Metallic Cartridges
One problem with ammunition prior to this time was the fact that it varied greatly from gun to gun. The amount of powder needed and the type of round used in rifles was very different from those of handguns. Because of these variations in ammunition, one goal of firearm inventors was to develop a single type of ammunition that could be used in several different types of guns. This was made possible by the use of metallic cartridges.
.44 Smith and Wesson
The first metallic cartridges appeared in 1869 in the .44 Smith & Wesson.
.45 Long Colt Revolver
The .45 Long Colt was the first cartridge to be used in a family of weapons which was introduced in 1873. The .45 Long Colt was used in both the Peacemaker (revolver) and the Winchester .45 Long Colt lever-action rifles.
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