I bit the bullet today (no pun intended) and bought a S&W 625JM. This is my first 45 acp revolver and I don't understand everything I know about ammo for this gun. I assumed that the 45 auto ammo I have is what I would use in this gun???? I've never seen boxes of 45 ammo that had 45 acp on them so that is why I assumed the 45 auto is what I need to use.

Second, if I do use 45 auto I have to use moon clips and if I don't want to use moon clips I would have to buy 45 Auto Rim? The gun is NIB and came with a couple of moon clips and I never even thought about asking the salesman these questions. I would like to go to the range tomorrow and shoot it, but I definitely want to make sure I'm using the correct ammo. I have quite of bit of 45 auto but no 45 auto rim.

Third, do I have to have some type of special tool to remove the spent shell casings from the clips?

I have a 38 special revolver and just go to the store and buy 38 special ammo (when I can find it) and I'm done. Never thought it would be this confusing. I have a H&K 45 semi-auto so I know that takes 45 auto but just want to be sure with my new revolver.

TIA for any help I can get.

.45 Auto and .45ACP are the same cartridge.
In most .45 ACP revolvers you can shoot them without the moon clips, but you can't use the rod for ejection.
I know there is a tool called a De-mooner that will get the shells out of the clips.
Jim

You can use the same 45 acp ammo in your revolver as you use in your 45 auto.

You don't have to use the moon clips but if you don't, the extractor won't work - you may need a pencil to poke the casings out of the chambers.

A tool to remove casings from the moon clips is very helpful. There are newly produced tools for this, but they are pricey. I use the old fashioned tool that has been in use since the First World War - they cost about $1.50.

Stock up on moon clips - they don't need to be expensive: I use inexpensive (3 for $1.00) variety. They are the fastest reloading system for a revolver ever invented: almost 100 years ago!

.45ACP; the ACP means "Automatic Colt Pistol", since this cartridge was designed for the Colt Model 1911 pistol.

You will find this site very helpful for what you need.
Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

If you handload get some 45 auto rim brass from Starline and you wont have to mess with half or full moon clips.

Here ya go.....
http://smith-wessonforum.com/accesso...moonclips.html

Be advised that not every "new and improved" Model 625 will reliably fire without moonclips. This is due to either the frame mounted firing pin or the way the chambers are bored, or both. S&W will never confess.

Dave Sinko

Thanks so much for the information - this clears up a lot or at least now I know I can use the ammo I have. I wish the salesman would have taken a little more time and explained all of this to me. I guess he assumed I knew or my husband knew about the ammo.

I'll never be at that level - too scared of not doing it correctly and blowing up myself or my husband - LOL

The first use of the .45 ACP was in the Colt Model 1905, not the 1911.

Dave Sinko is correct. My Model 22 has one chamber bored a smidge more deeply than the others, so an ACP round will not headspace properly and fire without the clip. Send it back? Nah, it already went back once: the sideplate was improperly fitted, protruding above the frame. Can't make this stuff up.

My 625JM, on the other hand, is perfect.

Just to blow your mind. I recently bought a box of 45 GAP (Glock Auto Pistol) and found that with moon clips or half moon clips I could use this SHORT 45 ammo in my Model 25 revolver but in a semi auto pistol you would have to use a pistol specifically chambered for the 45 Glock Auto Pistol cartridge. But stick with the 45 ACP or 45 Auto Rim unless you find the 45 GAP at a huge savings.

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Gun Safety is no accident.

Several years ago I remember S&W giving a notice that they were Not chambering their 45 acp cylinders to headspace on the mouth of the 45 acp cartridge and told everyone to use the clips with 45 auto cartridges.
They stated that the cylinders were designed to headspace on the clips with 45 acp or the rims of the 45 auto rim.

__________________
Gun Safety is no accident.

Interesting, Jim. Sounds like a "bean-counter" decision to me. Wouldn't have worked in 1917: I'm pretty sure there were doughboys who didn't have the half-moon clips in the trenches and had to use ACP rounds alone in their 1917 Smiths.

Can't make this stuff up. Stay safe, partner.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103