Last week,I traded for a Colt SSA fourty five--at the gun show. Well, Ive been trying to find the ammo,but nobody around here has it in stock.

I found a place out of state that sells it but is basically about ninety or so cents per round.Why is it so expensive and hard to find?

I agree. The reason is that it is just not used that much any more. So, they don't load that much of it. When and if you locate some of the cowboy loads, buy a bunch of it. It's not that cheap. . .too much brass and lead I guess. If you want to invest in the equipment and materials, you can start reloading. . .I don't. If you're going to shoot the fool out of the gun on a weekly basis, reloading is a very feasible alternative and maybe the only alternative.

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Dr. B

The .45 Colt is my favorite handgun caliber, but If I couldn't reload I wouldn't own 5 of them.

I have found mine at Ammoseek.

As is true for most out-of-the-mainstream ammo (which is about everything except 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP), the best solution is to load your own if you plan to shoot much.

Well my friend I will not dispute what you say about expensive, but I have never seen a problem around here (peoples republic of northern NY) getting a variety of those rounds in a REAL gun shop. Do not bother at Wally World or Dicks, I did say real gun shop!

I live in a large circle of quite a few gun shops out here in the boonies and most always seem to have at least two loads in stock. I believe that most shoot those out of Carbines but I have ran into others like me that have handguns in that caliber. I have a 25 and know to watch the power level with a short gun. I did advise one person that wanted to shoot some real heavy stuff out of experimenting with them in his Smith a year or so back

As-for me I have a Carbine and a nice Smith.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

Unless you shop using one of the ammo search engines like ammoseek.com, you get hosed... and there is tons of it listed ranging between .48 cents a round to over $1.00 for some of the 20 round boxes of the Performance/Self Defense specialty stuff.

On average you can find .45 Colt Cowboy loads for between .55 - .65 cents around buying it that way.

I see Magtech and Fiocchi 250gr Cowboy loads right now for about $27 for a box of 50, comparable to what a box of .240 gr .44 Magnum is coming up at in the same search engine, which is too bad, all things considered.

Otherwise, trying to understand why they charge what they do is akin to trying to figure out the differences in gas prices across the US... they charge what they do because they can.

I used to shoot CAS, so I have a number of Ruger's and a Marlin 1894 in .45 Colt, and because I was shooting in so much volume, I had to reload, 8.0 grains of Unique with a 250 gr. cast lead bullet was a great loading.

Those days are behind me now, arthritis in my hands and shoulder won't allow me to shoot a bunch of ammo like that in one outing.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

I'd venture a guess it's because 75-80% of the people that shoot this round are reloaders.
Not much call for factory loads.

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John

the ringo kid,
Below is a link to a thread about a promotion for free ammo shipping. Follow the instructions given by a couple of members in the thread carefully.
1. When you go to the website for Selway Armory and CREATE AN ACCOUNT BEFORE YOU SELECT/BUY the ammo.
2. The coupon code for free shipping is: NewWebsiteFreeShipping
3. They have a selection of different ammo in .45 Colt for around $25 per box of 50 and when you consider your time, tax, gas, etc. that is a good deal.

link to thread about free shipping:
Heads-Up on Free Shipping!

direct link to Selway Armory:
http://www.selwayarmory.com/shop-by-...sc&order=price

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

Take a look at the Georgia Arms web site they have it from 26$ a box and up depending on what load and quantity.

When I bought a Ruger New Vaquero in 45Colt, I enjoyed shooting it so much I had to buy dies, bullets and brass. 45 Colt is now a staple of my range trips. Even if you don't decide to reload, save every piece of brass and cherish every shot. It is truly a classic cartridge. Congratulations and enjoy.

If you rely on large factory ammo, much of it is made in production batches over a short period of time and may not be made again for several months (or in the case of rare calibers, possibly years). Smaller companies may have more availability, depending on the supply of components.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Don't complain. Check the price of a box of .44-40. I reload. It is the only way to shoot.

Available here, but I agree, it's expensive. Thankfully, my Governor is the only revolver I have chambered for it.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I started reloading about 1972 and bought my first bullet mold shortly thereafter. Ever since, every time I pick up another firearm in a new caliber I also buy reloading dies and a bullet mold or two. Quite a few of my firearms have never been fired with factory ammunition.

During the "great depression" in ammunition availability (2008 to just about now) while everyone was moaning about no ammo to be had I was happily meeting my own needs without much difficulty. I did suffer some sticker shock on primers and powder prices (and availability), but I was able to keep everything shooting at acceptable costs.

Couple of years ago I acquired a Winchester 1892 rifle in .25-20. Factory ammo (when available) was about $80.00 per 50-round box. Located a couple hundred cases, cast some bullets, and got it shooting very nicely for about $8.00 per box.

Last year I added a .44-40 Marlin Model 1894 (110 years old now). Try to find that ammo in a store! Bought some cases, cast some bullets, and started having fun for about $9.00 per box.

I've been loading and shooting .45 Long Colt in my first generation Colt SAA for over 20 years. Usually costs me about twice as much as good .22LR ammo to produce.

.32-20, .45-70, .45-90, .45 Sharps Express, and a few other less common calibers have not been huge problems to deal with. I keep them all shooting without breaking the bank every time I go to the range.

I started reloading out of necessity. With two kids to feed and a mortgage to pay on skinny little cop paychecks, if I wanted to keep shooting I had to do it. Casting bullets brought additional savings. For many years I shot .38 Special, .45ACP, 9mm Luger, and several others with homemade ammo that actually cost less than good .22LR (back in the days of surplus bulk powder, primers at less than $10.00 per thousand, and used wheel weights free for the asking at any service station or tire store). It costs a little more now, but so does that .45 Colt SAA you just got.

HANDGUN - **SELECT BY CALIBER - .45 LONG COLT - Georgia Arms

I like the 200 gr HP at around 1100 fps. Won't beat your gun to death. They used to have a 230 gr load at 900 fps, but it was probably made up using .45 acp slugs and undersized for most guns. Joe

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Behavior Creates Destiny

Freedom Munitions has some, about 45 cents a round...

The .45 Colt Peacemaker is one of the most popular due to when it came out to what the cartridge can do.

Many use it in the "Cowboy" shoots all over the USA and it does not hurt that the same load works in the old rifles, also.

Sort of like the old 30/30 rifle. They keep going and going and....

Nice to see you have received a few places that sell ammo but if you get into shooting a lot, like others had said..........

reloading is the only way to fly.

Good shooting.

Walmart here does in fact sell .45 Colt ammunition, though only JHP personal defense loads. Big R has Magtech and Winchester cowboy ammunition.

Purchasing a Lee loader might be a good idea, I need one myself.

Thanks to the new generation of .45/.410 revolvers there is likely a fair amount of demand for .45 Colt.

Too bad the .44 magnum was produced, instead of sticking with the .45lc
The story I have heard is that they were worried people would use the .45 heavy loads in the old .45 revolvers. So they went with a new cartridge. Really a shame.

I have the Flat Top Ruger with both cylinders, one for LC, and one for ACP. The LC cylinder has never even been on the gun since I got it, and looks to have never been used by the last owner either.

It is a joy to shoot with .45ACP. I'm sure a new cylinder for your gun would not be feasible, but would be an awesome solution.

Thanks Doc, I was wondering. I did find two sources since, but didn't want to have to mail order. Reloading is out for me----no powder to be found anywhere here---or that I know of.

Are they cheaper than ninety to one buck per round? If so?im game. I was surprised that Academy in CC--didnt have any?

I wouldnt mind using it to get my CCL but,I probably wouldnt let it speak much since the ammo is so high priced. I always wanted one of these just cause........ I wish I could trade the two hundred and fifty fourty five cal ammo I have--for some of this stuff.

We still have a few shops here but none are really very good stock wise. The best shop we had here was Smiths Guns--but he down-sized to a shop basically the size of a lemon-aid stand.

Speaking of carbine--I cant find thirty cal here either and it used to be abundant.

Thank you. Ill give ammo seek a try.If I can get a few boxes for around the price above?ill be satisfied. I have a bit of arthritis too--but only in my elbows and I can shoot easily enough. Mine is heridatory.

Muchos gracias.I think ill place an order with them.

Check out this article if you haven't already seen it.
Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

Can you get me a contact phone number? Every time I try the site--it keeps kicking me out before I can search anything.

Though Wm has spaces for it--ive not seen any of this in stock for years. Not sure what they charge? but ive yet in the past two or three years--seen any in store. I always wanted a gun that eats that cal.

I would think of trying reloading but,dont have a clue how to go about doing it.But a big problem is,money to buy the stuff necessary.The gun shows are starting to get pretty good about having reloading supplies--cept for powder. I havent seen any at shows here yet. For what I shoot,this caliber would be the only one I would want to attempt reloading for--since it so expensive.

Starting from scratch,about how much do you think it would cost me just to get what I need--to reload this one round. I looked a bit at what was offered at gun shows,and seems like ill have to spend about two hundred--just to get what I need?and even then,I dont know if that estimate if for total supply needs or not? Smiths guns used to carry powder--but since down-sizing--they have next to nothing to offer anymore.

I don't have any Smiths that use 45 Colt but I do have a couple others, my '73 first year new model Blackhawk and my Taurus (yes, I actually said Taurus!) 450 Tracker in full titanium, and an old Navy Arms replica Remington, so I always keep an eye out for 45 LC. Luckily my Blackhawk is a convertible so I can use factory 45ACP in it as well. I regularly see 45 at the local WM and it is always around at my local shop. Used to see lots of it in quantity at the shops but not the last couple years. Guys like Midway have it in stock from around $.66/rd and up.

Didn't happen that way. The .44 Magnum is an extension of the .44 Special, hot rodded by Elmer Keith.

I will second the poster who recommended Georgia Arms.If you don't reload.They do it for you prices are good nice variety and very good people to deal with.45 colt is one of calibers I buy from them.And I have always been happy with them.

Check on eBay. You can often find used equipment and dies very reasonably. Or Lee products are good and inexpensive. You can add the frills later, but all you really need to start with is a reloading press (Lee's cheapest is good) and a set of Lee .45 Colt dies (which includes a powder dipper). Or buy a Lee dipper set. You do need brass, large pistol primers, and bullets. I use the 200 grain .452" flat point Cowboy bullets from Missouri Bullet Co., which I think is the best source. Get Lee equipment prices from various internet sources (including eBay).

My all-purpose .45 Colt load is that 200 grain bullet over 6.5 grains of Alliant Bullseye, which is about the most economical powder there is, in terms of loads per pound. From my M1909 Colt with a 5-1/2" barrel, the average MV is almost 900 ft/sec.

Dad said 45 Colt is much easier to find since the Judge came out. He loads 45 Colt with his 45acp dies and bullets too for shooting in his Colt Peacemaker and S&W 25 Anniversary

Got it, still don't understand why .44spec morphed into .44 mag, and became so mainstream, and .45LC just kind of lagged.

Not looking for an answer, just to bad it worked out the way it did. I very much prefer .45LC to .44mag.

The answer is well known. The .45 Colt was associated with black powder guns, hence mfg were afraid to load it up for modern guns. .44 Special debuted as smokeless.

The .44 mag doesn't fit into the old .44 special chambers so it was considered safe. Were as the .45 case is already so big if loaded to magnum power it would still fit into the old .45 revolvers. So the .45lc followed a different path.

I encountered the same problem after I got my model 25, the first box of50 cost 45.00 I already loaded other calibers and had the press , so I just got another die set and started banging them out (no pun intended )
Its one of the easiest to do , never figured out how much each cost , but it is considerably less than new

There's plenty of the stuff on shelves around here, but yeah, it's expensive. Mostly because hardly anyone shoots the factory ammo. Most people I know who are serious about .45 Colt load their own.

I always keep a few boxes of the factory stuff on hand.

Seemed to have heard this about a lot of the originally black powder calibres..... KA-Booooooom!

Just start reloading. I've been shooting for 25 years (I'm 35). I just started reloading last August, and I wish I had been doing it to the whole time. Ammo scarcity? Not a problem. The component shortage is largely over. I can crank out .44 Mag @ 18.5 cents/round and could easily do the same for .45 Long Colt. Since I shoot a TON more (minimum 500 rounds/month) my pistol shooting has dramatically improved.

If you buy an expensive set up, the spread between your cost and retail cost is so large the set up will pay for itself quickly. I bought a Dillon 650XL with all the trimmings for about $1400. Between .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum the press and accessories have paid for themselves almost 4 times in one year.

Start cranking out .45 Long Colt and next you'll be fixing for a .45 1892 lever gun if you don't already have one.

It's pricey but on the shelf at my local store

I don't reload that's why all 3 of my big bore S&W's are 45 acp. I like 44's & 45 colt but I just can't enjoy spending that much for ammo. As stated earlier its a reloaders or well off persons cartridge. Back in the early 80's I had a 25-5 & Blazer aluminum was like $15 for 50.

Actually, the first .44 Spcl. cartridges were BP as well.


I thought everyone knew that the 44-40 won the West and not the .45 Colt.

Welcome to the New Normal.

Buying ammo from local stores has gone the waay of rotary dial pay phones. ( Other than generic fmj 9/ .40/ .45cp / .38Spl , frequently also "a" choice of premium Defense ammo , but don't expect a selection.)

For other than the big four cals , .500 to .60 per round is good price ( when in stock at LGS will be $44/53d ( 50rd, keys stick).

Ammo is available at normal prices over internet. Yes , I would prefer to buy local , not have to plan aahead, and buy in bulk , but that's the new normal.

Components are more available now. And won't have much selections of brand of primer or powder. In OP's situarion he's ok because .45Colt is very versatile in powder usage.

You caan spend as much or as little on equipment, with the origonal Lbeat with hammer" LEE Loader staarting at about $30 .but as a rule of thumb , faster production costs more.

I was thinking of getting one of those Lee Loaders for .45 Colt myself. I already have a mallet thanks to my interest in black powder guns.

Would the Lee loader work for making blackpowder .45 Colt cartridges? My thought is that since I already have BP anyway it would it would save on my start up cost.

There must be some old timers around that would sell their old press fairly cheap,then all you need are dies and a dipper.

That's too wrong to comment on.

Good read. Thanks!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!