CaliberAtlas › .45 Win. Mag.

.45 Win. Mag. Ballistics — Velocity, Energy & Drop

Common uses: Hunting, Self-Defense

Specifications

Typepistol (centerfire)
Typical load260gr FMJ
Muzzle velocity1200 fps
Muzzle energy832 ft-lb
G1 ballistic coefficient0.183
Case length30.1 mm
Overall length32.5 mm

.45 Win. Mag. Trajectory Table

Range (yd)Velocity (fps)Energy (ft-lb)Drop (in)
012008320
1001140751-17
2001083678-67
3001029612-150

Ethical Hunting Ranges

Guidelines only — ammunition choice, conditions, and shooter skill matter. Always follow local laws.

Typical Uses

The .45 Win. Mag. is a centerfire handgun cartridge, designed around the balance of controllable recoil, reliable feeding, and terminal performance that defensive and target shooters look for. A representative 260-grain loading leaves the muzzle at roughly 1200 fps and carries about 832 ft-lbs of energy, with a G1 ballistic coefficient near 0.183. With a modest BC, it sheds velocity faster downrange and is best kept to shorter distances. In practice it is used most for self-defense, concealed carry, and target/competition shooting at handgun distances, where shot placement matters far more than raw power. Recoil is generally manageable for the class, and our database tracks 1 factory loading so you can compare bullet weights and velocities for your specific use. Figures here are for reference and informational use — always verify against manufacturer data.

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