Dan, that's why I said I would go with the .44-40.
The OP's question was about the .45 colt. They are notorious smokers with low pressure rounds, due to the generous chambers often found in lever rifles, particularly the later Winchesters.
There are work-arounds for the Colt, but like you, I have never had that problem with the .44-40. It's an ideal lever cartridge.
