CCI Big 4 Shotshell 45 Colt (Long Colt) Ammo 140 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Direct

Ever Need to Deal with a Snake or Rodent at the Cabin Without Carrying a Separate Shotgun?

You’re out checking trail cams, maybe doing some light scouting, and you hear that tell-tale rattle. Or you open up the old hunting shack to find mice have made a home. Carrying a dedicated shotgun for that feels like overkill, but you want something effective. That’s where a good shotshell for your revolver comes in.

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in practical ammunition and gear for hunters and shooters. The CCI Big 4 Shotshell 45 Colt (Long Colt) Ammo 140 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Direct is a factory-loaded shotshell cartridge designed for close-range pest control in .45 Colt revolvers. It offers a convenient, no-reloading-required solution for snake country or the barn. This case of 200 rounds is in stock and ready to ship for $188.01.

Why This CCI Big 4 Shotshell Case Makes Sense for Your Kit

Look, I’ve been guiding and hunting in this part of the country for a long time. The idea of a shotshell in a handgun isn’t new—folks have been handloading them for decades. What CCI has done with the Big 4 is taken that concept and made it reliable, consistent, and shelf-stable. You don’t need to mess with plastic capsules or worry about a homemade load failing. You grab a box, load a few cylinders, and you’ve got a tool for varmints and snakes within about 10-15 feet. For someone who carries a .45 Colt revolver as a woods gun or on their property, having a handful of these mixed in with your standard defensive or hunting rounds is just smart, practical planning. Buying a 200-round case like this means you’re set for a few seasons, and the price per round is more budget-conscious than buying small boxes here and there.

CCI Big 4 Shotshell 45 Colt (Long Colt) Ammo 140 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Direct Specifications

How Does the CCI Big 4 Stack Up Against Other Options?

You basically have three paths for .45 Colt shotshells: roll your own, buy budget imports, or go with a trusted name like CCI. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Feature	CCI Big 4 Shotshell (This Product)	Generic/Import Shotshells (~$70-90/case)	Premium Hand-Loaded Equivalents (~$250+/case)
Material & Construction	Brass case, sealed shot capsule, reliable CCI primer.	Often mixed brass/steel cases, questionable sealant, variable primer quality.	High-quality brass, specialized shot/wad, premium primers.
Quality & Consistency	High. Factory-controlled loads for reliable ignition and pattern.	Low. High chance of duds, inconsistent powder charges.	Very High. Tailored to specific firearms for optimal performance.
Compatibility	Designed for standard .45 Colt chambers. Safe in modern firearms.	May have dimensional issues causing extraction problems.	Often custom-fitted to a specific firearm’s chamber.
Shipping & Availability	In stock, ships same-day from ND. Discreet packaging.	Long lead times from overseas, customs delays possible.	Very limited availability, often made-to-order with long wait.
Lifespan/Durability	Long shelf life. Sealed against moisture.	Poor. Primers can degrade, seals fail.	Good, but depends on reloader’s components.
Price (Approx. 200 rds)	$188.01 (Best value for reliable, ready-to-use ammo)	$60 – $90 (You get what you pay for – high risk of failure)	$250+ (For enthusiasts who need maximum pattern performance)

The Straight Talk: Pros and Cons of the CCI Big 4 Shotshells

✅ The Good Stuff:

• Factory Reliability: No more fiddling with plastic shot capsules that can jam. CCI’s design is robust and goes bang every time.
• Effective for Its Purpose: The #9 shot load is ideal for snakes, mice, rats, and small birds within a short distance. It does what it says.
• Convenience: Having 200 rounds on hand means you can stash some in your truck, at the cabin, and in your range bag without worrying about running out.
• Cost-Effective Bulk: Buying this direct case saves you money compared to picking up 50-round boxes sporadically.
• Great for Training: Low recoil makes it excellent for introducing new shooters to your .45 Colt revolver without the punch of a full-power load.

❌ The Honest Drawbacks:

• Very Limited Range: This is not a hunting load for anything beyond pests. Effective range is roughly 10-15 feet. Don’t expect to hit a clay pigeon at 25 yards.
• Not for Self-Defense: This is a pest control round. For concealed carry or home defense in your .45 Colt, you need proper hollow points. (See our handgun ammunition for defensive loads.)
• May Not Cycle Lever-Actions: In .45 Colt lever-action rifles, the lower pressure may not reliably cycle the action. It’s primarily for revolvers.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Case of Shotshells

Buy it if:

• You own a .45 Colt revolver for ranch, farm, or woods carry and want a dedicated pest control solution.
• You spend time in snake country and want a lightweight, integrated option beyond a snake shot gun.
• You’re a recreational shooter who enjoys having versatile and unique ammunition for your collection.
• You want a low-recoil, low-cost round for familiarization and fun plinking with a big-bore revolver.

Skip it if:

• You need ammunition for personal defense. (Look at our defensive handgun ammo instead.)
• You’re looking for a small game hunting load for rabbits or squirrels at 20+ yards. You’ll need a different approach.
• You only shoot a .45 Colt rifle and need rounds that cycle the action reliably.

Got Concerns? Let’s Address Them.

“Will these damage my revolver’s barrel?”

No. The lead shot is contained within a proprietary capsule that protects the barrel rifling. Once it leaves the muzzle, the capsule opens and releases the shot pattern. It’s designed to be fired from rifled barrels.

“How do I clean my gun after firing these?”

Just like normal. You might see a little extra plastic residue from the capsule. A standard solvent and brush will take care of it. It’s no harder to clean than after firing regular lead rounds.

“Can I mix these with regular bullets in my speed loader?”

Technically, yes, they’re the same overall dimensions. But for safety and organization, I’d recommend loading a full cylinder with them when you’re in a pest-control situation, or keeping them in separate, clearly marked speed loaders.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the CCI Big 4 Shotshells fit your needs for a practical, reliable pest control round, adding this 200-round case to your cart is a solid move. You’ll be set for a long time, and you’re buying a proven product from a name you trust.

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