Hobbies And Interests
Casing and Bullet Size
The .45 Colt is a long bullet, measuring a total of 1.6 inches. The width of the bullet casing is .512 of an inch at the primer end and .480 across the casing. The typical weight of a commercial .45 Colt projectile is between 225 and 255 grains (depending on the specific type of bullet).
Velocity and Energy
The velocity and energy of the bullet is measured during different stages of the bullet's flight. Velocity is measured in feet per second (fps) and energy in pounds; as a general rule, the lighter the bullet, the greater the velocity and energy. Using Hornady ammo as examples, a 225-grain bullet measures 960 fps and 460 pounds per foot as it leaves the barrel, 895 fps and 400 pounds per foot at 50 yards and 841 fps and 354 pounds per foot at 100 yards; the 255-grain bullet measures 725 fps and 298 pounds per foot as it leaves the barrel, 687 fps and 267 pounds per foot at 50 yards and 651 fps and 240 pounds per foot at 100 yards. The weight of the bullet greatly influences its trajectory.
Bullet Types
Bullets for the .45 Colt are produced in a variety of configurations. Lead and flat-tip lead bullets are solid and commonly used for target practice. Hollow point and bonded ammunition is designed to cause maximum damage to the target and is commonly used for hunting and self defense.