Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For shooters carrying 45 Colt revolvers in defensive roles, the Winchester Big Bore 250 grain semi-jacketed hollow point delivers controlled expansion engineered to prioritize deep penetration over rapid upset. This is a semi-jacketed hollow point (SJHP) — a design that delays expansion through heavy clothing and intermediate barriers, then opens gradually to produce wide wound channels without fragmenting. At 845 feet per second from a 5.5-inch barrel, you’re launching 250 grains with 396 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The 45 Colt cartridge, also called 45 Long Colt to distinguish it from the shorter 45 ACP, was introduced in 1872 for the Colt Single Action Army. Today it remains a capable defensive and hunting round in modern revolvers rated for standard-pressure loads.
Load Profile
Winchester mills the semi-jacket from gilding metal and seats it over a lead core, leaving the nose cavity open but controlling upset through jacket thickness and cavity geometry. This architecture resists plugging when fired through denim or light intermediate barriers — the jacket stays intact through initial tissue, then peels back in controlled petals as velocity bleeds off. You get penetration depth in the 14- to 16-inch range in calibrated ballistic gelatin, with expansion diameters near .60 caliber when recovered. The brass case is drawn from virgin brass, accepts a non-corrosive Boxer primer, and reloads cleanly with standard large pistol primers. Winchester loads this ammunition at their Oxford, Mississippi facility using domestically sourced components.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 Colt (Long Colt) |
| Bullet weight | 250 Grains |
| Bullet type | Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 845 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 396 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
This load is pressure-tested to SAAMI specifications for the 45 Colt cartridge — 14,000 psi maximum average pressure. Use it in any modern double-action or single-action revolver chambered in 45 Colt, including Ruger Blackhawks, Colt SAAs, Smith & Wesson Model 25s, and Taurus Judge revolvers (though shot spread from rifled Judge barrels remains a consideration). Do not use this ammunition in antique or reproduction firearms not proof-tested for modern smokeless powder pressures. For more defensive and hunting loads in this chambering, see our full 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 universal rules of firearms safety: treat every gun as if it’s loaded, never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your firearm is chambered for 45 Colt and is in safe operating condition before loading this ammunition. Consult your firearm’s manual for pressure limits and compatibility with standard-pressure or +P loads.
- This ammunition contains lead components. Per California Proposition 65, lead is known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling ammunition and avoid breathing dust or fumes during shooting. Use adequate ventilation at indoor ranges.
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