Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell 45 Colt (Long Colt) Ammo 140 Gra…

Ever find yourself on a trail or at the homestead needing to deal with a snake, rodent, or small pest without the overkill of a full-power .45 Colt round? That’s the exact scenario where a shotshell cartridge shines, and the Colt CCI Big 4 is engineered for that job.

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in firearms and ammunition for hunters and outdoorsmen. The Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell 45 Colt (Long Colt) Ammo 140 Gra… delivers four #9 shot pellets in a single, reliable cartridge for pest control at close range. This factory-loaded ammo offers a consistent, budget-conscious alternative to hand-loading your own snake shot. Available now for $225.

Why Choose the Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell?

Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t firing .45 Colt at the range every weekend—it’s a commitment. But for those of us who carry a wheelgun in the woods or keep one on the property, having the right tool for the right job is part of the concealed carry lifestyle. The Big 4 shotshell solves a specific problem: close-quarters pest dispatch. Instead of sending a 250-grain slug at a copperhead two yards away, you can use this cartridge. It’s about having options without switching firearms. CCI’s reputation for reliable primers and consistent powder charges means you get a predictable pattern and ignition, round after round. For the price, it’s a practical solution that saves you the hassle and potential inconsistency of crafting your own shot capsules.

Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell Specifications

How Does the Colt CCI Big 4 Stack Up?

When you’re looking for .45 Colt shotshells, you generally have three paths: budget imports, hand-loading components, or premium factory loads like this one. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Feature	Colt CCI Big 4 (This Product)	Generic Import Shotshells	Hand-Loading Your Own
Material & Build	Nickel-plated brass, CCI primer, consistent powder.	Often plain brass, questionable primer quality.	Depends entirely on your components and skill.
Quality & Reliability	High. Factory QA from a major brand.	Low to moderate. Can be inconsistent.	Variable. High if done meticulously.
Compatibility	Designed for modern .45 Colt chambers.	May have dimensional issues in tighter chambers.	Tailored to your specific firearm.
Shipping & Availability	In stock, ships today from ND.	Often drop-shipped, long lead times.	Requires sourcing multiple components.
Lifespan / Shelf Life	Long, stable factory seal.	Can degrade faster due to storage conditions.	Your responsibility for proper storage.
Price Point	$$$ (Premium factory load)	$ (Budget option)	$$ (After initial tooling investment)

Pros and Cons of the Colt CCI Big 4

Pros:

• ✅ Reliable Performance: CCI’s priming system is known for dependable ignition, which is critical when you need it.
• ✅ Factory Consistency: Every round is loaded to the same spec, giving you a predictable shot pattern.
• ✅ Ready to Use: No hand-loading required. Load your cylinder and go.
• ✅ Specific Application: It does one job very well—close-range pest control without over-penetration.
• ✅ Safe for Firearms: Properly engineered to fire safely in modern .45 Colt firearms (always confirm with your manual).

Cons:

• ❌ Limited Range: This is not a hunting load for game. Effective range is measured in feet, not yards.
• ❌ Non-Reloadable: The capsule design means these are not intended to be disassembled and reloaded. For reloaders, check out our reloading components.
• ❌ Niche Use: If you don’t encounter snakes or similar pests, this ammo has little practical use. For general range practice, consider standard .45 Colt ammunition.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This

Buy the Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell if:

• You carry a .45 Colt revolver for woods walking or property defense in snake country.
• You want a reliable, factory-made option for pest control without the noise and mess of a .22 shot cartridge.
• You value convenience and consistency over the absolute lowest cost per round.
• You’re a budget-conscious shooter who needs a few specialized rounds but doesn’t want to invest in hand-loading setups.

Skip the Colt CCI Big 4 Shotshell if:

• You need ammunition for target practice or hunting game. This is strictly for pests at spitting distance.
• You are a seasoned reloader who enjoys crafting your own shot loads. Our shotshell components will be more your speed.
• You’re looking for the cheapest possible .45 Colt ammo. For plinking, we have more economical options here.

Common Questions and Concerns

“Will this damage my revolver?”
When used in a firearm in good condition and rated for modern .45 Colt pressures, no. The plastic capsule seals the shot and prevents lead fouling in the barrel. Always start with a clean barrel.

“What’s the real-world pattern like?”
At 10 feet, you’ll get a spread roughly the size of a dinner plate—enough to ensure a hit on a small, moving target without aiming precisely. Beyond 15 feet, the pattern opens up and energy drops off significantly.

“Can I mix these with regular rounds in my cylinder?”
You can, and many folks do—loading one or two shotshells first in the cylinder for a potential snake encounter, followed by standard rounds. Just be acutely aware of what’s chambered.

Frequently Asked Questions

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