After years of looking, I finally have a 4" Model of 1989 on the way.

I hunt small deer in thick brush and that's where this one is headed. What do I need to know about reloading for it? My main interest is in 250-grain or heavier bullets.

What powders? What dies for a roll crimp? What's the best brass for 45 Auto Rim loads? Etc., etc., etc.

thanks,


Okie John

There have been some threads here about heavy loads using 250 grain bullets. You are limited to either Remingtom or Starline brass for 45AR loads. Both my 1988 and 1889 5" guns shoot very well with any good ammo.

I prefer Redding PRO dies #89190 for 45 AR with the titanium carbide insert and their profile crimp die. This die set does NOT come with an expansion die, and I prefer the Lyman "M" die for that anyway.
Bullets - for hunting I don't think you can do better than the Nosler Partition-HG in a 260 grain bullet, though I think for the 45 AR I would rather go with the Barnes 185 grain XPB. The lighter copper bullet is designed more for the 45 ACP/AR velocity capability, where the Partition-HG is designed for the heavy 45 Colt loads for Rugers etc. It's a partition with a soft front end, so will probably expand at least a little even from a 45AR at 700-750 fps, which is about as fast as you can go in that cartridge. And I don't think that the penetration will be much different from the two bullets, Barnes XPB have a very good record of just going and going and going; even though they are rather light.
Powder & Loads - look in your loading manuals after you decide on the bullet.

Paul5388 has some loads that will knock your socks off!

I have just gotten an H&G #502 for my 45ACP "hunting" loads. Although I can't use it for deer in my home state. I like the heavier bullets in every caliber I shoot, even for target practice. I know that is opposite of what most folks do but then gain I have been a "norm" breaker ever since I came of age!

You can use any data for the 45AR in ACP cases as long as you mark them well enough you don't send the through your semi's by mistake. Paul, and I hate speaking for him, uses a different type of brass for his hot loads. Easy to tell the difference at a glance.

I have been experimenting with some Accurate Arms #9 along with a MILSURP powder called WC820. If I can use this analogy, it gives you the same kind of performance that 2400 gives in some of the Skeeter Skelton type of loads, if you catch my drift. Takes the Ole 45ACP to a whole new level!

If, and I hate to suggest this but, have a Speer #8 there are some real hum-dingers in there for the 45AR. They might be of interest.

quote:

It's a partition with a soft front end, so will probably expand at least a little even from a 45AR at 700-750 fps, which is about as fast as you can go in that cartridge.

Here is data from the AA website.

You can get a bunch more out of the AR than 700-750fps even without going to the Speer #8!

255 (L) SWC S1000 4.0 683 S1000 4.4 777 13,200 1.250" LY452424
No.2 4.7 710 No.2 5.2 807 14,800
No.5 6.2 733 No.5 6.9 833 15,000
No.7 8.6 744 No.7 9.5 846 13,600
No.9 10.8 769fps No.9 12.0 874fps 14,400

Okie,

Skip was doing a pretty good job of speaking for me.

Both of my 1989s have been 5" barrels. The last one, a M625-6, had wood Hogues on it that I changed for some Pach Compact Presentations. Either one, the M625-4 or the M625-6, will handle anything I've shot out of them. I'm currently loading a 270 gr LSWC with various amounts of 2400 or SR 4756.

13.0 gr of 2400 will get real close to 1000 fps in ACP brass with a 270 gr bullet sized at .452". Normally, I load those type loads in .45 Super brass, just so I don't load them in a 1911 type and so I can still use moon clips.

I just slugged the M625-6 and found .452" throats and a .450" bore.

More than likely, 12.0 gr of 2400 would provide enough power with a 270 gr LSWC bullet. 13.0 gr produces 553 ft lbs of ME, but I haven't clocked 12.0 gr to be able to calculate the ME.

Thanks for all the information.

Two more questions:
1. Is this revolver round or square butt?
2. Does it have the endurance package?

Thanks,


Okie John

AA#7 may surprise you. I found velocity with heavy bullets runs quite a bit faster in my 625's than Accurate says. It may be one of the best for your needs but start at the bottom and work up!

I can't remember what the exact load is for these but it is the end of my first can of SR4756. I loaded these up with a load just over the minimum for 230gr FMJ. These bullets are from the H&G #502 I mentioned earlier. I got an average of 830pfs with them. Recoil was more than a "normal" 45ACP but then again, that's what I was after.

Email sent

The new Handloader Mag has a very good article on the 45AR including loading date charts

I beat Accurate Arms' data with both AA7 and AA9. That max load of AA9 in Skip's post gives me 925fps under a 250gr in my 5" 625, and it's way below what the gun can take. 1000fps is no problem.

Okie,

Mine are round butt and take a different grip than a normal square butt "N" frame.

I've never seen a reference to an endurance package on the 625. It may be that S&W felt like it wasn't needed at the pressure levels this model would be running at. Even .45 Super loads are only 28,000 psi, which is well below magnum pressures.

Thanks for everything, mis amigos.


Okie John

De nada, Amigo!

quote:

Originally posted by Beans:
Email sent

The new Handloader Mag has a very good article on the 45AR including loading date charts

Got it. Thanks.


Okie John