.45 Colt (Long Colt)
The original big-bore sixgun round — soft-shooting in standard trim, and mind the sharp split between cowboy-level loads and the heavy stuff made for Ruger-class guns.
Family
Handgun
Introduced
1873
Origin
Colt and UMC for the US Army, USA
History
Introduced in 1873 with the Colt Single Action Army, the .45 Colt was the US Army's revolver cartridge through the Indian Wars era. It defined the cowboy sixgun and never really left production in 150 years. Cowboy action shooting and modern strong-frame revolvers and lever guns keep it thriving.
What it's used for
Iconic platforms
Colt Single Action Army and its clones, Ruger Vaquero and Blackhawk, and Henry, Marlin, and Winchester lever guns.
Common load types
Lead flat point cowboy loads, jacketed hollow point, and heavy hard-cast loads intended only for strong modern actions.
Reference only — not loading data, not ballistics advice, and KitID links to no ammunition sellers. Know your local law before you buy anything that goes bang.