45 Colt vs 44 Special: Big Bore Revolver Classics
These two cartridges have been around long enough to earn their legends. The 45 Colt dates back to 1872, chambered in the iconic 1873 Single Action Army revolver. The 44 Special followed in 1907 as a lengthened version of the 44 Russian, giving shooters a more refined target and field cartridge. Both are big bore classics with mild recoil, rich history, and a loyal following that has never really faded.
Choosing between them is not just a ballistics question – it is also a question of platform availability, ammo access, and what you actually want to do with the gun. If you are into cowboy action shooting, collecting, or just enjoy big bore revolvers that do not punish your wrist, both cartridges deserve a serious look. This article breaks down exactly where each one shines and where it falls short.
45 Colt vs 44 Special: Origins and History
The 45 Colt – Born on the Frontier
The 45 Colt was developed in 1872 and chambered in the Colt Single Action Army, issued to U.S. cavalry troops starting in 1873. It was originally loaded with black powder and a 255-grain lead bullet, producing modest but effective performance for its era. That original loading set the standard for what a service revolver cartridge should do, and the design barely needed to change.
The 44 Special came along in 1907 as Smith and Wesson lengthened the 44 Russian case to create a more versatile cartridge. It gained its biggest cult following when Elmer Keith used it as the basis for his heavy cast bullet experiments in the 1920s and 1930s – work that eventually led directly to the development of the 44 Magnum in 1955. The 44 Special is, in many ways, the quiet genius behind one of the most famous revolver cartridges ever made.
How These Two Cartridges Actually Perform
Ballistics at Standard Pressure
At factory standard pressure, the two cartridges perform surprisingly close to each other. A typical 45 Colt load pushes a 250-grain bullet around 850-900 feet per second from a 5.5-inch barrel. A standard 44 Special load with a 200-grain bullet runs around 900-1,000 feet per second. Neither cartridge is trying to win a velocity contest – they both prioritize a heavy, slow bullet that carries good energy and expands reliably.
Where things get interesting is with Ruger-only 45 Colt loads. Strong-framed revolvers like the Ruger Blackhawk and Redhawk can safely handle handloads and some commercial loads pushed well beyond standard pressure – reaching 44 Magnum energy levels or higher. This option simply does not exist for the 44 Special in the same way. If you want flexibility to run hot loads in a strong platform, the 45 Colt has a clear edge.
| Load Type | Bullet Weight | Approx. Velocity | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 Colt Standard | 250 gr | 850-900 fps | Any 45 Colt revolver |
| 45 Colt Ruger-Only | 255-300 gr | 1,100-1,300 fps | Strong-frame Ruger only |
| 44 Special Standard | 200 gr | 900-1,000 fps | Any 44 Special revolver |
Platform Choices for Each Classic Cartridge
45 Colt Has the Wider Lineup
The 45 Colt is one of the most widely chambered revolver cartridges still in production. You can find it in Colt Single Action Army reproductions from Cimarron and Uberti, Ruger Blackhawk and Vaquero single-actions, Ruger Redhawk double-actions, and even some lever-action rifles like the Marlin 1894 and Henry Big Boy. That rifle pairing is a significant practical advantage for anyone who wants a matched set.
The 44 Special is in a tighter spot for platform options. Smith and Wesson has offered it in the Model 21 and Model 29 variants over the years, but production has been limited and inconsistent. Charter Arms makes the Bulldog in 44 Special, and a few custom shops work with the caliber, but you will not find the same broad catalog of options. If platform variety matters to you, the 45 Colt wins without much debate.
Finding Ammo for 45 Colt and 44 Special
Availability at the Counter
45 Colt ammunition is widely stocked at most gun shops and big box sporting goods stores across the US and Canada. You will typically find several factory loads from major manufacturers like Federal, Hornady, Winchester, and Remington sitting on the shelf. Cowboy action loads, defensive hollow points, and heavy hunting loads are all available without much searching.
44 Special is noticeably harder to find on store shelves. It is not a dead cartridge, but it is a specialty item at many retailers. Many 44 Special shooters reload their own ammo, which is one reason the cartridge stays alive – reloaders love it for its accuracy potential and the flexibility it offers with cast bullets. If you do not reload and live somewhere with limited selection, 44 Special can become a sourcing headache.
Quick checklist – before choosing based on ammo:
- Check your local gun shop’s shelf stock for both calibers right now
- Search online ammo retailers for price per round and in-stock status
- Consider whether you reload or plan to start
- Factor in whether you want a rifle companion in the same caliber
- Look at how often you shoot – if it is high volume, availability matters more
- Check Canadian importers if you are north of the border, as 44 Special can be even scarcer there
Recoil and Shootability in Heavy Revolvers
Both cartridges are genuinely pleasant to shoot, especially compared to the 44 Magnum or 454 Casull. In a steel-framed revolver of reasonable weight – say a 40-ounce single-action – the 45 Colt produces a slow, rolling push rather than a sharp snap. Most shooters can run it all day without fatigue. The 44 Special is even softer in standard loads, partly due to the lighter bullet weights commonly available.
The difference in felt recoil between the two is small enough that it should not be a deciding factor for most people. Where recoil does become relevant is when you start pushing the 45 Colt into Ruger-only territory – those loads hit noticeably harder. If mild recoil is your primary goal and you have no interest in heavy loads, the 44 Special might have a slight edge in shootability. Either way, both are excellent choices for new shooters stepping into big bore revolvers.
Best Uses in Cowboy Action and Collecting
Cowboy Action Shooting
In cowboy action shooting, the 45 Colt is essentially the default choice. It is the original cartridge of the Single Action Army, and the sport leans heavily into that history. Factory cowboy loads are plentiful, affordable, and optimized for the softer pressures needed in older or reproduction revolvers. Major matches will have shooters running 45 Colt in large numbers, making it easy to source components and talk shop.
The 44 Special does appear in cowboy action, but it occupies a niche role. Some shooters appreciate its accuracy and the historical connection to Elmer Keith’s era of serious revolver work. For collecting, both cartridges offer interesting paths – original Colt SAA revolvers in 45 Colt command serious money, while early Smith and Wesson 44 Special hand ejectors are prized by knowledgeable collectors. If your interest leans toward S and W history, the 44 Special opens a unique collecting lane.
Common Mistakes Picking a Big Bore Classic
- Assuming 45 Colt and 45 ACP are interchangeable – they are completely different cartridges and not compatible
- Running standard 45 Colt loads in a Ruger expecting Magnum performance – you need specifically labeled Ruger-only or +P loads for that
- Buying a 44 Special without checking ammo availability in your area first – getting stuck without a supply source is a real problem
- Overlooking the 44 Special’s accuracy potential – many shooters dismiss it as an oddity when it is genuinely excellent for target work
- Confusing 45 Colt with 45 Long Colt – “Long Colt” is a common nickname but not an official designation; they are the same cartridge
- Not checking whether your specific revolver can handle +P or Ruger-only loads – using hot loads in a standard-rated revolver is unsafe
- Ignoring the rifle pairing advantage – if you want a revolver and lever-action combo, 45 Colt has far more options
FAQ: 45 Colt vs 44 Special Answered Fast
Quick Takeaways
- 45 Colt has better ammo availability and more platform choices
- 44 Special is slightly softer shooting in standard loads
- Ruger-only 45 Colt loads offer a significant power upgrade not available in 44 Special
- Both are excellent for cowboy action, collecting, and mild big bore shooting
- Reloaders will enjoy both cartridges – 44 Special especially rewards handloading
- 45 Colt is the easier recommendation for most shooters due to ammo access
Is 45 Colt the same as 45 Long Colt?
Yes. “45 Long Colt” is a popular nickname used to distinguish it from 45 ACP, but the official SAAMI designation is simply 45 Colt. They are the same cartridge.
What are Ruger-only 45 Colt loads?
These are commercial or handloaded rounds loaded to pressures above the standard 45 Colt SAAMI spec. They are safe only in strong-framed revolvers like the Ruger Blackhawk and Redhawk. Never run them in a Colt SAA, reproduction, or any revolver not specifically rated for them.
Which is better for cowboy action shooting?
The 45 Colt is the dominant choice by a wide margin. Ammo is easy to find, the platform options are broad, and it is historically accurate for the sport’s theme.
Can I use 44 Special ammo in a 44 Magnum revolver?
Yes. The 44 Special is the parent case of the 44 Magnum, and 44 Special rounds can be safely fired in any 44 Magnum revolver. This makes a 44 Magnum revolver a practical way to enjoy 44 Special loads.
Which cartridge is better for self-defense?
Both are adequate for personal protection with quality defensive loads. The 45 Colt has more defensive load options available at retail. Either cartridge in a quality revolver with a proper hollow point load is a reasonable choice.
Is 44 Special worth it if I have to order ammo online?
It depends on how often you shoot. For occasional range sessions and collecting, ordering online is manageable. For high-volume cowboy action or regular practice, the sourcing challenge gets old fast – 45 Colt is the more practical pick in that case.
