Introduce by Colt in 1871, the .44 Colt was among the earliest centerfire cartridges. It was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1871 for use in 1860 Army percussion revolvers modified to cartridge use. Although replaced just two years later by the .45 Colt, it was thus an important development. Ammunition production ceased in 1940, but due to demand by cowboy action shooters Black Hills has recently brought back a .44 Colt load. Using a .443-inch bullet from a 1.1-inch case, original blackpowder loads used a 210-grain bullet at 660 fps; Black Hills' modern load uses a 230-grain bullet at 770 fps, a credible revolver cartridge.
