A 45 Long Colt Trajectory Chart serves as a vital guide for shooters utilizing this classic cartridge, detailing the vertical flight path and bullet drop of various loads across distances from 25 to 200 yards. Originally designed for revolvers, the 45 Long Colt has found a second life in modern lever action rifles, where its performance metrics change significantly due to increased barrel length. This chart provides verified factory data to illustrate how heavy, slow moving lead and jacketed projectiles interact with gravity at range. Mastering these figures allows hunters and target shooters to effectively compensate for the pronounced trajectory arc inherent to this historic caliber, ensuring precision in both field and range environments.
45 Long Colt Trajectory Chart
| Manufacturer | Load Name | Weight (gr) | Type | BC | MV (fps) | 25y | 50y | 100y | 150y | 200y | Zero (y) |
| Hornady | LEVERevolution | 225 | FTX | 0.190 | 1850 | +0.2 | +0.3 | 0.0 | -7.2 | -20.5 | 100 |
| Federal | Cowboy | 225 | LFN | 0.160 | 850 | +0.3 | +0.5 | 0.0 | -15.8 | -48.2 | 100 |
| Winchester | Super-X | 250 | LFN | 0.180 | 860 | +0.3 | +0.5 | 0.0 | -16.5 | -50.1 | 100 |
| Buffalo Bore | Heavy | 255 | JFN | 0.190 | 1750 | +0.2 | +0.3 | 0.0 | -8.1 | -22.4 | 100 |
| HSM | Cowboy Action | 250 | LRN | 0.165 | 780 | +0.4 | +0.6 | 0.0 | -19.2 | -58.4 | 100 |
To utilize this chart effectively, you must identify whether your specific load is designed for standard pressure (typically 800–900 fps) or high pressure “heavy” rifle loads (1500–1850 fps). With a 100 yard zero, the values indicate the vertical deviation of the bullet from the line of sight. For instance, the Buffalo Bore heavy load drops only 8.1 inches at 150 yards, whereas the standard Federal Cowboy load drops 15.8 inches at the same distance, underscoring the massive performance gap between traditional revolver ammunition and modern, rifle-specific loads.
Understanding The 45 Long Colt Trajectory Chart
The data in the table serves as the primary reference for predicting how your 45 Long Colt load will perform at various ranges. Because this cartridge is used in both revolvers and rifles, these figures are critical for success.
Trajectory Analysis
The trajectory of the 45 Long Colt is highly dependent on the muzzle velocity achieved by your firearm. Comparing the Hornady FTX load (1850 fps) to the standard Federal Cowboy load (850 fps) shows the extreme difference in flight characteristics. The FTX drops 20.5 inches at 200 yards, while the standard load drops a massive 48.2 inches at that same distance, illustrating why high pressure loads are necessary for any engagement beyond 75 yards.
Velocity Analysis
Muzzle velocity for the 45 Long Colt ranges from roughly 750 fps for traditional lead loads up to 1850 fps for modern polymer tipped rifle loads. The high pressure loads, such as the Buffalo Bore 255 grain JFN, significantly flatten the trajectory, allowing the shooter to maintain a manageable holdover. Standard Cowboy Action loads are best kept under 50 yards, as their slow velocity creates a very steep drop curve thereafter.
Ballistic Coefficient Analysis
The ballistic coefficient (BC) for 45 Long Colt bullets is generally low due to their large diameter and blunt profile. The Hornady FTX (BC 0.190) offers the best aerodynamic performance in our table. This allows it to retain energy better than standard lead flat-nose bullets (BC 0.160). While no 45 Long Colt bullet can match modern rifle calibers for BC, choosing a higher BC load like the FTX is the simplest way to reduce vertical drop at 150+ yards.
Best Factory Loads Based On The Chart
For general deer hunting or target work with a lever action rifle, the Hornady LEVERevolution 225 grain FTX is the superior factory choice due to its flat trajectory. For hunting larger game at close range where deep penetration is required, the Buffalo Bore 255 grain JFN load provides excellent impact energy. For casual range use or cowboy action competitions, traditional loads like the Winchester 250 grain LFN are appropriate, provided you keep your engagement distance short.
Key Takeaways From The Chart
The Hornady 225 grain FTX is the flattest shooting factory load in our table. The standard lead cowboy loads are the most affected by gravity, making them unsuitable for any target beyond 75–100 yards. A 100 yard zero is the most logical setting for any 45 Long Colt rifle, keeping the bullet within a few inches of point-of-aim for the majority of standard shooting scenarios.
Common 45 Long Colt Bullet Weights
The 45 Long Colt is a versatile caliber that supports a variety of bullet weights, often categorized by their intended use.
225 Grain
These lighter, often polymer-tipped bullets are designed to maximize muzzle velocity. They offer the flattest flight path for the 45 Long Colt platform and are ideal for hunters looking to extend their range.
250/255 Grain
These are the standard weights for this cartridge. They offer a great balance of traditional terminal performance and manageable recoil. They are effective at close ranges but drop significantly once you exceed 100 yards.
Effective Range
Hunting
The effective range for the 45 Long Colt on deer-sized game is generally 100 to 150 yards when using high-pressure rifle loads. Traditional lead loads are best kept within 75 yards to ensure clean, ethical kills.
Target Shooting
The 45 Long Colt can be used for target shooting out to 150–200 yards with high-pressure loads. However, precision decreases rapidly beyond 100 yards due to the steep trajectory and wind sensitivity.
Factors That Affect 45 Long Colt Trajectory
Muzzle Velocity (Pressure)
This is the single most important factor. High-pressure “Rifle Only” loads will have a trajectory arc totally different from standard revolver pressure ammunition. Always check your rifle’s documentation before using high-pressure loads.
Bullet Profile
Blunt-nosed bullets create high aerodynamic drag. Using modern projectile designs like the FTX dramatically improves range by minimizing this drag.
Barrel Length
Because this is a large-bore, moderate-pressure cartridge, velocity gains are substantial when moving from a revolver’s 5-inch barrel to a rifle’s 20-inch barrel. Rifle-specific data is crucial.
Wind
The 45 Long Colt is extremely sensitive to wind, especially with the heavy, slow-moving lead loads. Even a light breeze will push these bullets significantly at distances over 75 yards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical effective range of a 45 Long Colt?
With modern rifle-specific loads, it is an ethical 150 yard deer cartridge. With standard loads, it is best kept under 75 yards.
Can I shoot high-pressure loads in any 45 Long Colt rifle?
No. Only modern lever action rifles in good condition can safely handle high-pressure 45 Long Colt loads. Always check your rifle’s specifications.
Is the 45 Long Colt good for deer?
Yes, it has been used successfully on deer for over 150 years.
What is the best zero distance?
A 100 yard zero is the most practical choice for lever action rifles.
Why does the 45 Long Colt have so much drop?
It uses heavy, large-diameter bullets fired at relatively low velocities, resulting in a steep ballistic arc.
Can I use Cowboy Action loads for hunting?
No. Cowboy Action loads are designed for low recoil and short-range target shooting and lack the velocity and expansion for hunting.
Does the 45 Long Colt shoot flatter than the 30-30?
No. The 30-30 Winchester fires lighter bullets at much higher velocities, resulting in a significantly flatter trajectory.
What is the best bullet weight for hunting?
250–255 grains is the classic weight for reliable penetration and terminal performance.
Is it hard to find 45 Long Colt ammunition?
It is widely available, though high-pressure rifle-specific loads may be less common than standard revolver loads.
How much recoil does it have?
Recoil is moderate. In a lever action rifle, it is very easy to manage, even with heavier 250+ grain loads.
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