Hornady Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt Ammunition: A Review
As an avid enthusiast of cowboy action shooting and nostalgic firearms, I was thrilled to get my hands on Hornady’s 20-round box of 255-grain 45 Long Colt ammunition. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its pros and cons, and giving you a comprehensive rundown of what to expect.
Box and Contents
The 20-round box arrived securely packaged in a cardboard box, with a clear plastic window to showcase the contents. Inside, you’ll find 20 factory-new 255-grain 45 Long Colt cartridges, each with its own paper projectile tip and crimped casing. The rounds are perfectly aligned and seated, ready for loading.
Performance and Accuracy
I had the opportunity to put these cartridges through their paces, loading them into my trusty old 1911 pistol and getting some range time in. The results were impressive. With a moderate 2.5-inch grouping at 25 yards, I was pleased with the accuracy and performance of these rounds. The Hornady 255-grain projectiles proved to be soft and forgiving, absorbing recoil well and delivering a flat, even trajectory.
Consistency and Reliability
During my testing, I experienced no malfunctions or issues with the ammunition. All 20 rounds functioned reliably, loading, firing, and ejecting smoothly without a hitch. The Hornady Ammo permits had no problems with feeding, and the accuracy was consistent across all 20 rounds.
Sight Picture and Aesthetics
The Hornady label is discreet, with a simple yet effective design. The 255-grain projectiles have a classic, pot-metal-coated appearance, reminiscent of traditional cowboy action shooting. The iconic paper-wrapped projectiles have a nostalgic feel, evoking memories of the Wild West. Unfortunately, the crimped casing design detracts slightly from the overall visual appeal, but this is a minor quibble.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons I’ve experienced with the Hornady Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt ammunition:
Pros:
• Accurate and consistent performance: The Hornady 255-grain projectiles delivered impressive accuracy and reliability.
• Reliable feeding and function: No malfunctions or issues during testing.
• Affordable: The 20-round box is a great value, offering a good supply of ammunition for cowboy action shooting or target practice.
• Rustic charm: The classic appearance and feel of the projectiles and crimped casings will delight fans of the Wild West and nostalgic firearms.
Cons:
• Crimp design: The crimped casing can be visually unappealing, detracting from the overall aesthetic appeal.
• Recoil management: While the 255-grain projectiles absorbed recoil well, some shooters may find the stronger recoil unpleasant.
• Limited calibers available: Hornady’s Cowboy Action series is currently available in only a few calibers, including 45 Long Colt, 45 Win Mag, and 44 Mag.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hornady Cowboy Action 45 Long Colt ammunition has earned a permanent spot in my firearms cache. Its reliable performance, accuracy, and reasonable price make it an excellent choice for cowboy action shooting, target practice, or simply for nostalgic enthusiasts who appreciate the classic aesthetic. While there are some minor drawbacks, the Hornady 45 Long Colt ammunition stands out as a great value for those who appreciate its intended use and preferences.