The average 45 Long Colt ammo price typically ranges from $0.70 to $1.50 per round for standard target and Cowboy Action loads, while premium self-defense, hunting, and high-pressure (+P) specialty ammunition costs between $1.30 and $2.50+ per round. A standard 50-round box of range ammo costs between $35 and $65, whereas 20-round boxes of personal protection or big-game hunting rounds run between $25 and $45. Key variables driving price differences include manufacturer brand, bullet style (lead flat nose vs. jacketed hollow point/FTX), casing material (brass vs. aluminum), powder charge (+P vs. standard SAAMI pressure), and whether rounds are purchased individually or in bulk cases. Overall, .45 Colt remains a premium-priced caliber compared to high-volume autoloading cartridges due to lower production scale and larger brass casing volume.
45 Long Colt Ammo Price
| Ammunition Model | Manufacturer | Bullet Type & Weight | Box Quantity | MSRP | Current Retail Price |
| Miwall New FMJ 250gr | Miwall | 250gr Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) | 50 Rounds | $44.00 | $35.95 ($0.72/rd) |
| Magtech Cowboy Action LFN 250gr | Magtech | 250gr Lead Flat Nose (LFN) | 50 Rounds | $42.50 | $36.50 ($0.73/rd) |
| Sellier & Bellot LFN 250gr | Sellier & Bellot | 250gr Lead Flat Nose (LFN) | 50 Rounds | $45.00 | $36.50 ($0.73/rd) |
| Winchester American Lever LFN 250gr | Winchester | 250gr Lead Flat Nose (LFN) | 50 Rounds | $48.00 | $37.95 ($0.76/rd) |
| CCI Blazer JHP 200gr | CCI / Blazer | 200gr Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) | 50 Rounds | $59.99 | $48.00 ($0.96/rd) |
| Underwood FMJ 250gr | Underwood | 250gr Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) | 50 Rounds | $58.00 | $49.00 ($0.98/rd) |
| Ammo Inc. TMJ 250gr | Ammo Inc. | 250gr Total Metal Jacket (TMJ) | 50 Rounds | $59.95 | $52.98 ($1.06/rd) |
| Fiocchi Cowboy Action LRNFP 250gr | Fiocchi | 250gr Lead Round Nose Flat Pt. | 50 Rounds | $69.98 | $57.49 ($1.15/rd) |
| Federal American Eagle JSP 225gr | Federal | 225gr Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) | 50 Rounds | $79.95 | $59.95 ($1.20/rd) |
| Winchester Cowboy Action LFN 250gr | Winchester | 250gr Lead Flat Nose (LFN) | 50 Rounds | $93.95 | $69.98 ($1.40/rd) |
| Hornady LEVERevolution FTX 225gr | Hornady | 225gr Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) | 20 Rounds | $32.95 | $25.15 ($1.26/rd) |
| Hornady Critical Defense FTX 185gr | Hornady | 185gr Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) | 20 Rounds | $34.95 | $26.75 ($1.34/rd) |
| Underwood +P Hard Cast 255gr | Underwood | 255gr Hard Cast Lead FN (+P) | 20 Rounds | $36.00 | $29.00 ($1.45/rd) |
| Corbon Hunter +P Hard Cast 335gr | Corbon | 335gr Hard Cast Lead (+P) | 20 Rounds | $48.00 | $39.00 ($1.95/rd) |
| CCI Pest Control #9 Shotshell | CCI | 150gr #9 Shot (Aluminum Case) | 10 Rounds | $24.00 | $18.95 ($1.90/rd) |
Table Price Breakdown
- Lowest Price Found:$0.72 per round ($35.95 for a 50-round box) for brass-cased training/target rounds from high-volume manufacturers like Miwall, Magtech, and Sellier & Bellot.
- Highest Price Found: $1.95 to $2.80 per round for specialized +P heavy-grain bear defense loads (Corbon, Underwood) and specialized snake shot pest control rounds (CCI).
- Typical Range Price: $0.75 to $1.20 per round ($37 to $60 per 50-round box) for standard Cowboy Action, TMJ, and target loads.
- Best Value Models: Magtech 250gr LFN, Miwall 250gr FMJ, and Winchester American Lever 250gr offer the lowest cost per shot for target practice and lever-action plinking.
- Why Prices Vary:Premium expansion bullets (Hornady FTX), nickel-plated reloadable brass, high-pressure (+P) hard cast hunting loads, and heavy bullet weights (up to 335gr) require higher material costs and specialized manufacturing, driving up price per box.
- MSRP vs. Actual Retail: Online retail pricing is generally 15% to 25% lower than manufacturer MSRP.
How Much Does 45 Long Colt Ammo Cost?
The overall cost of .45 Long Colt ammunition varies depending on purchase volume, bullet technology, and velocity specs:
- Per Round Cost: $0.70 to $0.90 for target/cowboy ammo; $1.00 to $1.30 for standard FMJ/JSP; $1.25 to $2.50+ for +P, self-defense, and hunting loads.
- Per Box Cost (50 Rounds):$35.00 to $60.00 for standard range and target ammunition.
- Per Box Cost (20 Rounds):$25.00 to $40.00 for specialized defensive (JHP/FTX) or +P hunting loads.
- Bulk Case Pricing (500 to 1,000 Rounds):$350.00 to $650.00, reducing average per-round costs by 5% to 15% compared to single-box retail.
45 Long Colt Ammo Price By Manufacturer
- Magtech & Sellier & Bellot ($0.72 – $0.80/rd): Market leaders for entry-level Cowboy Action and target shooting, offering reliable lead flat-nose projectiles at lower price points.
- Winchester ($0.76 – $1.40/rd):Offers value options like American Lever ($0.76/rd) as well as premium heritage lines like Winchester Cowboy Action ($1.40/rd).
- CCI / Blazer ($0.96 – $2.50/rd): Provides affordable aluminum-cased JHP range loads alongside specialized pest control shotshells.
- Fiocchi & Federal ($1.15 – $1.25/rd): Middle-tier domestic and import manufacturers focusing on clean-burning lead and soft-point target ammunition.
- Hornady ($1.25 – $1.60/rd):Premium provider of specialized defensive (Critical Defense) and lever-action hunting rounds (LEVERevolution featuring Flex-Tip technology).
- Underwood & Corbon ($1.45 – $2.00+/rd): High-performance boutique loaders specializing in +P high-velocity, heavy hard-cast, and dangerous game defense ammo.
45 Long Colt Ammo Price By Bullet Type
- Lead Flat Nose (LFN / LRNFP): $0.72 – $1.20 per round. Traditional unjacketed lead projectiles designed for cowboy action revolvers and lever-action rifles. Lower manufacturing costs keep these prices low.
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ / TMJ): $0.72 – $1.10 per round. Fully jacketed bullets that reduce barrel lead fouling. Excellent for range practice in modern revolvers.
- Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP / FTX): $1.25 – $1.65 per round. Expanding bullets engineered for self-defense or thin-skinned game hunting.
- Hard Cast / +P Bear Loads: $1.45 – $2.20 per round. Heavyweight (255gr to 335gr) solid lead alloy projectiles loaded to elevated pressures for woods protection and deep penetration.
- Shotshell / Snake Shot: $1.90 – $2.80 per round. Capsule-loaded fine shot designed for snake and pest suppression at close distances.
45 Long Colt Ammo Price: Box vs Bulk
| Quantity | Average Total Price Range | Average Price Per Round | Typical Savings |
| 50 Rounds (Single Box) | $36.00 – $65.00 | $0.72 – $1.30 | Baseline Price |
| 200 Rounds (4 Boxes) | $140.00 – $240.00 | $0.70 – $1.20 | 3% – 5% Savings |
| 500 Rounds (Half Case) | $350.00 – $570.00 | $0.68 – $1.14 | 5% – 10% Savings |
| 1,000 Rounds (Full Case) | $650.00 – $950.00 | $0.65 – $0.95 | 10% – 15% Savings |
Purchasing .45 Colt in 500 or 1,000-round bulk quantities helps offset high single-box retail prices. Bulk orders also absorb flat shipping fees, improving net value per round.
Budget vs Premium 45 Long Colt Ammo
- Budget Ammunition ($0.70 – $0.85/rd):Utilizes standard lead or FMJ bullets, basic brass or aluminum casings, and lower powder charges tailored to SAAMI low-pressure limits. Ideal for target practice, Cowboy Action events, and informal plinking.
- Premium Ammunition ($1.25 – $2.20+/rd):Uses nickel-plated brass, premium expanding projectiles (e.g., Hornady FTX, Barnes XPB), precision powder blends, and strict quality control. Necessary for big-game hunting, wilderness defense, or primary concealed carry protection.
45 Long Colt Ammo Price Compared With 45 ACP Ammo
| Caliber | Avg Target Price / Round | Avg Defense Price / Round | Typical Box Price (50 Rds Target) |
| .45 Long Colt | $0.72 – $1.20 | $1.30 – $2.20 | $36.00 – $60.00 |
| .45 ACP | $0.38 – $0.55 | $0.85 – $1.30 | $19.00 – $28.00 |
| .44 Remington Magnum | $0.80 – $1.30 | $1.40 – $2.30 | $40.00 – $65.00 |
.45 Long Colt vs. .45 ACP: Although both fire .45-caliber projectiles, .45 Long Colt costs nearly 50% to 80% more than .45 ACP. This price gap exists because .45 ACP is a high-demand military and law enforcement round produced in massive automated runs, whereas .45 LC requires a significantly larger brass case, more powder, and is produced in smaller commercial batches.
Is 45 Long Colt Ammo Expensive?
Yes, .45 Long Colt is generally considered moderately expensive compared to standard handgun calibers. While cheaper than exotic big-bore hunting rounds like .454 Casull or .500 S&W Magnum, it costs significantly more to shoot casually than 9mm ($0.22/rd) or .45 ACP ($0.40/rd). Its higher price tag stems from specialized market demand, low-volume production runs, and substantial raw material requirements (brass and lead weight).
What Affects The Price?
- Raw Material Costs: The large brass case and heavy 225gr–300gr lead/copper bullets consume significantly more raw metal than smaller 9mm or .38 Special cartridges.
- Production Volume: Lower overall market demand means manufacturers run fewer production cycles compared to high-volume defense calibers.
- Pressure Specifications (+P vs Standard): +P loads require reinforced case walls, specialized powders, and heavy hard-cast bullets, raising unit costs.
- Case Quality: Boxer-primed, reloadable brass commands higher prices than non-reloadable aluminum or steel cases.
Pros And Cons
45 Long Colt Ammo Price Pros
- High Reloading Value: Heavy brass casings are durable and easy to handload, cutting shooting costs by up to 50% for high-volume shooters.
- Stable Market Supply: Prices have stabilized around $0.70 to $0.80 per round for budget loads after past market surges.
- Versatile Range of Performance:Buyers can select low-cost, low-recoil Cowboy Action loads or high-power hunting options.
45 Long Colt Ammo Price Cons
- Higher Baseline Cost: Costs substantially more per shot than high-volume semi-automatic calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP.
- Limited Retail Availability: Local gun shops often carry limited brand variety, forcing shooters to buy online for fair prices.
- High Defense & +P Premium: Specialty defensive and dangerous game hunting ammunition frequently exceeds $1.50 to $2.00 per round.
Final Comparison
| Category | Typical Price Range | Recommended Use Case | Top Example Product |
| Plinking / Target | $0.72 – $0.80 / rd | Range practice & informal shooting | Miwall or Magtech 250gr LFN |
| Cowboy Action | $0.75 – $1.15 / rd | Competition & low-recoil shooting | Sellier & Bellot or Fiocchi 250gr |
| Self-Defense | $1.25 – $1.65 / rd | Personal protection & home defense | Hornady Critical Defense 185gr FTX |
| Big Game / +P | $1.45 – $2.20 / rd | Woods defense & bear protection | Underwood +P 255gr Hard Cast |
Final Verdict: 45 Long Colt Ammo Price: How Much Does It Cost?
Expect to pay $35 to $45 for a standard 50-round box of .45 Long Colt target or cowboy action ammunition ($0.70 to $0.90 per round).If you are purchasing specialized self-defense or high-pressure +P hunting ammunition, expect to pay $25 to $38 per 20-round box ($1.25 to $1.90+ per round). Shooters can lower their long-term costs by ordering 500 to 1,000-round bulk cases online or saving their reloadable brass for handloading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average 45 Long Colt ammo price per round?
The average price per round for standard target and cowboy action .45 LC ammo ranges between $0.70 and $1.10. Personal defense and +P hunting rounds average $1.30 to $2.00+ per round.
How much is a box of 50 rounds of 45 Long Colt?
A standard 50-round box of target or cowboy action .45 Long Colt ammo typically costs between $35.00 and $60.00 depending on the manufacturer and bullet type.
Why is 45 Long Colt ammo so expensive?
.45 LC requires a large amount of brass and lead per round, and it is produced in lower volumes than common modern calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP.
Is 45 Colt ammo cheaper in bulk?
Yes. Purchasing .45 Long Colt in bulk cases of 500 or 1,000 rounds drops the per-round price to around $0.65 to $0.75, saving 10% to 15% overall.
Is .45 Colt the same as .45 Long Colt?
Yes. “.45 Colt” and “.45 Long Colt” (.45 LC) refer to the exact same firearm cartridge. The term “Long Colt” was historically used to differentiate it from the shorter .45 Schofield cartridge.
What is the cheapest 45 Long Colt ammo available?
The cheapest .45 LC options are bulk lead flat-nose (LFN) or full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds from brands like Miwall, Magtech, and Sellier & Bellot, priced around $0.72 per round ($35.95 per box).
How much does +P 45 Long Colt ammo cost?
+P (over-pressure) .45 LC loads designed for bear defense and hunting generally cost $28 to $40 per 20-round box, or roughly $1.40 to $2.00 per round.
Is 45 Long Colt more expensive than 44 Magnum?
They are priced very similarly. Standard range ammo for both calibers usually costs between $0.75 and $1.20 per round, though high-end .44 Magnum hunting loads can sometimes cost slightly more.
Can you shoot .45 Long Colt in a .410 shotgun or .454 Casull revolver?
You can safely shoot .45 Long Colt in revolvers chambered for .454 Casull or .460 S&W Magnum, as well as specialized combination guns like the Taurus Judge (.410/.45 LC). Never shoot .45 LC in a standard smoothbore .410 shotgun unless explicitly rated for it by the manufacturer.
Does reloading 45 Long Colt save money?
Yes. Because commercial .45 LC factory ammo is expensive but uses large, durable brass cases, handloading can reduce shooting costs down to $0.30–$0.40 per round, offering over 50% savings.