Ammo Comparison: .45 Long Colt VS .357

The .45 Long Colt and the .357 Magnum are two of the most popular and widely used handgun cartridges in the world. Both are powerful and reliable, and both are widely used by law enforcement, hunters, and recreational shooters alike. Here, I will compare and contrast the two cartridges, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each. I will also explore the history of both cartridges, and how they have developed over the years. Finally, we will look at the performance of both cartridges in various scenarios, so that you can make an informed decision when selecting the right handgun caliber for your needs.

History and Evolution Of .45 Long Colt

The .45 Long Colt (also known as .45 LC) is a black powder revolver cartridge that was developed in 1872 by Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. It was designed to replace the .44 WCF (also known as .44-40) and was used primarily in Colt Single Action Army revolvers. It is typically loaded with a 255-grain bullet, but can also be loaded with heavier bullets. The .45 Long Colt was originally designed for use in the Colt Single Action Army revolver.

It was the standard cartridge for the United States Cavalry from 1873 to 1892 and was also used in other handguns, such as the Colt New Army and Navy models. The .45 Long Colt has a long and distinguished history in the American West. It was the preferred weapon of many of the most famous outlaws and lawmen of the day, such as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Wild Bill Hickok.

In the early 1900s, the .45 Long Colt was largely replaced by the .45 ACP. The .45 ACP was more powerful and had a higher muzzle velocity, making it a better choice for self-defense and combat. Today, the .45 Long Colt is still popular for cowboy action shooting, hunting, and target shooting. It remains a favorite choice for many shooters and is often seen in modern cowboy-style revolvers.

History and Evolution Of .357

The .357 Magnum cartridge was developed in 1934 by Smith & Wesson and the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. This cartridge was designed to be a more powerful version of the .38 Special cartridge and was used for law enforcement and civilian self-defense applications. The .357 Magnum round was also designed to be used in revolvers which could also fire the less powerful .38 Special round.

The .357 Magnum was an immediate success and has remained popular ever since. The cartridge’s popularity has been largely driven by its use in police and military service revolvers, as well as its versatility in hunting and target shooting. The .357 Magnum is still a popular choice for self-defense, law enforcement, and hunting applications, and is also used in a wide variety of handguns and rifles.

The .357 Magnum round has seen some improvements over the years, including the introduction of more powerful rounds such as the .357 Maximum and the .357 Super Mag. However, the .357 Magnum remains the most popular choice for many shooters due to its versatility and power.

.45 Long Colt VS .357: The Main Differences

The main differences between .45 Long Colt and .357 cartridges are their size, power, and purpose.

The .45 Long Colt is a large-bore revolver cartridge designed for use in single-action revolvers. It is significantly longer and has a much larger diameter than the .357 Magnum, which is a smaller-bore cartridge designed for use in semi-automatic pistols.

The .45 Long Colt has significantly more power and is intended for hunting large game, while the .357 is designed for target shooting and self-defense.

Difference In Performance & Accuracy

The .45 Long Colt and the .357 Magnum are both very popular handgun cartridges that are effective and reliable for self-defense and hunting.

The .45 Long Colt has a longer case than the .357 Magnum and holds more powder, resulting in higher muzzle energy.

The .45 Long Colt is more powerful, but it is also less accurate than the .357 Magnum.
The .45 Long Colt is best used in close quarters, where its power is needed, while the .357 Magnum is better suited for longer distances due to its superior accuracy.

When it comes to performance, the .45 Long Colt is more powerful but less accurate than the .357 Magnum. The .357 Magnum is more accurate and has more range, but it is also more expensive to shoot.

Uses Of .45 Long Colt & .357

The .45 Long Colt and .357 Magnum both are used for a variety of purposes, including self-defense, target shooting, and hunting.

The .45 Long Colt is an iconic round that has been around since 1873.

It is a centerfire cartridge that is commonly used in revolvers, such as the Colt Single Action Army and the Ruger Blackhawk.

It is a powerful round with good accuracy and moderate recoil, making it suitable for self-defense at close range.
It is also popular for hunting small to medium game, such as deer and hogs.

The .357 Magnum is a more modern round that was developed in the 1930s.

It is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge that is typically used in revolvers. It is a powerful round with good accuracy and a moderate to a significant amount of recoil.
It is popular for self-defense, target shooting, and hunting.
It is also a suitable choice for hunting medium to large game, such as deer and elk.

.45 Long Colt VS .357- Detailed Comaprison

The .45 Long Colt and the .357 are two different types of handgun cartridges.

The .45 Long Colt cartridge: It was first developed in 1873 for use in the Colt Single Action Army revolver. It is a relatively large round, measuring .898 inches in length and .454 inches in diameter. It is capable of firing a variety of bullet weights, from 150-grain to 255-grain, at velocities ranging from 725 to 950 feet per second.

The .357 Magnum: It is a relatively newer round, having been created in 1935 for use in the Smith & Wesson Model 27 revolver. It is a smaller round, measuring .853 inches in length and .357 inches in diameter. It is capable of firing bullets weighing from 125-grain to 158-grain, at velocities ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 feet per second.

The .45 Long Colt and the .357 Magnum have different strengths and weaknesses. Let’s find out their benefits and drawbacks.

Advantages of the 45 Colt:

Versatility: The 45 Colt has great versatility and can be used for a variety of purposes. It is suitable for hunting, plinking, target shooting, cowboy action shooting, and self-defense. It is widely accepted in many handguns and rifles, so it is a great choice for any shooter.

Reliability: The 45 Colt is a reliable round that is widely available and widely used around the world. It is reliable and consistent, making it a great choice for any shooter.
Power: The 45 Colt is a powerful round and is capable of taking down large game animals. It is a great choice for hunting and self-defense.
Accuracy: The 45 Colt is a very accurate round and is capable of great accuracy at long distances. It is a great choice for target shooting and hunting.

Disadvantages of the 45 Colt:

Limited Ammo Availability: The 45 Colt is not as widely available as some other popular handguns calibers, such as 9mm and .45 ACP. This means that it can be difficult to find ammo for the 45 Colt in some areas.
Limited Ammunition Types: The 45 Colt is limited to mostly full-metal-jacketed (FMJ) bullets, and there are few hollow-point or self-defense options available.
Low Magazine Capacity: The 45 Colt is typically chambered in single-action revolvers, which have a limited number of rounds compared to semi-automatic pistols.

Low Velocities: The 45 Colt is a lower-pressure round than other popular handgun calibers. This means that it typically has lower velocities than the 9mm or .45 ACP. This can reduce its effectiveness as a self-defense round.
Limited Recoil Management: Since the 45 Colt is typically chambered in single-action revolvers, it can be difficult to manage the recoil of the round. This can lead to slower follow-up shots and less accuracy.
High Cost: The 45 Colt is typically more expensive than other popular handgun calibers, due to its limited availability and production costs.

Benefits of the .357:

Versatility: The .357 Magnum is a highly versatile round, offering a wide range of performance depending on the type of bullet used. It can be used for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. It is also capable of taking down large game, such as deer and wild boar.
High Stopping Power: The .357 Magnum is renowned for its stopping power. It is capable of producing enough energy to knock down an assailant with one shot.

Low Recoil: The .357 Magnum is known for having low recoil, making it ideal for smaller framed shooters and those who are new to shooting. It also makes follow-up shots easier and more accurate.
Wide Availability: The .357 Magnum is a popular and widely available round, making it easy to find ammunition. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other rounds.
History: The .357 Magnum has a long and storied history, making it an attractive option for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Drawbacks of the .357:

High Recoil: The .357 Magnum is renowned for its high recoil and muzzle blast. This is due to the large amount of powder in the cartridge, resulting in a significant amount of kinetic energy transferred to the shooter when fired. This can be uncomfortable for some shooters and cause a flinching reaction that can affect accuracy.
Cost: The cost of ammunition for the .357 Magnum is higher than other handgun cartridges due to its popularity and niche market. It is also more expensive to reload than other popular handgun cartridges.
Limited Magazine Capacity: The short overall length of the .357 Magnum cartridge makes it difficult to fit a large number of rounds into a standard handgun magazine. This limits the capacity of handguns chambered in .357 Magnum to six rounds or less, depending on the size of the magazine.

High Penetration: The .357 Magnum is well known for its excellent penetration capabilities. While this is generally a desired trait for defensive use, it can be a liability in some scenarios. The high penetration of the .357 Magnum can make it more difficult to stop a target without risking over-penetration and unintended injuries.
Limited Availability: While the .357 Magnum is one of the most popular handgun cartridges, it is not as widely available as other popular cartridges such as 9mm Luger or .45 ACP. This can make it difficult to find ammunition in some areas.

Which Is More Costly: a .45 Long Colt Or a .357?

The .45 Long Colt is typically more expensive than the .357. This is because the .45 Long Colt ammunition is both more expensive to produce and more difficult to find than the .357. The .45 Long Colt is also considered to be a more powerful round, making it more desirable to shooters.

Which Is More Powerful: A 357 Or 45 Long Colt?

The answer depends on the specific characteristics of the ammunition being compared.

Generally, the .357 Magnum is more powerful than the .45 Long Colt. The .357 Magnum is a high-pressure cartridge with a larger case capacity, allowing it to generate significantly higher pressures and velocities than the .45 Long Colt. This translates to higher muzzle energy, flatter trajectory, and increased accuracy at longer ranges.

The .45 Long Colt, on the other hand, is a lower-pressure round with a smaller case capacity, resulting in lower pressures and velocities. This means that it produces less muzzle energy, has a higher trajectory, and is less accurate at long ranges.

.45 Colt VS .357: For Bear Protection

The .45 Colt and .357 Magnum are both popular handgun cartridges for bear protection. The .45 Colt is a large caliber round with a lot of stopping power and good penetration. It is more powerful than the .357 Magnum and is generally considered to be the better choice for bear protection. The .357 Magnum is a smaller cartridge, but it still has enough power to be an effective bear deterrent. It is capable of delivering more accurate and faster follow-up shots than the .45 Colt, and its relatively light recoil makes it easier to shoot.

When it comes to bear protection, the .45 Colt is generally considered to be the better choice. It has more stopping power and penetration than the .357, and it is also more reliable in extreme conditions. However, the .357 Magnum is still a viable option, as it is more accurate and has less recoil. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to the user’s preference and the situation at hand.

Difference Between 45 Colt and Long Colt

The 45 Colt and Long Colt are two different cartridges. The 45 Colt (also known as the .45 Long Colt) is an American-made cartridge originally designed for the Colt Single Action Army revolver in 1873. The Long Colt (also known as the .45 LC) is a British cartridge developed in the late 19th century for the Royal Irish Constabulary.

The 45 Colt is a rimmed, straight-walled, centerfire cartridge that uses a .454-inch bullet. It has a case length of 1.285 inches, a maximum pressure of 14,000 psi, and a muzzle velocity of up to 1,200 ft/s. It is commonly used in revolvers, lever-action rifles, and single-shot rifles. The bullet is typically a lead flat nose, with a variety of jacketed and plated bullets available as well.
The Long Colt is also a rimmed, straight-walled, centerfire cartridge that uses a .45-inch bullet. It has a case length of 1.25 inches, a maximum pressure of 12,000 psi, and a muzzle velocity of up to 1,150 ft/s. It is commonly used in revolvers and single-shot rifles and is also available in some lever-action rifles. The bullet is typically a lead round nose, with a variety of jacketed and plated bullets available as well.

The main difference between the two cartridges is the case length and pressure.

The 45 Colt has a longer case and higher pressure, which allows it to achieve higher velocities.
The Long Colt has a shorter case and lower pressure, which makes it better suited for smaller and weaker firearms.

What Ammo Can You Shoot In A 45 Long Colt?

You can shoot both lead and jacketed bullets in a .45 Long Colt firearm. However, it is important to note that some firearms may require only lead bullets and not jacketed bullets. So make sure to check your firearm’s manual before using any ammunition.

.45 Colt For Self-Defense

Yes, the .45 Colt can be a good choice for self-defense. It is a powerful round that has been used for many years and is still popular today. However, it is important to understand the recoil of the round, as it can be quite strong. Additionally, the ammo can be expensive and harder to find than other self-defense rounds.

Therefore, it is wise to consider all your options before choosing the .45 Colt for self-defense.

What Is A 45 Long Colt Good For?

The .45 Long Colt is a very versatile round and can be used for a variety of purposes.

It is a popular choice for hunting, target shooting, and cowboy action shooting.
It is powerful enough for medium-sized games, but still manageable in a handgun.

It is also a good choice for self-defense, as its heavy bullet and large diameter can cause significant damage to an attacker.

Well, What Is The Quietest Pistol Caliber?

The .22LR is generally considered to be the quietest pistol caliber. This rimfire round produces very little muzzle flash and a low report that is often described as a “plinking” sound.

The .22LR is a lightweight, low-recoil round that is suitable for target shooting and small game hunting.
It is also used in some self-defense applications, although it is not considered to be ideal for this purpose due to its low stopping power.

Final Thoughts

The .45 Long Colt and the .357 are two extremely popular cartridges that are both well-known for their capabilities and respective uses. The .45 Long Colt is best used for hunting or self-defense, while the .357 is best used for target shooting or home defense. Both rounds are powerful and have been used for decades, and both have their own advantages and disadvantages.