Last reviewed: 2026-04-17 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Buffalo Bore loads the 45 Colt 225 grain Barnes XPB for hunters who want terminal performance without the lead. The Barnes XPB solid copper hollow point delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration on medium game, while the standard-pressure design—1.572 inches OAL, 1000 fps from a 5.5-inch barrel—runs safely in any 45 Colt or 454 Casull revolver. Buffalo Bore publishes real-world velocities from production firearms: 1054 fps from a Ruger Vaquero 5.5-inch, 958 fps from a Smith & Wesson Mountain Gun 4-inch, 1057 fps from a Freedom Arms Model 97 5.25-inch, and 809 fps from a Taurus 2-inch. At 499 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, this load sits between defense and hunting duty, suitable for feral hogs, coyotes, and whitetail deer inside 50 yards.
Load Profile
The Barnes XPB projectile is a monolithic copper hollow point designed to shed no fragments and retain 99% of its weight through tissue. The four-petal expansion pattern creates a wound channel wider than traditional cup-and-core bullets, and the lead-free construction eliminates Proposition 65 concerns for California hunters and meets condor-zone requirements. Buffalo Bore seats each bullet in boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases, verified non-corrosive. OAL of 1.572 inches ensures feeding and chambering in all revolvers, including short-cylinder Colts and replica single-actions.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| Bullet weight | 225 grains |
| Bullet type | Barnes XPB solid hollow point |
| Muzzle velocity | 1000 fps (5.5″ barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 499 ft-lbs |
| Lead-free | Yes |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer, non-corrosive |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Buffalo Bore |
Buffalo Bore labels this load as standard pressure, verifying compatibility with Colt single-actions, Ruger Blackhawks and Vaqueros, Smith & Wesson N-frames, Taurus Judge revolvers, and any firearm chambered in 454 Casull. Browse additional loads in our 45 Long Colt ammo category.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Review the four rules of firearms safety before handling any ammunition.
- Verify that your firearm is chambered in 45 Colt (Long Colt) and rated for standard-pressure loads. Do not exceed the manufacturer’s pressure specifications or mix ammunition types.
- Lead-free construction eliminates Proposition 65 lead exposure warnings. Store in original packaging to prevent moisture contamination of primers.
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