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45 Colt (Ruger tier) Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 45 Colt (Ruger tier) with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended load. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

45 Colt (Ruger tier) reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)30,000 psi
Nominal case capacity41.8 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.452 in (11.48 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Barnes .451 225 gr XPB
Powder
Accurate No. 9
Charge
18 gr
Barrel
4 in

Muzzle velocity

1,086 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn rate)

19,041 – 21,855 – 24,608 psi

nominal is 73% MAP (30,000 psi)

The simulator isn't optimized for this cartridge yet and may read pressure low.

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Popular 45 Colt (Ruger tier) powders

Powders and bullets handloaders commonly use for the 45 Colt (Ruger tier), drawn from public discussion and listed most common first. They appear as the Popular group in the calculator's pickers. This is not a load recommendation — always check your load against a current published manual.

Popular 45 Colt (Ruger tier) bullets

Use MyLoads as a 45 Colt (Ruger tier) velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 45 Colt (Ruger tier) in the MyLoads calculator →

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