.45 Colt
The Colt Single Action Army round of the Old West. Cowboy action shooting today; heavier loads take deer in strong revolvers.
Good for: Revolver, Self-defense, Target, Hunting
A typical factory load is a 255 gr lead flat nose bullet at about 860 ft/s, with roughly 419 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.
Typical load
255 grlead flat nose · 5.5" barrelMuzzle speed
860 ft/sMuzzle energy
419 ft-lbsTypical BC (G1)
≈ 0.15typical, varies by brandTwist rate
1:16Practical range
50 ydPoint-blank range
86 yd6" vital zoneRecommended platform
Single-action or large revolverModerate with standard loadsOn the Handgun Cartridges chart
Made for
The Colt Single Action Army round of the Old West. Cowboy action shooting today; heavier loads take deer in strong revolvers.
Typical load
255 grlead flat nose · 5.5" barrel
Typical muzzle fps
860ft/s
Typical muzzle energy
419ft-lbs
Typical BC (G1)
≈ 0.15typical, varies by brand
Twist rate for typical load
1:16
Practical range
50 yd
MPBR (iron sights)
86 yd6" vital zone · Near zero 3 yd · Far zero 73 yd · Min PBR 0 yd · Max PBR 86 yd · Sight-in @25 2.56" high
Recommended platform
Single-action or large revolverModerate with standard loads
Open the full Handgun Cartridges chart →
Similar cartridges
Browse more
Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.