.45 Smith & Wesson - a.k.a .45 S&W Schofield
Historical Notes: This cartridge was introduced in 1875 for the Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver. This revolver was adopted by the U.S. Army in that year and used until 1892 when it, and the 45 Colt Army revolver, were replaced by the Colt Army & Navy Model in 38-caliber. Commercial 45 S&W ammunition was loaded continuously until about 1940 and was reintroduced about 1997 by Black Hills Ammunition, in response to demands from Cowboy Action Shooters for a superior reduced-power 45-caliber cartridge. Some authorities believe Gen. George A. Custer used a Schofield revolver at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
General Comments: The Smith & Wesson Schofield revolver was a single-action, hinged-frame type. It employed a special, heavy barrel latch designed by Gen. Schofield, hence the name. The cylinder of this revolver was not long enough to accept the 45 Colt cartridge, so a shorter round was designed. In addition, to improve extraction, rim diameter was enlarged slightly. Later, to simplify supply contingencies, a 45-caliber cartridge designed with a rim to fit both 45 Colt-chambered revolvers and 45 S&W-chambered revolvers was loaded by government arsenals. A similar commercial loading eventually called the 45 Colt Government followed. This cartridge was used in both the Schofield Model and the Colt Army Model. 45 S&W ammunition can be used in most 45 Colt revolvers, but the reverse is not true. Although the Colt single-action Army revolver is the one always depicted as the universal sidearm of the old West, the S&W was quite popular. These old guns were made for blackpowder, so heavy smokeless powder charges should never be used. This cartridge and handgun are again in production with Black Hills Ammunition supplying loads that duplicate the original and Navy Arms and others making the replica revolver.
The .45 S&W Schofield is listed as having a case length of 1.10" and an overall cartridge length of 1.43". Cases can be made from the .45 Colt by trimming case length. The rim diameter may also need to be thinned to .05" (on some revolvers). Full length sizing would also be required.
Reference: Cartridges Of The World - 9th Edition, by Frank C. Barnes and edited by M.L. McPherson. Also, The Handloader's Manual Of Cartridge Conversions, by John J. Donnelly.
Hope this helps!
Steve Mace