.45 Colt Once-Fired Brass for Reloading
The .45 Colt, commonly known as the .45 Long Colt, is a classic American revolver cartridge with roots dating back to 1873 and the Colt Single Action Army. More than 150 years later, it remains popular among enthusiasts of traditional single-action revolvers, cowboy action shooting, and firearms chambered for this historic cartridge.
US Reloading Supply offers .45 Colt once-fired brass in standard brass, nickel-plated, and Seconds options. All three are washed and polished, providing reloaders with previously fired cartridge cases for inspection and further case preparation before reloading.
Product Summary
US Reloading Supply offers .45 Colt once-fired brass in three options to accommodate different reloading preferences:
- Standard Brass: Traditional brass cases without nickel plating.
- Nickel-Plated Brass: Brass cases with a nickel-plated finish; standard brass cases are not included.
- Seconds Brass: Standard brass cases with cosmetic imperfections that do not necessarily affect their suitability for reloading.
All three options are wet washed and dry tumbled/polished. US Reloading Supply does not remove spent primers during processing; however, some cases may arrive with their spent primers already removed. The cases have not been resized or otherwise fully processed. Additional inspection and case preparation are required before reloading.
Brass is not sorted by headstamp unless otherwise specified. Typically includes 2–3% extra brass to account for occasional imperfections.
Common Uses
The .45 Colt remains popular across several shooting disciplines and firearm types, including:
- Cowboy Action Shooting: A widely used cartridge in competitions featuring traditional single-action revolvers and period-style firearms.
- Recreational Target Shooting: Commonly used for range practice and informal target shooting with revolvers and compatible rifles.
- Hunting: Used in appropriately chambered firearms for hunting applications, subject to firearm capabilities and applicable regulations.
- Historical Firearm Enthusiasts: Popular among owners of original and reproduction firearms associated with the American frontier era.
Customer Reviews
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Quality Standards & Processing
US Reloading Supply prepares .45 Colt once-fired brass through sorting, wet washing, and dry tumbling/polishing. Our processing is intended to remove debris and identify visibly unsuitable cases while preserving the brass for the customer's own case preparation.
Processing and condition:
- Cleaning: All three options are wet washed and dry tumbled/polished.
- Sorting: Cases are sorted by cartridge type and product option. Brass is not sorted by headstamp unless otherwise specified.
- Primer removal: We do not remove spent primers during processing. However, some cases may arrive with their spent primers already removed.
- Additional processing: Cases have not been resized, primer-pocket swaged, or otherwise fully processed.
- Cosmetic condition: Previously fired brass may exhibit discoloration, minor dents, scratches, or other normal signs of use. Seconds brass is standard brass with more visually pronounced cosmetic imperfections.
- Extra brass: Typically includes 2–3% extra brass to account for occasional imperfections.
All cases should be individually inspected and properly prepared by the reloader before use. Cleaning and polishing do not make the brass ready to load.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Official Cartridge Designation | .45 Colt |
| Common Alternate Name | .45 Long Colt |
| Cartridge Type | Rimmed, straight-wall centerfire revolver cartridge |
| Bullet Diameter | .450–.456 in. (SAAMI permitted range) |
| Maximum Case Length | 1.285 in. |
| Maximum Cartridge Overall Length | 1.600 in. |
| Maximum Rim Diameter | .512 in. |
| Primer Pocket | Large Pistol (verify against the specific cases) |
| SAAMI Reference | ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-2022, .45 Colt cartridge and chamber drawing |
SAAMI Technical Reference: View the official .45 Colt cartridge and chamber drawing
SAAMI may update or relocate its technical documents without notice. If the link above is no longer working, please contact us at sales@usreloadingsupply.com so we can update it.
Dimensions represent published cartridge specifications, not measurements or guarantees for individual previously fired cases.
Reloading Notes
The .45 Colt is a long-established revolver cartridge, but proper case preparation and firearm-specific load selection remain important.
- Case Inspection: Inspect each case for cracks, splits, excessive corrosion, deformation, or other damage before reloading. Pay particular attention to the case mouth and primer pocket.
- Case Length: Measure case length during preparation and compare it with published .45 Colt specifications. Previously fired cases may require trimming or other corrective preparation.
- Mixed Headstamps: Brass is not sorted by headstamp unless otherwise specified. Reloaders may choose to separate cases by manufacturer when evaluating differences in case characteristics.
- Primer Pockets: Check each case individually for primer-pocket condition and suitability. Some cases may arrive with spent primers already removed, but US Reloading Supply does not perform de-priming as part of its standard processing.
- Firearm-Specific Load Data: Published .45 Colt load data may distinguish between traditional revolvers and stronger modern firearms. Always use current, tested load data appropriate for the specific firearm and components. Do not assume that loads intended for stronger firearms are suitable for older revolvers or reproductions.
Cleaned and polished brass still requires inspection and appropriate case preparation before loading.
Cartridge Information
The .45 Colt was introduced in 1873 alongside the Colt Single Action Army revolver, commonly known as the Peacemaker. Developed during the transition from percussion revolvers to metallic-cartridge firearms, it became closely associated with the U.S. Cavalry and the American frontier.
The cartridge is also widely known as the .45 Long Colt, a designation historically used to distinguish it from the shorter .45 Smith & Wesson cartridge, commonly called the .45 Schofield. Although .45 Colt is the official SAAMI designation, .45 Long Colt remains a recognized alternate name.
Originally developed for black-powder ammunition, the .45 Colt has remained in commercial use through the transition to modern smokeless-powder ammunition. Today, it is chambered in traditional and modern revolvers, reproduction firearms, and certain lever-action rifles.
Despite its similar caliber designation, the .45 Colt is a different cartridge from the .45 ACP and is not interchangeable with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is .45 Colt the same as .45 Long Colt?
Yes. .45 Long Colt is a widely recognized alternate name for the .45 Colt cartridge. Both names refer to the same cartridge.
2. Is .45 Colt interchangeable with .45 ACP?
No. Although both use the .45 caliber designation, they are different cartridges with different dimensions and designs. They are not interchangeable.
3. What types of .45 Colt brass are available?
US Reloading Supply offers standard brass, nickel-plated brass, and Seconds brass. Each option is sold separately, allowing customers to select their preferred case finish and condition.
4. What is Seconds brass?
Seconds brass is standard brass with more visually pronounced cosmetic imperfections, such as discoloration, scratches, or minor dents. It is intended for reloaders who prioritize function over appearance. As with all previously fired brass, individual inspection is required before reloading.
5. Has the brass been cleaned and polished?
Yes. All three options are wet washed and dry tumbled/polished. Cleaning does not eliminate the need for inspection and case preparation.
6. Have the spent primers been removed?
US Reloading Supply does not remove spent primers during processing. However, some cases may arrive with their spent primers already removed.
7. Has the brass been resized or fully processed?
No. These products are washed and polished but have not been resized or otherwise fully processed. Additional case preparation is required before reloading.
8. Is the brass sorted by headstamp?
No. Brass is not sorted by headstamp unless otherwise specified. Mixed manufacturers and headstamps may be present.
9. What primer size does .45 Colt brass use?
The .45 Colt generally uses Large Pistol primers. Reloaders should inspect individual primer pockets and consult current published load data and component-manufacturer guidance.
10. Can I use the same .45 Colt load data for every firearm chambered in .45 Colt?
No. Published load data may distinguish between traditional revolvers and stronger modern firearms. Always use tested load data appropriate for the specific firearm and components.
11. Is extra brass included?
US Reloading Supply typically includes 2–3% extra brass to account for occasional imperfections.
12. Where can I find the official .45 Colt cartridge specifications?
The .45 Colt cartridge and chamber dimensions are published by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-2022. A direct link to the applicable technical drawing is provided in the Technical Specifications section above.
13. Are all .45 Colt brass packages sold in quantities of 100?
Our standard package size is 100 cases. However, when remaining inventory is insufficient to fill a standard package, smaller quantities may be offered. The actual number of cases included is indicated in the individual product name.
