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45 Long Colt vs. 44 Magnum: Big Handgun Energy

By Wes Littlefield

Last Updated: Dec 29, 2025

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Even the most cursory comparison between 45 Long Colt and 44 Magnum will reveal significant differences between the two revolver cartridges. Each cartridge has its pros and cons, which we'll discuss in greater detail below. If you're looking to stock up on the 44 Mag, check out our 44 Magnum ammo for sale from top manufacturers.

45 Long Colt vs. 44 Magnum Comparison Chart

45 Long Colt 44 Magnum
Also Known As 45 Colt, 45 LC 44 Remington Magnum, 44 Rem Mag, 44 Mag
Parent Case Original design 44 S&W Special
Bullet Diameter 0.452 in 0.429 in
Neck Diameter 0.480 in 0.457 in
Base Diameter 0.480 in 0.457 in
Case Length 1.285 in 1.285 in
Overall Length 1.600 in 1.610 in
Case Capacity 41.6 grains H₂O 37.9 grains H₂O
Max Pressure (SAAMI) 14,000 psi 36,000 psi

45 Long Colt and 44 Magnum Pros & Cons

45 Long Colt 44 Magnum
Pros Cons Pros Cons
✓ Versatile round for cowboy action shooting and hunting; chambered in revolvers and lever guns ✗ Costly ammo ✓ Versatile round for target shooting, deer hunting, and bear hunting ✗ Costly ammo
✓ Reasonable stopping power ✗ Less abundant ammo ✓ Superior stopping power; deep penetration suitable for large game ✗ Heavy recoil
✓ Manageable recoil ✗ Weak relative to several contemporary handgun cartridges ✓ Iconic cartridge with strong cultural cachet ✗ Significant potential for over-penetration in self-defense
✓ Nostalgia and historical significance ✗ Limited capacity ✓ Easy to handload ✗ Limited capacity
✓ Easy to handload   ✓ Easy to handload  

45 Long Colt vs. 44 Magnum Ballistics

The team at Ammo.com has compiled ballistics charts for both cartridges to help you quickly discern which performs better.

45 Long Colt Ballistics Chart

Note: The information below comes from ammo manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load. When manufacturer ballistic data were unavailable, ballistics were calculated using a ballistics calculator.

Bullet Barrel Length (in) G1 BC Velocity (fps) Energy (ft-lbs) Elevation (in)
0yds 25yds 50yds 75yds 100yds 0yds 25yds 50yds 75yds 100yds 0yds 25yds 50yds 75yds 100yds
185gr FTX 3 0.140 920 894 870 847 826 348 328 311 295 281 0.2 1.3 0.0 -4.1 -11.3
200gr JHP Not Specified 0.141 1000 966 935 908 883 444 414 389 366 347 0.2 1.1 0.0 -3.5 -9.7
225gr FTX 4.75 0.140 960 930 903 878 855 461 432 408 386 366 0.2 1.2 0.0 -3.8 -10.5
230gr JHP 4 0.227 830 817 805 793 782 352 341 331 322 312 0.2 1.6 0.0 -4.9 -13.2
250gr LFN 4 0.206 709 698 688 677 667 279 271 263 255 247 0.2 2.2 0.0 -6.7 -18.2

44 Magnum Ballistics Chart

Note: The information below comes from ammo manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type load. When manufacturer ballistic data were unavailable, ballistics were calculated using a ballistics calculator.

Bullet Barrel Length (in) G1 BC Velocity (fps) Energy (ft-lbs) Elevation (in)
0yds 25yds 50yds 75yds 100yds 0yds 25yds 50yds 75yds 100yds 0yds 25yds 50yds 75yds 100yds
180gr XTP Not Specified 0.140 1700 1581 1470 1368 1276 1155 999 864 748 651 0.2 0.3 0.0 -1.3 -3.8
200gr XTP 7.5 0.17 1500 1413 1332 1259 1194 999 886 788 704 634 0.2 0.5 0.0 -1.7 -4.7
225gr XPB 7.5 0.166 1235 1171 1117 1072 1033 762 686 624 574 533 0.2 0.7 0.0 -2.4 -6.8
240gr XTP 7.5 0.205 1350 1287 1230 1178 1133 971 883 806 740 684 0.2 0.6 0.0 -2.0 -5.5
280gr A-Frame 6-V 0.143 1170 1108 1057 1015 979 851 763 695 641 596 0.2 0.8 0.0 -2.7 -7.6

Parting Shots: 45 Long Colt vs. 44 Magnum

The 45 Long Colt and 44 Magnum both have their own unique appeal. The iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver was chambered in 45 Colt (though it initially used black powder instead of modern propellant), while Dirty Harry made everyone who didn't already own a 44 Magnum jealous.

Whether you're using a lever-action rifle or revolver, the 44 Mag is more powerful and better suited for hunting. Even so, many other handgun cartridges have been developed that better suit the needs of shooters since the creations of the 45 Colt and 44 Mag.

Wes Littlefield
Written by
Wes Littlefield

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