-rooted legacy in American history plays a crucial role.
Introduced in 1873 by Colt's Manufacturing Company for the Colt Single Action Army revolver, the .45 Colt was a standard service cartridge for the U.S. military and became iconic in the folklore of the Old West. This historical connection has kept the cartridge in the shooters imagination, sustaining its popularity over the years.
The versatility of the .45 Colt is another key factor. It can be loaded with a wide range of bullet weights and powder charges, making it suitable for various applications, from mild, easy-shooting rounds for target practice to powerful loads for hunting or personal defense.
Furthermore, its compatibility with both revolvers and lever-action rifles appeals to those who enjoy the convenience of using the same ammunition across different firearms.
An Uberti Cattleman 1873 Single Action Army revolver with an original box of .45 Colt cartridges from 1878
Section and dimensions of a .45 Colt cartridge (source: Ammo Encyclopedia)
Performance-wise, the .45 Colt is renowned for its stopping power, making it a reliable choice for self-defense. Even in its standard loads (which substantially replicate the performance of the original black powder ammunition), its 250-255 gr heavy bullet delivers substantial energy, providing reliable performance in defensive situations.
Size matters. From left: .45 Colt, .45 ACP, .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, 9 mm, .22 Long Rifle
The .45 Colt was developed to provide a good stopping power in a time when ammunition still used black powder. With a 250-255 gr lead bullet, the .45 Colt do its job still today.
For handloaders, the .45 Colt offers significant flexibility, as it can be reloaded to achieve various power levels, from low-recoil rounds to high-velocity hunting loads. This adaptability is especially valued by shooters who want to tailor their ammunition to specific needs.
The cultural significance of the .45 Colt also plays a crucial role in its continued popularity. and in fact, the popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting, a sport that involves shooting firearms typical of the Old West, has played a significant role in keeping the .45 Colt alive. The cartridge’s historical authenticity makes it a preferred choice for many competitors in this sport. Moreover, the .45 Colt often appears in Western films, TV shows, and literature, further cementing its status as an iconic cartridge.
An Uberti 1873 variation in .45 Colt: the Bisley revolver of 1894
Photo courtesy: A. Uberti Spa
Modern firearms manufacturers continue to produce revolvers and replicas chambered in .45 Colt, which keeps the cartridge relevant. The availability of these contemporary firearms faithful historic reproduction ensures that the .45 Colt caliber also remains absolutely live in the mind of many modern shooters today.
.45 Colt cartridge origin and use
The .45 Colt cartridge, often also known as the .45 Long Colt or simply .45 LC, is a handgun cartridge with a rich history.
Development
The .45 Colt cartridge was developed by Colt's Manufacturing Company in the early 1870s. It was designed for use in the Colt Single Action Army revolver, also known as the Colt Peacemaker. The revolver was adopted as the standard sidearm for the United States Army in 1873, and the .45 Colt became its associated cartridge.
Design
The .45 Colt is a centerfire, straight-walled cartridge with a case length of 1.285 inches (32.6mm). The original load featured a .454-inch (11.53mm) diameter, 255-grain (16.5 grams) lead bullet propelled by a charge of 40-grain of black powder. The overall length of the cartridge is 1.6 inches (40.64mm). The .45 Colt operates at relatively low pressures compared to modern cartridges.
Military service
The .45 Colt cartridge served as the primary ammunition for the Colt Single Action Army revolver, which was issued to the U.S. Army until it was phased out in the late 1890s.
While initially intended for military use, the .45 Colt became quickly popular also among civilians due to its power and reliability, gaining prominence during the American Frontier era, used by lawmen, outlaws, and cowboys alike.
Evolution and modifications
Over the years, there have been various modifications and loadings of the .45 Colt cartridge. The original black powder load was eventually replaced with smokeless powder. Bullet weights and designs have also been diversified, with options ranging from lighter loads suitable for target shooting to heavier loads for hunting and self-defense.
Modern usage
The .45 Colt cartridge continues to be popular today. It is used in modern personal defense revolvers designed to handle its length and pressure, and of course, it’s still the most popular chambering of a vast majority of modern historic replicas of Old West revolvers and lever-action rifles. As well, it is a popular choice for hunting medium-sized game and is appreciated for its effectiveness and nostalgic appeal.
Beyond practicality and the objective ballistic efficacy that the .45 Colt cartridge still has after 150 years, the nostalgia and collector appeal of the .45 Colt also play a role in its enduring popularity, with many gun enthusiasts and collectors drawn to its rich history and the allure of vintage firearms. As a matter of fact, for historic passionate shooters, owning and firing a .45 Colt offers a direct link to the past.
The .45 Colt’s enduring popularity is due to a combination of its historical significance, versatility, strong performance, and cultural impact. Whether for historical reenactment, sport shooting, self-defense, or hunting, the .45 Colt remains a cherished and practical cartridge for many ".45 caliber" enthusiasts.
