The 45 RAPTOR is a new addition to the 308 WINCHESTER family of cartridges that has seen production of almost every caliber from .243 to .358. Rather than create an entirely new set of cartridge dimensions, it became apparent that matching the case length and body dimensions of the 460 SMITH & WESSON MAGNUM would provide significant benefits to the consumer. In that respect, the 45 RAPTOR can be viewed not only as a new member of the 308 WINCHESTER family, but as an evolution of the 460 SMITH & WESSON MAGNUM from a revolver cartridge to a rifle cartridge by modifying the existing rimmed cartridge case into a rimless cartridge matching the rim and extractor specifications of the 308 WINCHESTER.