Quick Tip: .45 Caliber Revolver Cartridges

When you see Brownells Gun Tech™ Steve Ostrem with a brace of revolvers and cartridges on the table in front of him, you know you're in for a treat! Today, Uncle Steve takes us on a short tour of .45 caliber revolver cartridges. The two earliest rounds are the .45 Colt (aka .45 Long Colt), developed for the Colt Model 1873 Peacemaker, and the shorter .45 Schofield (aka .45 Smith & Wesson), developed for the Smith & Wesson Model 3 top-break revolver. The U.S. Army had both guns in service - with the inevitable ammo supply chain problems! The .45 Schofield propels a 200-grain bullet at about 700 fps, while the .45 Long Colt pushes a 250-grain bullet even faster. The .45 ACP was developed for the Colt 1911 pistol designed by John Browning, and... wait, that's an autoloader, aren't we talking about revolvers? Yes, and with the aid of moon clips, revolvers such as Smith & Wesson's Model 1917 and Model 625 can be chambered in .45 ACP. .45 Auto Rim is basically a .45 ACP with a thick rim on the case so it can be chambered in these revolvers without using moon clips.
The .454 Casull is a lengthened, higher-pressure .45 Long Colt "Magnum" that pushes a 250-grain bullet at 2,000 fps or a 400-grain bullet at 1,400 fps, which is nearly identical to the .45-70 rifle cartridge. The .460 S&W dwarfs the .454 Casull and was designed as a pure hunting round with heavy, high-velocity bullets. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the .45 Cowboy Special is a .45 Long Colt case shortened to .45 ACP length to let cowboy action shooters load ammo with small charges of fast-burning powder, which is not safe to use in the large .45 Colt cases. Steve explains how he used the .45 Cowboy to answer a question before he started removing metal from a revolver cylinder.

[@YellowHammer26]

Thanks for the history of the .45 cartridge. Well done

[@mercifulephesian9359]

Did anyone else see the AT-4 just chilling in the gun safe...

[@PikeyScott]

When the .460 just ain’t quite big enough...

[@BattleRattle4x4]

this is the comment i was looking for....

[@thatoneguywhodoesthatthing913]

I see it. And I approve!

[@jamesslick4790]

Yeah, It's just chilling. It's a bit much for deer, but OK on elk. 😜

[@andrewprice1774]

My God..there Really is one! Do you Reckon its functional?

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

I am the 3rd great niece of General Schofield and I believe that his Son developed the 45 Schofield pistol if I am not mistaken. Uberti makes a great replica of that gun. Thank You Steve for a great video!

[@brownells]

Whoa! ...thank you for sharing! Thank you also for watching!

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@brownells most of those guns from uberti look great but were chambered in 45lc for practical purposes because of ammo. But you think back then someone would of ran with the design and upped it to 45lc.

[@jalan8171]

Urberti has made a replica Schofield in .45 caliber. At @$1000, it's a finely made break top revolver.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Not entire gun, the lock.

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

@@WALTERBROADDUS Thank You!!

[@austinhuber3131]

45 schofield was an anemic cartridge, as were many old west cartridges. It's honestly impressive what Colt achieved with the 45 colt cartridge, a heavy bullet with reliably lethal speeds.

[@MichaelMiller-od6pu]

Excellent history of the 45 cal round. My “”Judge” is of course 45 Colt.

[@blakeb.8525]

I was surprised that the .455 Webley revolver cartridge didn’t make an appearance.

[@williamfeldmann]

Reason being, these are all one way interchangeable. In a 460S&W you can chamber 454 Casull, 45 LC, 45 Schofield, and 45 Cowboy Special and fire them all safely. 455 Webley is not compatible with this lineup. 45 ACP is mentioned due to the moon clips and it is a direct descendant of the Cowboy Special.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@williamfeldmann Your answer does make sense. The topic was about .45 caliber rounds. Not interchangeably.

[@jic1]

@@williamfeldmann .45 ACP was introduced almost a century *before* .45 Cowboy Special. I think you meant .45 Schofield.

[@GunsmithSid]

Well, he certainly didn’t mean to include the 45 Auto Rim as it is not ‘one way compatible’ with the others.

[@stargod3064]

Can I use Freedom Ammunition .45 Long Colt in a 1860 army conversion cylinder? I’m buying from gun auction but they didn’t mention how much or what kind of powder is in it. Just saying that it’s perfect for cowboy action shooting.

[@brandonparrett2436]

I started reloading because of my love of the 45 colt. But even I don’t appreciate it the way this dude does

[@johnhammer2982]

Love these videos. You guys have really been doing a great job lately. Keep it up!

[@brownells]

Thank you!

[@jedermachtigallmighty7345]

More Moonclips!!😎👍

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I really wish that I still had my S&W model 25-5 in 45LC!!

[@samburkes7552]

That's a great wheel-gun!!

[@undreahankins8194]

I needed the refresher course

[@jalan8171]

I have a .45 Caliber Ruger Blackhawk Convertible six-shooter. Has the cylinders for .45 Colt and .45 ACP. Great combo single action revolver.

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .454 Casull and it is my all time favorite caliber. It was the round that got me into reloading! That is the only downside. The price per round is insanely expensive!

[@tearlach61]

My dad has a SW revolver from the 1950s that shoots 45 ACP. It is the sweetest shooting revolver I have ever fired. Nice trigger, very accurate. Not sure the exact model but is a very sweet revolver.

[@samburkes7552]

It's probably a 45 Military, or early model 25, blue-steel, I presume.

[@AndyCigars]

I remember the film "Alien Nation" when James Caan's character wielded a .454 Casull. That'd be a cool "From the Vault" episode to do. Or maybe a guns of the movies? Feature the Desert Eagle, too. Cheers!

[@mcekim2]

Great video! I've really come to appreciate 45 caliber in the last couple of years. I've had a couple of 45 ACP 1911s for a while. Since then, I've picked up a 45 ACP carbine, a 45 Colt model 94, a Blackhawk 45 Colt / 45 ACP convertible & a Super Blackhawk 454 Casull. I want to try loading some 45 Cowboy Special for the Blackhawk. Love videos like this! 👍👍😀

[@dough6759]

In the Blackhawk and Super Blackhawk, you can do reloads that will easily out perform the .44 magnum. It is quite a robust revolver. Also, I have multiple .45 caliber revolvers, semi-autos, carbines, and rifles - including a T/C Contender w/ 14" barrel pistol in .45-70. I don't shoot THAT one too often! 😉

[@redesert_boy8202]

.45 Colt is definitely one of my absolute favorites and have different ones. Also like the .45 ACP even today in the old 1911 or other semi-auto, or even with moon clips in the revolver...Thanks, sir!.

[@JBass33]

I have the best of both words. My Ruger Blackhawk comes with interchangeable cylinders. One for .45 Colt and the other for .45 ACP.

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

I'm just getting started in reloading for 45 Colt. I have two Pietta and two Uberti single action clones and a new model Armys conversion and a Pietta 1860 Army with a 45 Colt conversion cylinder. All are chambered in 45 Colt. Thank you for sharing this video, very informative and interesting.

[@Maxtowers71]

i LOVE these videos... well made and informative, thanks uncle Steve:)

[@GunSam]

That cowboy special is cool. It's like what I did with .38 SC brass, essentially had .38 Special+P+ velocity probably around 27,000 PSI, to shoot in my .357 Mag revolvers but with a lot less powder, flash, and recoil. And faster reloads.

[@robertstakes8797]

Excellent video and a great company Thanks

[@johnthomas7517]

Every time I come across Brownells content I'm impressed.

[@americanliberty4898]

More than I ever need to know about the 45. Thank You

[@Siskiyous6]

Good insight into the 45 Auto Rim. You said it all when you said the 45 is where it is at.

[@danjf1]

Knowledge is the true power, thanks for doing this presentation!

[@chubbethsthunder]

Thank you very much for the very informative video on the Great 45s. Have a blessed week. Rise Patriots and Never Ever Give Up, Chubbeth's Thunder.

[@docholliday3273]

Absolutely great video about great cartridges.

[@ancliuin2459]

What a relaxed, easy way to put that information right inside my head. I enjoyed this very much. Looking forward to a video on moon clips, if you will make one.

[@brownells]

Thank you so much!

[@BillRodgers2]

Nice job but you left off the only 45 I absolutely hate 45 gap

[@ku4ap]

I were enjoyed this very much. I have found the history of various cartridges very interesting.

[@sharonshaddix3287]

Very informative, thanks.

[@mikewilliams8151]

I've heard of the 45 auto rim. Never knew what gun it was used in. Thank you for the information. I carry a 1911, would like to get a revolver now.

[@heatround2752]

I had 1911s for over 40 years and just got the S&W 625 this past year and love it. Moon clips aren't much of a hassle. Made a unloading tool out of 1/2" copper pipe from vids on utube. Got the 625 from S&W performance center and changed the red and blue clown grips with a nice set of rosewood Altamont grips, and used metal polish and a rag to bring the gun to a bright stainless steel finish. Now a great looking revolver that shoots great!

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

Thanks for "forgetting" about certain Austrian manufacturer's take on the .45 cartridge. Along with, of course, a great thank you for yet another amazing video. May you folks at Brownells' have a great day!

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

The .45 GAP? Never seen a revolver for it.

[@krihanek117]

Great balance in your presentation. The subject wasn't too common or obscure, it was just right.

[@Lunger77]

Great video, I like the AT4 in the locker.

[@timjohnson6100]

thanks for the great lesson!

[@ricklane1693]

Very good info. Thanks !

[@brandonletzko2472]

Thanks for the explanation!

[@vf12497439]

Thank you for this video. I didn’t realize until I was 50 that the 45 was my cartridge.

[@badgerrrlattin35]

I'm a big fan of the .45 cowboy loaded with a .451 round ball over a stiff charge of Bullseye.

[@Alex_556]

.45 Colt is very versatile cartridge and ability to use .45 ACP makes revolvers even more appealing. Too bad there is no such double action revolvers on the market other than Ruger Redhawk which is also in "unobtainable" category.

[@JSSmith-to9pd]

S&W needs to make one (better trigger than Redhawk), but w/o that .410 shotshell garbage. Less cylinder; more barrel.

[@Bigdaddylobo1]

Thank you for this. I am very interested in the 45 cowboy special. I have a Henry carbine in 45 colt, I am just about to take the reloading plunge in the next few weeks, and I want to start with 45 colt. Henry says the rile can handle whatever loads are commercially available. So I'm interested in learning about all options. That cowboy special sounds like a step in the right direction. I'll be looking for more info on that one. Thanks again!

[@badgerrrlattin35]

I've long thought the 45 Cowboy would be a great round for a 5 shot snubby.

[@algoneby]

Good Video. I really like .45 ACP, but haven't really been exposed to the rest of the bunch. Great info.

[@peteshour768]

Nice review.

[@NorthwoodsShooter]

I’m loving these videos! Keep it up!

[@brownells]

Thank you!

[@414Mustang1]

The .45 Cowboy Special is great for single actions with dual cylinders because you can load more efficient loads for use in the ACP cylinder and give them a good roll crimp as the cartridge can headspace on the rim instead of the mouth!

[@rekcahdab]

I’d like to see a video on moon clips. Never used them cause they look like a pain in the.... seem like more ancillary stuff you need to make them work.

[@hansvonmannschaft9062]

They do happen to be kind of a pain in the butt. And remember they've been invented so you could fire semi-auto cartridges outta revolvers. This alone has a terminal ballistics issue: The cilinder gap is a problem for the already weaker-than-revolver-only semi-auto cartridges, causing what's in my humble opinion a great waste of energy. But then again, it always depends on the task you want to assign your revolver to, of course. Cheers and have a nice day! :-)

[@jasonhonan8215]

I had my gp100 modified to use moonclips and I love it, gotta buy the bmt moonclip loader/unloader in my opinion, for ease of use. Its a nice upgrade allows for super quick reloads and if you forget the moonclips or just don't feel like using them you can shoot without it no issues

[@slowturtle8890]

I’ve got a 625JM and use moon clips. Way faster to reload and eject 6rds. W/o the moon clips you have to poke out empties with a stick. What’s neat is half moon clips. They allow you top sort of top up a cylinder after only shooting a few rounds.

[@mikefranklin1253]

Works like a speedloader. I actually carried a S&W 1917 for a year. It was quick and easy to reload. You can make a tool to make loading round in the clip so it isn't that tough.

[@rolandjohnson5090]

This is one of the best marketing tools that Brownell's has initiated. Information for those of us who shoot a lot but don't know all of the reasons why things work the way they do. Although I have shot all sorts of 44's and 45's, I missed the information about the 45 "Cowboy Special", which after Steve's explanation made perfect sense. Thanks to all at Brownell's!

[@brownells]

Thank you for watching!

[@davidhanson8826]

I learned something. Thank you.

[@sipzter]

Thank you, very good info.

[@johncox2865]

Good work. I like the video a lot. I’ve always thought about having a large caliber revolver. Almost bought a .454 when the guns became commercially available in the early 2000s. Glad I didn’t. A buddy of mine, who’s 6 inches taller and 75 pounds heavier than me, told me later it was too much gun for him.

[@DavidHernandez-jy1fu]

That was great video and good information thank you.

[@alswann2702]

Originally the 1873 Colts would fire the Schofield ammunition, but not visa versa. You can imagine what inevitably happened.

[@rightsgains6143]

Wonderful video!!

[@sg_isme]

What about .460 Rowland? I've got one and I'm a big fan...

[@bosse641]

Really like that old cartridge. Cowboy.

[@abee.s.corpus2455]

What a great video! A couple of thoughts on the Cowboy cartridge from a cowboy action shooter. The actual name of the cartridge is "Cowboy .45 Special", "C45S" for short. I've called it .45 Cowboy Special myself; so that's not quite the bone of contention that .45 Colt/.45 Long Colt causes. The .45 Colt certainly has a ton of excess capacity with modern smokeless powder. Most cowboy shooters don't sweat that. Almost everyone that I know who uses C45S is a black powder shooter. Many folks may not realize that a black powder cartridge should be filled to capacity with a little bit of compression when the bullet is seated. That's why cartridges developed prior to the development of smokeless powder are so large (compare .45 Colt to .45 ACP, .38 Special to 9mm). A .45 Colt case full of black powder and a 250-ish grain bullet makes for a stout pistol load. The shorter case holds less powder which makes for a controllable load in a revolver. Finally the shorter cartridge may result in a greater magazine capacity but we typically have ten rifle targets on a stage so our rifles almost always hold ten. There's no reason to load more, because extra ammunition loaded into the rifle would incur a penalty if fired and a different penalty if left in the rifle at the end of a string. For other uses, however, the extra magazine capacity is a plus.

[@bobthomas2812]

I did not know about the 45 cowboy special, very cool. I have a new When 1873 trapper (9 shot in LC) and want to use it in cowboy action. This would allow me the 10 capacity to allow me to be more competitive. I love the 45, I shoot and reload 45/70, ACP, LC, 454 casual up to 458 soSOM, good video.

[@razor3151]

Thank you.

[@lawrencemartin6547]

Great information

[@brownells]

Thank you for watching!

[@jerrymartin5100]

45 Colt.

[@lawrencelewis1036]

Very good information, and on point. I'M a big fan of 45 COLT, especially in the Freedom Arms Model 83 with warm loads. Easily out performing the 44 mag.

[@Lucastrujillo59]

Thank you for the video very informative

[@brownells]

Than you!

[@DeeMoback]

Good stuff..... thanks

[@Jimbowiejr]

Knowledge is an amazing thing

[@ATH_Berkshire]

Did you forget about the 45 Webley?

[@jimmyrayseafood6882]

thank you

[@PikeyScott]

Great video, thanks

[@brownells]

Thank you!!

[@jonmeek3879]

Carried a 25-2 in .45 acp as my duty firearm for years

[@Eugene2ndW]

Would be interesting to see the capability of the 45 Colt in TC and the heavy Ruger's with Hodgdon Lil Gun powders that better fill the case.

[@ruststar]

I love moonclips, I load them with acp and 45 gap without a single issue. Same with my 10 mm revolver, load the clips with either 10 or 40 sw. Cheers

[@ronnieskaggs8148]

The Federal Hammer Down 44 magnum rounds muzzle velocity is 1715 FPS pushing a 270 grain solid core bullet. This ammo is very close to 4570 ballistics in lever action rifles.

[@normskvarca]

Great video. Just a request/idea... Colt 1873 vs. Remington 1875. I know who the the Army chose, but a direct side by side comparison with pluses and minuses and why the winner is better.

[@mikek8089]

That .45 cowboy special would work nice in my 1860 army with the Kirst conversion cylinder.👍 Now if only Dillon made dies for the SDB press!

[@dennisstearns1071]

I like the .45 colt. I also like the .32 H&R magnum. The .32 is very versatile in my opinion.

[@Josh47147]

You forgot to mention the S&W Governor and should have also put a 45-70 beside a 460 for comparison. The magnum research bfr shoots 45-70.

[@glockparaastra]

Nice video!

[@brownells]

Thanks for watching

[@tmaddrummer]

Fantastic and very informative video Steve! I've had the S&W Model 25-2 1955 Target for many years that is in almost new and slightly fired condition, and I've yet to fire it. I just got a bunch of full clips, and I'm excited to shoot. I'm wondering about needing rubber grips for my old hands? Also holster options? I would greatly appreciate any comments or suggestions. Thanks and Blessings!

[@carlosspicyweiner7734]

Please make a video about moon clips.

[@roykiefer7713]

Steve, thank you for another excellent, informative video. I’d add a word about moon clips: Brownells sell EZ or RIMZ moon clips (they are identical). These are hydrocarbon polymer - not steel - and they are simply terrific. Unlike steel moon clips, the will not rust, crimp, permanently bend, or become damaged thorough use . . . and they require no tools to load or unload the moon clips. Furthermore, they are really long lasting; I purchased a dozen or so 15 years ago, and have fired thousands of .40 S&W and 10mm rounds in my Smith 610 with them . . . with absolutely NO problems, and they’re still “going strong.” They have another notable advantage; the polymer flexes enough that I can “nest” two six round moon clips together. This allows me to fit twelve 10mm rounds easily in the pocket of my jeans - much less space than traditional, belt-mounted moon clips holders. And, of course, reloading a revolver with moon clips is (for me at least) every bit as fast as reloading an autoloader with a box magazine. I believe - you can check the website - they’re made for 9x19, .40/10mm, and of course .45 ASCP. IMHO, RIMZ’s are truly outstanding . . . and very much worth their affordable cost.

[@garyevans3421]

Thanks for this. I actually did have Clark Custom Guns, (on Shootout Lane) Jerry’s in-laws, cut the cylinder of a 45colt mountain gun for full moon clips. I was showing a friend and just to see, he dropped a 45acp full moon clip and shut the cylinder. I never tried shooting one as I was unsure of the jump the bullet would take before it hit the chamber mouth. It would certainly add a lot of versatility!

[@jeffgary5969]

They did turn the 454 into a rifle round. 450bm is a rebated rim 454. And they did make something very similar to 460, it’s called 45 raptor but not enough people own them for ammo to be readily available and produced by ammo manufacturers

[@jaygrizzel4883]

I was hoping you would mention cowboy special. Props.

[@brianmoore1164]

Outstanding video, but I am struggling with there not being a 1873 SAA on the bench.

[@alehustle]

thanks

[@paultrimble9390]

Yes sir. Sweet. I would got my Kirst Konverters in 45 long colt if I woul lowed moon clips. Then had 3 /for/ 1. Got 45 acp. I like it. Black powder or 45 acp. Been nice have colt to.

[@rebelrailroader]

Cool. Great Info. I didn't know about the .45 cowboy. I just bought a revolver that shoots .44 Cap and Ball and has a .45LC conversion cylinder that came with it. I will have to try the cowboy ammo.

[@jalan8171]

'Cowboy' ammo generally is powered down ammo that's been used for recreation or Old West based competition. Most often, softer lead bullets top the cartridge.

[@whomagoose6897]

Interesting presentation of .45 caliber cartridges. Even though I will never get involved with any .45 caliber cartridges that are not .45-acp. Also, anything that shoots via a revolver will only be .38-Special or a .357-mag. The fact being I got enough guns. Plus, ammo for a lot of firearms is just not commonly available. Nonetheless your presentation about all things related to .45 caliber was definitely appreciated.

[@slant6guy]

The .45 Cowboy Special is almost as good as sliced bread ~> a match of the .45 Colt rim + a .45 ACP = easier reloading & easier on the wheel-gun & easier on the wallet over the long run! Awesome video here as the .452" pistol caliber is enjoying a resurgence in popularity here in the 2020's...thanx Brownells!

[@Raider1836]

Need a reload video on bullet sizes for 45 cal.... there are so many combinations...

[@williamemerson1799]

There was also a 45 Colt Govt. COTW 14th Edition Pg. 477

[@tomtamblyn1149]

H&G #46 mold , 240 grain , nominal will shoot in all versions. Even in the 1911.

[@roadking99jokerst60]

I've long thought the long jump of an ACP in the redhawk or blackhawk to the forcing cone isn't going to give great shooting . So I stick with the 45Colt in those and the S&W m25-5 , but I'll play with the acp someday being curious. I enjoy the vids, Steve, thanks.

[@slowturtle8890]

I’ve got dies, brass and data for both 45LC and 45ACP, and shoot both-Imma have to make up some 45 Cowboy Special!!

[@johndeeter4030]

My conversion cylinders for my BP in 45 LC also will handle the 45 Schofields. The Schofield round was developed because Henry Schoefield wanted the military's contract . Now back in the late 1800's the mule or pack horse carried the supplies, but they had weight limitations and Schofield figured out the optimal BP charge and put it in a shorter case, shorter case meant the animal could carry more ammo so he came up with his revolver to "seal " the deal so to speak..The Schofield has a slightly thicker rim then the Colt, In time in order to end the confusion on the ammo the Colt cylinders were milled out to also handle the Schofield round.. Or something like that..

[@abee.s.corpus2455]

I believe the cylinder of the Smith & Wesson revolver was too short to chamber the .45 Colt so a shorter cartridge was needed. Modern reproductions of the S&W Schofield have a longer cylinder than the original.

[@DrTech-pw2cu]

Full moon clips are smokin fast to reload a 625 or m25 revolver, and very cheap. But sometimes I have a issue with the back of the rim dragging on the frame and binding, or if the cartridge is too far forward, a missfire.

[@GCJT1949]

Thank you, well done. Now about the rounds you can shoot in .32 Magnum revolvers...Geoff Who is a customer and now a fan!

[@GCJT1949]

OOpps! You covered that in your video on the .32 caliber. Geoff Who apologizes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKGUeKeLg7aBj9U

[@yooper7753]

45 Colt name. The 45 Colt is the official name used by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). The common misnomer name 45 long Colt is not required. It was never officially named 45 long Colt and its use is incorrect. Yes, everyone's familiar with the 45 Colt cartridge back in the calvary days. The soldiers came up with the 45 long Colt designation, because of the shorter 45 S&W Schofield cartridge. I'm not stating this to change your mind, I'm just educating you on the only correct name 45 Colt.

[@direktorpresident]

The guy stated at the outset that he did not want to get in to the tiresome "Long Colt" BS. As far as educating him goes, I think he has a full blackboard already, good luck; and if you want to be pedantic, it's "its".

[@shadowcastre]

@@direktorpresident Lol...

[@JSSmith-to9pd]

Great video! I'm actually looking at a .45 Colt revolver (S&W) with the hopes of cutting it for the 45acp. How did your experiment work out? Had a Ruger Redhawk 45 Colt/acp. Nice, but would like a better trigger than the Redhawk can offer.