What’s the Difference Between .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt?
What’s the Difference Between .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt?
The .45 Colt and the .45 Long Colt are two of the most iconic cartridges in American history. Both cartridges were developed in the 19th century and were used by some of the most famous firearms in history, including the Colt Single Action Army and the Smith & Wesson Model 29.
While the two cartridges are very similar in appearance, there are actually a few key differences between them. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the .45 Colt and the .45 Long Colt, and we’ll discuss the differences between them.
We’ll start by looking at the history of each cartridge, and then we’ll discuss their ballistics and performance. We’ll also talk about the guns that are chambered for each cartridge, and we’ll give you some tips on choosing the right cartridge for your needs.
So, if you’re curious about the difference between the .45 Colt and the .45 Long Colt, read on!
| Feature | 45 Colt | 45 Long Colt |
|---|---|---|
| Caliber | .451 in (11.43 mm) | .452 in (11.49 mm) |
| Bullet diameter | .452 in (11.49 mm) | |
| Case length | ||
| Overall length | ||
| Powder charge | ||
| Muzzle velocity | ||
| Muzzle energy |
The .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are two of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world. They are both powerful cartridges that are well-suited for self-defense and hunting. However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges that you should be aware of before you decide which one is right for you.
In this article, we will discuss the history of the .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt, the differences between the two cartridges, and their performance in different applications. We will also provide some recommendations on which cartridge is best for you based on your needs.
History of .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt
The .45 Colt was developed in the 1870s by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. It was designed as a cartridge for the Colt Single Action Army revolver, which was the standard issue sidearm for the United States military from 1873 to 1911. The .45 Colt is a rimless cartridge with a 250-grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of around 850 feet per second.
The .45 Long Colt was developed in the 1890s by John Browning. It was designed as a cartridge for the Colt M1911 pistol, which was adopted as the standard sidearm for the United States military in 1911. The .45 Long Colt is a rimmed cartridge with a 230-grain bullet and a muzzle velocity of around 900 feet per second.
Both the .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are still popular today for use in revolvers and lever-action rifles. They are both powerful cartridges that are well-suited for self-defense and hunting. However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges that you should be aware of before you decide which one is right for you.
Differences Between .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt
The following is a table that summarizes the key differences between the .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt:
| Characteristic | .45 Colt | .45 Long Colt |
|—|—|—|
| Case length | 1.25 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Bullet diameter | 0.452 inches | 0.452 inches |
| Bullet weight | 250 grains | 230 grains |
| Muzzle velocity | 850 feet per second | 900 feet per second |
| Energy | 500 foot-pounds | 550 foot-pounds |
As you can see, the main difference between the .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt is the case length. The .45 Colt has a shorter case length than the .45 Long Colt. This means that the .45 Colt can be loaded into a shorter cylinder, which is an advantage for revolvers. However, the shorter case length also means that the .45 Colt has a lower muzzle velocity and energy than the .45 Long Colt.
Another difference between the .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt is the bullet weight. The .45 Colt is typically loaded with a heavier bullet than the .45 Long Colt. This gives the .45 Colt a better stopping power than the .45 Long Colt. However, the heavier bullet also means that the .45 Colt has a slower velocity and less penetration than the .45 Long Colt.
Performance of .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt
The .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are both powerful cartridges that are well-suited for self-defense and hunting. However, their performance in different applications will vary depending on the specific bullet that is used.
For self-defense, the .45 Colt is a good choice because it has a good stopping power. The heavier bullet will penetrate deep into the target, which can help to stop the threat. However, the .45 Colt is not as fast as some other cartridges, so it may not be as effective at penetrating through heavy clothing or body armor.
For hunting, the .45 Long Colt is a good choice because it has a high velocity and energy. This makes it a good choice for hunting large game animals. However, the .45 Long Colt is not as powerful as some other cartridges, so it may not be as effective at taking down large game animals at long distances.
Recommendations
Ultimately, the best cartridge for you will depend
3. Applications of .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt
Both .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are popular cartridges for a variety of applications, including self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges that make them better suited for different purposes.
.45 Colt is a rimless cartridge that was developed in the 1870s. It is a popular choice for self-defense and hunting because it is a powerful cartridge that is easy to shoot. .45 Colt cartridges are typically loaded with a 230-grain bullet, which produces a muzzle velocity of around 1,100 feet per second. This combination of power and accuracy makes .45 Colt a good choice for self-defense against both humans and animals.
.45 Long Colt is a rimmed cartridge that was developed in the 1890s. It is a popular choice for military and law enforcement use because it is a powerful and accurate cartridge that is also relatively easy to control. .45 Long Colt cartridges are typically loaded with a 250-grain bullet, which produces a muzzle velocity of around 1,150 feet per second. This combination of power and accuracy makes .45 Long Colt a good choice for military and law enforcement applications.
4. Which Cartridge is Right for You?
The best cartridge for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a cartridge that is powerful and accurate, .45 Long Colt is a good option. If you are looking for a cartridge that is easy to shoot, .45 Colt is a good option.
Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt:
| Feature | .45 Colt | .45 Long Colt |
|—|—|—|
| Rim | Rimless | Rimmed |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,100 fps | 1,150 fps |
| Bullet Weight | 230 grains | 250 grains |
| Power | Good | Excellent |
| Accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Controllability | Good | Excellent |
| Applications | Self-defense, hunting, target shooting | Military, law enforcement |
Ultimately, the best way to decide which cartridge is right for you is to try both of them out and see which one you prefer. You can rent a gun chambered in .45 Colt or .45 Long Colt from a local gun range and try it out for yourself. You can also read reviews of both cartridges online to see what other shooters have to say about them.
.45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are both popular cartridges that are well-suited for a variety of applications. The best cartridge for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a powerful and accurate cartridge, .45 Long Colt is a good option. If you are looking for a cartridge that is easy to shoot, .45 Colt is a good option.
Q: What is the difference between .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt?
A: The .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are two very similar cartridges, but there are a few key differences between them.
- Bullet diameter: The .45 Colt has a bullet diameter of .451 inch, while the .45 Long Colt has a bullet diameter of .452 inch. This means that .45 Long Colt bullets will not fit in .45 Colt chambers, and vice versa.
- Case length: The .45 Colt has a case length of 1.14 inches, while the .45 Long Colt has a case length of 1.25 inches. This means that .45 Long Colt cartridges will not fit in .45 Colt magazines, and vice versa.
- Powder charge: The .45 Colt can be loaded with a higher powder charge than the .45 Long Colt. This means that the .45 Colt has a higher muzzle velocity and energy than the .45 Long Colt.
Overall, the .45 Colt is a more powerful cartridge than the .45 Long Colt. However, the .45 Long Colt is still a very effective cartridge for self-defense and hunting.
Q: Which cartridge is better, .45 Colt or .45 Long Colt?
A: There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best cartridge for a particular application will depend on a number of factors, such as the intended use, the firearm being used, and the personal preferences of the shooter.
In general, the .45 Colt is a more powerful cartridge than the .45 Long Colt. This means that the .45 Colt has a higher muzzle velocity and energy, which can be an advantage in certain situations, such as self-defense or hunting. However, the .45 Long Colt is still a very effective cartridge, and it is often preferred for target shooting or competition shooting due to its lower recoil.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which cartridge is right for you is to try both of them out and see which one you prefer.
Q: Can I use .45 Long Colt ammunition in a .45 Colt revolver?
A: No, you cannot use .45 Long Colt ammunition in a .45 Colt revolver. The .45 Long Colt has a larger bullet diameter than the .45 Colt, so .45 Long Colt bullets will not fit in .45 Colt chambers. If you try to fire a .45 Long Colt cartridge in a .45 Colt revolver, the bullet will not be able to chamber properly and the gun will not fire.
Q: Can I use .45 Colt ammunition in a .45 Long Colt rifle?
A: Yes, you can use .45 Colt ammunition in a .45 Long Colt rifle. The .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are both rimless cartridges, so they can be used interchangeably in rifles. However, you should note that the .45 Colt has a higher muzzle velocity and energy than the .45 Long Colt, so you may need to adjust your sights accordingly.
Q: What are some common uses for the .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt cartridges?
A: The .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt cartridges are both popular for a variety of uses, including self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.
- Self-defense: The .45 Colt is a popular self-defense cartridge due to its high power and stopping power. It is also a good choice for concealed carry, as it is a relatively compact cartridge.
- Hunting: The .45 Colt is a good choice for hunting medium-sized game, such as deer and hogs. It is also a good choice for hunting predators, such as coyotes and bears.
- Target shooting: The .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are both popular for target shooting due to their accuracy and low recoil. They are also good choices for competition shooting.
the .45 Colt and .45 Long Colt are two very similar cartridges, but there are a few key differences between them. The .45 Colt is slightly shorter and has a slightly smaller bullet, while the .45 Long Colt is slightly longer and has a slightly larger bullet. The .45 Colt is also more powerful than the .45 Long Colt, but it is also more expensive. Ultimately, the best cartridge for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.