QUESTION: Is it safe and effective to shoot .45 Super in a S&W 625-2 revolver chambered for .45 ACP and in excellent condition?

BACKGROUND: I have 5 S&W's but my favorite is the 625-2 5" stainless "Model of 1988" in excellent condition. Because of my age and disabilities, I mostly just do plinking on a range, but if I ever decide to go out in the woods in hunting season I would like to carry a handgun suitable for white-tail deer, eastern black bear, feral hogs, and coyotes. The .45 ACP is a little weak for that. I do have a couple of S&W .357 mags but even they are marginal IMHO.

I'm thinking about buying a few (at up to $2 apiece, very few!) .45 Supers for that unlikely occasion. I have been doing a little reading on the 'net, and the .45 Super is actually more powerful than .357, more comparable to .41 Mag. I think it would be OK, but I am a very cautious man, and some of you guys have more experience than I do.

I might decide to double-check with S&W, but I will probably get a faster response here.

THANKS!

Just an alternative... Sierra has .45 revolver loads listed in their book that are considerably heavier than standard pressure and +P .45 ACP loads. These loads are designed for strong revolvers like yours. They list a 240 jacketed bullet at 1100 fps and a 200 grain bullet at 1200 fps, though that may be slower than what you are looking for.

If you call Buffalo Bore you will find that they have a large clientele that use their Super ammo in S&W revolvers.

I talked to one of the tecs who said he uses it all the time in his 625...

Bob

While I agree it is possible, I personally will not be doing that as I just do not see the need in my own personal case. I fully understand that others may disagree and to each their own. It is an alternative and those that do please stay safe and enjoy!

Rocky

625's have been converted to .460 Rowland.

OK, you guys convinced me that it is safe, so I got some Buffalo Bore .45 Super and shot it.

Worked fine! Kicked a little, but not enough to hurt. Surprisingly accurate. I only bought 100 because they are expensive! That ammo will be reserved for CC and bear country. And now and then, a little practice.

Glad that you enjoyed the experience

It is Absolutly Safe

I have fired tens of thousands of rounds of 45 SUPER in my 45 pin gun over the decades

A 230 grain JHP at 1100 FPS removes pins from the table with Authority

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