The voluminous case capacity of the .45 Colt was always a problem. The original UMC used in the trials was 40gr of BP behinda 255gr bullet. I don't know if that loading was ever issued to troops. Certainly by 1874 the loading had been reduced to 30gr BP behind a 250gr bullet.
In early 1875 the .45 Government Revolver cartridge was introduced. It was .162" shorter than the .45 Colt, used 28gr of BP behind a 203gr RNFP bullet, and could be used in both the M1873 Colt and the S&W Schofield. Around 1882 the Franklin Arsenal switched from Berdan primed to boxer primed. Finally, the M1887 ball cartridge was issued and was the sole Government revolver cartridge until it was replaced by the .38 Long Colt in 1892.
I have seen conflicting reports as to the production of the .45 Colt cartridge for use by the US Government during the 1875-1887 time frame.
Ref:
Hackley, Woodin and Scranton, “History of Modern U. S. Military Small Arms Ammunition” Volume 1
McChristian, "THe U.S. Army in the West, 1870-1880 Uniforms, Weapons, and Equipment"
http://www.oldammo.com/november14.htm