This .45 Colt loading is classified as Standard Pressure, meaning it is safe to use in any and all .45 Colt firearms in normal operating condition. Despite its standard pressure designation, it is a heavy load—far more powerful than typical underpowered .45 Colt ammunition.
The goal in developing this load was to replicate the performance of our renowned .38 SPL +P 158gr soft cast @ 1,000 fps from a 2-inch revolver (Item #20A), but with a 225gr bullet. We’ve applied the same concept to our Heavy .44 SPL 190gr load (Item #14C). This .45 Colt load is specifically designed for defensive use against humans.
We test our ammunition using real-world, over-the-counter firearms to ensure published velocities reflect actual performance—not inflated figures from extra-long laboratory barrels. Below are velocities recorded from stock revolvers:
- 1,066 fps – Ruger pre-2006 Vaquero (large frame), 5.5-inch barrel
- 1,071 fps – Freedom Arms Model 97, 5.25-inch barrel
- 983 fps – S&W Mountain Gun, 4-inch barrel
- 847 fps – Taurus Model 450 Lightweight, 2-inch barrel
Bullet Design Features:
- Soft enough (6 BHN) to mushroom at impact speeds around 750 fps
- Hard enough to resist leading in standard revolver barrels (pure lead is 4 BHN)
- Gas-checked to prevent leading even in rough barrels or forcing cones
- Expected penetration: approximately 18 inches in flesh and bone—even at poor angles
- Special crimp groove and heavy case mouth crimp prevent bullet jump in lightweight alloy revolvers
- In large-frame steel revolvers, bullet jump is highly unlikely even after extensive firing
Flash-suppressed powder is used to prevent shooter blindness in low-light conditions—an essential tactical advantage when defensive action is required.
