Has anybody used +P from a 25-5? I'm thinking about getting CorBon 265 grain +P at about 1200 fps. It wouldn't be a steady diet, just for fishing trip to bear country. Alternatively I have some Buffalo Bore 255 grain at 1000 fps. Just curious if anybody had tried +P and any negative results. Thanks.

When the US Army was using it a couple centuries ago, the BP loading was rumored to go through a horse. This load is above the US load. I don't know any bear that would like to catch a 1/4lb of lead flying at 1K fps. Save your gun. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

This question of warmer loads arose when the 25-5 arrived in the early 80s. Magazine articles published the thickness of its cylinder walls at its thinnest point: the depth of the locking notches. I don't recall that measurement, but there is VERY little metal at those points. Perfectly safe with standard factory ammo. I have fired many 100s of 255gr factory loads in my 25-5 with no problem.

The consensus back then was, if you foresee having to fire heavier than standard loads in a 25-5, you should switch to a .44 Magnum for its extra margin of safety.

Again, this is what I have read...

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

NEWS FLASH... 255 grains is a tad over 1/2 ounce (.583 oz rounded off) which is a heck of a long way from 1/4 pound.

There is no SAAMI specification for 45 Long Colt +P. So anyone advertising their ammunition as +P is simply indicating it is above Industry standards.

The question is, how much over Industry standards? It could be 1%, 10%, 50% or above.

I NEVER shoot ammunition in my personal firearms that exceeds SAAMI specifications.

If you need more power than the industry standard load for that caliber, you should purchase a firearm that chambers a more powerful cartridge.

Will shooting ammunition loaded above SAAMI specs from one of the many boutique ammunition houses cause catastrophic failure to a firearm?

Probably not, since they want to keep their reputations, but why take the risk.

I was a revolver nut even back in the days when the 45 Colt Model 25 made the comeback in the 80's. The general idea was keep the S&W revolver at standard pressures due to the above stated reasons. If you need any more power than that get a 44 magnum or bigger. That was the consensus then and I think still good now.

Yeah, you think by now I would remember to be scientifically specific around here to avoid correction. I was figuring if being chased by a bear (any bear) it would get all 6 which would be a hair (3.498oz using your #) under 1/4lb. My apologies. Joe

__________________
Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Or get a Ruger with its heavier frame and cylinder.
I believe your gun will handle it for an emergency, (and maybe not) but shooting those loads regularly will stretch the frame and lead to end shake, timing problems, lead shaving and other expensive irritants.
I was plagued with those problems shooting two model 29's in metal silhouette. I never chronoed those loads, but the book gave 1300-1400 fps for a 240 gr bullet. I also recall reading that the 29's used a different, stronger steel than the Mod 25's. This may be apochryphal, but I wouldn't chance it. I've read a 45 Colt 255gr RNFP @ 1000fps will go through an elk. That's probably enough, delivered several times, to discourage Mrs. Bear.
Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5 is a thoughtful discussion of the 45 Colt and revolvers for it.
Call Buffalo Bore, explain your application, and ask about the +P vs. standard loads