The 45 Colt is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 14,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 45 Colt with the 45 Automatic on the same basis.
45 Long Colt ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 200 gr | 950–1,120 fps | 401–557 ft-lb |
| 225 gr | 915–950 fps | 418–451 ft-lb |
| 250 gr | 750 fps | 312 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 3 reference bullet weights for the 45 Colt, from 200 to 250 grains. The lightest, 200 grains, is listed at 950–1,120 fps, which computes to 401–557 ft-lb. The heaviest, 250 grains, is listed at 750 fps, which computes to 312 ft-lb.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 200 and 225 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 45 Long Colt ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 14,000 psi. Fire 45 Colt ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
45 Long Colt vs 45 ACP: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 45 Colt | 45 Automatic |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 14,000 psi | 21,000 psi |
| Maximum average pressure, +P | No +P standard | 23,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) | 5.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand | 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .450 in | .450 in |
| Lightest reference load | 200 gr — 950–1,120 fps / 401–557 ft-lb | 120 gr — 1,200 fps / 384 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 200 gr — 950–1,120 fps / 401–557 ft-lb | 200 gr — 885 fps / 348 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 250 gr — 750 fps / 312 ft-lb | 230 gr — 830–915 fps / 352–427 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 45 Colt at 14,000 psi and the 45 Automatic at 21,000 psi, so the 45 Colt runs 7,000 psi lower. At 200 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 45 Colt reference velocity is up to 1,120 fps (557 ft-lb computed), against 885 fps (348 ft-lb) for the 45 Automatic. On that row the 45 Colt carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 45 ACP ammo.
45 Long Colt ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 45 Colt?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 45 Colt at 14,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 45 Colt?
SAAMI lists 3 reference weights, from 200 to 250 grains: 200, 225 and 250.
Is the 45 Colt more powerful than the 45 Automatic?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 200 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 45 Colt reference velocity is up to 1,120 fps (557 ft-lb computed), against 885 fps (348 ft-lb) for the 45 Automatic.
What is the effective range of the 45 Colt?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 45 Colt drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 45 Long Colt ammunition from Underwood, Buffalo Bore, Grizzly Cartridge Company, Winchester, Barnes and CCI. Browse the full 45 Long Colt ammo range.
