Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Underwood 45 Colt 250 grain XTP load pairs Hornady’s eXtreme Terminal Performance jacketed hollow point with flash-suppressed propellant, delivering 960 feet per second and 512 foot-pounds from typical revolver barrels. Chambered in 45 Colt (also called 45 Long Colt), this round serves hunters who chase hogs, deer, and black bear at handgun distances, as well as backcountry hikers who carry large-frame revolvers for predator defense. Underwood sources Hornady XTP bullets, machines brass cases in-house, and runs each lot through real-world firearms before release — the company’s testing protocol includes Ruger Blackhawks, Freedom Arms Model 83s, and Taurus Judges to validate feeding, ignition, and terminal performance across popular platforms.
Load Profile
Underwood machines this cartridge around the Hornady 250-grain XTP, a bullet designed with serrated jacket skives that control expansion from 800 to 1,200 fps. At 960 fps, the XTP reliably penetrates 12–16 inches in calibrated gelatin while opening to approximately 0.65 inch, staying on the conservative end of the expansion envelope to preserve weight retention and punch through heavy bone or muscle. The brass case carries a nickel-plated finish that resists tarnish in humid climates and leather holsters, and the Boxer primer seats flush for reliable ignition in single-action and double-action revolvers. Flash-suppressed powder keeps muzzle signature low in dawn or dusk shooting, a practical feature when hog hunting at last light or defending against bears in timber.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| Bullet weight | 250 grains |
| Bullet type | Jacketed Hollow Point (Hornady XTP) |
| Muzzle velocity | 960 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 512 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel-plated brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Hunting, self-defense |
| Manufacturer | Underwood Ammo (USA) |
The 250-grain XTP sits in the middle of the 45 Colt weight spectrum, heavier than 200-grain cowboy loads but lighter than 300-grain hard-cast options. This balance delivers enough sectional density (0.175) to punch through hide and bone on 150–250 pound game, while the hollow-point design ensures rapid trauma in soft tissue. Underwood rates this load safe for use in modern Ruger, Freedom Arms, and custom five-shot revolvers built on strong frames; do not fire in antique Colt Single Action Army revolvers or reproduction firearms marked for Cowboy Action pressures (14,000 psi standard vs. the 23,000+ psi SAAMI max this load approaches). For more hunting and defense options in this caliber, browse our 45 Long Colt ammo inventory.
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.
- Follow the four rules of firearm safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, never point at anything you do not intend to destroy, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify your firearm is chambered for 45 Colt and rated for modern +P or standard-pressure loads before firing this ammunition. Consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer if unsure.
- This ammunition contains lead. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. California Prop 65 warning: exposure to lead can cause cancer and reproductive harm. Visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for details.
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