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45 Colt

Old-school power. Modern attention to detail.

The .45 Colt is a reliable, versatile American classic, perfect for everything from a cowboy’s revolver to a modern Ruger or lever-action rifle. At Steinel Ammo, we build .45 Colt ammo for shooters who want authentic performance with modern reliability. Whether you’re chasing brush, hunting with a lever gun, or shooting historic loads at a SASS match, our .45 Colt ammo lineup is purpose-built and carefully curated.

  • 45 Colt 250gr RNFP Cowboy Load
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    45 Colt 250gr RNFP Cowboy Load

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    $41.98
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  • 45 Colt 200gr RNFP Cowboy Load
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    45 Colt 200gr RNFP Cowboy Load

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    $41.98
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  • Four 45 Colt 315gr Hard Cast RNFP Ruger-only cartridges arranged side by side on white background
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    45 Colt 315gr. Hard Cast RNFP- Ruger Only

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  • 45 Colt LFP strong Steinel Ammunition
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    45 Colt 350gr. Hard Cast LFNGC- Ruger Only

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We offer .45 Colt ammunition in the following configurations:

  • 45 Colt – 200 gr RNFP (cowboy/target-friendly)
  • 45 Colt – 250 gr RNFP Cowboy Load (soft-shooting traditional cowboy loads)
  • 45 Colt – 315 gr Hard Cast RNFP (Ruger-only) (heavy hard-cast for stout revolvers & lever guns)
  • 45 Colt – 350 gr Hard Cast LFNGC (Ruger-only) (maximum hard-cast for heavy-for-caliber performance in revolvers)

Why choose Steinel .45 Colt ammo?

Steinel focuses on thoughtfully specified loads, the kind of .45 Colt ammunition that suits vintage shooters, lever-gun hunters, and folks who prefer heavy-for-caliber deliveries. Our batches are made from quality components (Starline brass, reputable primers and powders, and bullets chosen to match each load’s intent). We perform strict lot inspections, dimensional QC, and functional sampling during development and we only ship product that meets our specifications.

.45 Colt Specifications & Typical Ballistics (what to expect)

  • Bullet diameter: ~.452–.453″ (standard for .45 caliber revolver/lever bullets)
  • Common bullet weights we offer: 200 gr, 250 gr, 315 gr, 350 gr
  • Use-case performance (qualitative):
    • 200–250 gr RNFP: Lower felt recoil, excellent for cowboy action, range work, and shooters who want classic handling.
    • 315 gr hard cast (Ruger-only): Heavy-for-caliber penetration and momentum, ideal for heavy-revolver specialized use and serious brush/bear protection in stout actions rated for higher pressures. Excellent performance through lever action rifles.
    • 350 gr LFNGC hard cast (Ruger-only): maximum hard-cast performance for deep penetration and high sectional density where legal and appropriate. Too long to cycle in most lever action rifles.
  • Pressure/compatibility guidance: Many modern high-power .45 Colt loads require strong actions, always check your firearm’s ratings. Steinel marks Ruger-only heavy hard-cast loads where applicable; see each product page for compatibility notes.

Common Bullet Types & Use Cases for .45 Colt Ammo

  • Round-nose flat point (RNFP): Classic cowboy and target load. Smooth feeding in lever and single-action guns, controllable recoil, and predictable accuracy. Great for matches and plinking.
  • Hard-cast RNFP / LFNGC: Cast lead, often gas-checked or lubricated, designed for deep penetration and reliable weight retention. Ideal for heavy duty hunting or protection in environments where heavy, straight-walled bullets are preferred.
  • Soft-point / Jacketed (where offered): Designed for controlled expansion and hunting effectiveness at typical .45 Colt ranges when used in revolvers and lever guns rated for that load. Steinel will be introducing a JHP 45 Colt load suitable for most revolvers.

FAQs: .45 Colt Ammo

Q1. What is .45 Colt ammo used for?
The .45 Colt is a versatile cartridge used for historical reenactment and cowboy action shooting. Hunting with lever-action rifles at moderate ranges. Brush-country self-defense. General target shooting and plinking. Steinel offers .45 Colt ammo ranging from light cowboy-action rounds to heavy hard-cast hunting loads.

Q2. Is .45 Colt the same as .45 Long Colt?
Yes, “.45 Colt” and “.45 Long Colt” are commonly used interchangeably. Steinel labels products consistently on the product pages.

Q3. What’s the difference between .45 Colt and .44 Magnum?
The .44 Magnum generally offers flatter trajectory and higher velocity with similar or lighter bullets, .45 Colt typically delivers heavier, slower bullets with strong momentum and straight-line penetration. Use .44 Mag when you need flatter trajectory and choose .45 Colt for heavy-for-caliber impact and classic handling.

Q4. What firearms are chambered for .45 Colt?
Single-action revolvers, many modern Ruger-style revolvers, and lever rifles (e.g., certain Marlin/Winchester models) are chambered for .45 Colt. Check your firearm’s owner manual for pressure and load limitations before using heavy loads.

Q1. Why is .45 Colt still popular today?
It blends tradition and utility. Perfect for cowboy action, lever-gun hunting, and shooters who prefer heavy bullets at modest velocities. Plus, there’s a strong nostalgic and practical appeal: dependable, blunt-force effectiveness with a well-matched firearm.

 

The .45 Colt delivers honest, momentum-driven performance when paired with the right firearm and load. At Steinel, we make .45 loads with purpose.

Shop our .45 Colt ammo now!

Got questions? Call 330-840-7086 or email info@steinelammo.com and we’ll walk you through compatibility and recommend the right load.