align=middle
Ammunition

Is The 45 Colt Still Useful?

The 45 Colt designed in 1872, makes this one old cartridge. The granddad of the Old West at one time was one of the most venerable cartridges known to man. Along came the magnums 357, 44 and then the colossal big bores 454, 460 and 500. With the advent and popularity of the big bore magnums surely the 45 Colt would die a slow painful death, the question remains, is the 45 Colt still useful?

New Ammunition Extends Its Capability

With shops like Buffalo Bore improving upon this cartridge with the 225gr full wadcutter that hits like Thor’s hammer, surely to crush any bone or flesh in its way. To loads like the Sig Sauer 230gr V Crown Hollow Point designed for self-defense. If you are into reloading and own a modern firearm like a Blackhawk or Redhawk you can experience the sinister side of the 45 Colt reaching 1000ft pounds of energy. Though one must be very careful and knowledgeable about this endeavor as the heavy loads will grenade older firearms like the Colt Single Action Army.

Diverse and Still Relevant

One can see that the 45 Colt is still very capable after 147 years of service and remains relevant to this day. Hunting, Self Defense and Cowboy Shooting it doesn’t matter, the 45 Colt is the softest shooting, versatile big bore of the 20th Century.

Elijah S

View Comments

  • This round's a brute, and with the popularity of Judge-style handguns, it's not going anywhere any time soon.

  • Great article! It just goes to prove you can teach an old dog a new trick. The .45Colt is as relative today as it was at it's inception. If you want a big bore that shoots nicely there it is..
    I was amazed at the penetration of the Buffalobore 225WC..thank you!

Share
Published by
Elijah S

Recent Posts

Is Slide Milling a Thing of the Past?

With the advent of the sixth generation of their pistols, Glock has killed irons-only guns…

7 days ago

The Notebook | Overlooked Pieces of Gear

The Notebook. No, not the Nicholas Sparks classic 1996 novel of the same name, but…

2 weeks ago

How to Become a Firearms Instructor | Words from the Wise

In the previous installment of this series, we looked at some common ways that people…

3 weeks ago

Interview with John W. Bowman | Gunsite and Police Training Legend [2026]

I hear the shuffle of feet and clatter of falling packages echo through the telephone.…

4 weeks ago

Benelli Nova 3 Tactical Review [2026]

The Benelli Nova has never been a front-runner when it comes to defensive and tactical…

1 month ago

Sabre | SHOT Show 2026

Sabre is one of the biggest names in the pepper spray and personal defense game.…

1 month ago