Magtech Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt Ammo 250 Grain Lead Flat Nose -M45D
Scorpion 45 Colt Ammo 250 Grain Flat Point - 45C250FP-S50
Federal Champion 45 Long Colt Ammo 225 Grain Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point - C45LCA
Hornady Critical Defense 45 Long Colt Ammo 185 Grain Flex Tip Expanding - 92790
Winchester PDX1 Defender 45 Long Colt Ammo 225 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point - S45CPDB
Hornady LEVERevolution 45 Colt Ammo 225 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding - 92792
CCI Shotshell 45 Colt Ammo 150 Grain #9 Shot - 3746
Federal Premium HammerDown 45 Colt Ammo 250 Grain Bonded Hollow Point - LG45C1
CCI Blazer 45 Colt Ammo 200 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point - 3584
Magtech Cowboy Action 45 Colt Ammo 200 Grain Lead Flat Nose - 45F
Winchester Super-X 45 Long Colt Ammo 255 Grain Lead Round Nose - X45CP2
Hornady Cowboy 45 Long Colt Ammo 255 Grain Lead Flat Nose - 9115
Scorpion 45 Colt Ammo 250 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point - 45C250JHP-S20
Underwood .45 Long Colt Ammo 225 Grain Soft Cast Hollow Point – 710
Sellier & Bellot 45 Long Colt Ammo 250 Grain Lead Flat Nose - SB45D
Remington Performance Wheelgun 45 Long Colt Ammo 250 Grain Lead Round Nose - RPW45C
Fiocchi Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt Ammo 250 Grain Lead Round Nose Flat Point - 45LCCA
Fiocchi Range Dynamics 45 Long Colt Ammo 255 Grain Complete Metal Jacket - 45LCCMJ
Winchester Big Bore 45 Colt Ammo 250 Grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point - X45CBB
OUR TOP 45 LONG COLT AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS
Federal American Eagle 45 Long Colt Ammunition 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point - AE45LC
Federal American Eagle 45 Long Colt 225gr Jacketed Soft Point delivers reliable performance for training and defense. With 860 fps and 369 ft-lbs from a 4" barrel, its soft point expands on impact. Reloadable, non-corrosive brass ensures consistent, clean shooting.
| Manufacturer | Federal |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Long Colt |
| Bullet Type | Jacketed Soft Point |
| Grain | 225 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 860 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 369 ft lbs |
Hornady LEVERevolution 45 Colt Ammunition 225 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding - 92792
Hornady LEVERevolution 45 Colt 225gr Flex Tip Expanding delivers up to 40% more energy and 250 fps faster velocity than standard loads. Safe for tubular mags, it offers 950-960 fps, 460 ft-lbs energy, and superb accuracy-ideal for hunting or defense. Reloadable brass.
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Long Colt |
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip Expanding |
| Grain | 225 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 960 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 460 ft lbs |
Hornady Critical Defense 45 Long Colt Ammunition 185 Grain Flex Tip Expanding - 92790
Hornady Critical Defense 45 Long Colt 185gr FTX offers reliable self-defense with 920 fps and 348 ft-lbs energy. Its Flex Tip ensures expansion through heavy clothing. Nickel-plated brass, low-flash powder, and reloadable design enhance performance.
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Long Colt |
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip Expanding |
| Grain | 185 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 348 ft lbs |
Use Cases for .45 Colt Rifle Ammunition
- Cowboy Action Shooting
- Target Practice
- Hunting Medium Game
- Personal Defense
- Historical Reenactments
Popular .45 Long Colt Ammo Brands
Common .45 Long Colt Ammo Caliber Name Variations
- 45 Long Colt
- .45 LC
- .45 Colt
- Looking for 45 Long Colt? Click here.
A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 45 LONG COLT AMMO
The .45 Long Colt cartridge, often simply called 45 Colt, traces its roots back to 1872 when it was developed by Colt’s Manufacturing Company for use in the iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver. Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, it quickly became a defining firearm of the American West, earning legendary status among shooters, cowboys, and collectors. Known for its powerful stopping ability, moderate recoil, and versatility, the 45 Long Colt remains popular in revolvers and lever-action rifles today.
Modern 45 Long Colt ammo typically features bullets ranging from 200 to 255 grains, with original military loads built around a 250-grain lead bullet propelled by black powder. Advances in smokeless powder have enhanced performance, offering shooters options like lead round nose (LRN), semi-wadcutter (SWC), jacketed hollow point (JHP), and even polymer-tipped rounds. This flexibility makes the cartridge ideal for target shooting, cowboy action competitions, deer hunting, and personal defense when loaded appropriately.
A common question among shooters is: What’s the difference between 45 Colt and 45 Long Colt? Functionally, they are the same cartridge. The term "Long" was historically used to differentiate it from the shorter .45 Schofield cartridge, but today 45 Colt and 45 Long Colt are interchangeable terms in ammunition manufacturing and casual use.
Brands like Hornady offer innovative options such as the LEVERevolution series, boosting velocity and energy for lever-action rifles. Meanwhile, traditional loads from companies like Black Hills Ammunition provide authentic cowboy action shooting experiences with black powder equivalent loads—perfect for those seeking a true Old West feel.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 45 LONG COLT AMMO
When selecting 45 Long Colt ammo, it’s important to match the load to your firearm and your intended shooting activity. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Purpose: Define your primary goal. For cowboy action shooting and target practice, lead round nose (LRN) and semi-wadcutter (SWC) bullets deliver excellent accuracy and maintain the traditional shooting experience. For hunting or personal defense, opt for jacketed hollow points (JHP) or flat-nose bullets, which offer enhanced penetration, energy transfer, and stopping power.
Bullet Type: The choice of bullet type greatly influences performance. Lead bullets are traditional, reliable at standard velocities, and ideal for historical shooting or cowboy competitions. Jacketed bullets reduce barrel fouling and handle higher velocities—making them a better fit for modern 45 Long Colt lever-action rifles or defensive revolvers.
Manufacturer Reputation: Stick with trusted brands known for consistency and performance. Federal, Winchester, and Remington offer dependable 45 Colt ammunition for a variety of uses. For cutting-edge options, Hornady’s LEVERevolution loads push the limits with enhanced ballistics, while Black Hills Ammunition delivers premium cowboy loads for those seeking authentic, low-pressure performance.
Firearm Compatibility: Not all firearms chambered in 45 Long Colt can handle modern high-pressure loads. If you own a vintage Colt Single Action Army, replica, or other antique revolver, stick with lower-pressure rounds to preserve the firearm. Newer revolvers and rifles designed for stronger loads can safely take advantage of modern high-performance ammunition.
Reloading: The 45 Long Colt is a favorite among reloaders due to its flexibility. Whether you're crafting low-recoil cowboy action rounds or high-power hunting loads, there’s a wide selection of bullets, powders, and primers available to customize your shooting experience.
THE 45 LONG COLT AMMO "ROUND UP"
Whether you're honoring the legacy of the Old West or seeking a dependable cartridge for hunting, defense, or cowboy action shooting, our collection of 45 Long Colt ammo offers something for every shooter. This caliber’s lasting popularity speaks to its unique blend of power, accuracy, and versatility across a wide range of firearms. At Target Sports USA, we proudly offer 45 Long Colt ammunition for sale from trusted brands like Hornady, Remington, Winchester, and Federal, ensuring you find the right match for your revolver or rifle. Whether you're shooting traditional loads or modern high-performance options, you can trust our selection to deliver reliable performance with every pull of the trigger.
