I'm trading for a Smith Model 25 Mountain gun in .45LC. Is there any stipulations on shooting hot loads in this gun. ie CorBon .335 gr hard cast.

I really like my 625 Mountain Gun, but I stay away from heavy +P loads for it. Personally, I like to stay within the manufacturer's guidance. There are people that say they do shoot them, and to each their own, but I don't want to take the chance. At best you'll accelerate wear. At worst you'll hurt yourself.

On the other hand, I can understand the thought process. The same frame is used for 44 magnum as 45 Colt. I need my hands, so I will get a Ruger for shooting heavy 45 Colt loads.

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Proud anachronism

You mean "Ruger Only" 45 Colt loads?

I would stay with regular colt loads. If your going into back country and want the power then loading with 300gr+ stuff is fine as long as you don't fire them. Meaning carry them but only shoot em if you have to.

There are some good articles out there on comparative strengths of firearms in .45 colt caliber. If I recall, some say stay less than 32,500 cup, some say stay less than 25,000 cup. Either one are fairly hot in the .45, and will probably do anything you need to. I have a 25-13 and have shot both my 300 grain reloads and the 300 grain BB through it with no problems. I talked with the BB guys before using it and they indicated they are safe in the gun but will loosen it quickly. For plinking I use factory stuff, for carrying in the woods I use the heavys. For reference, .45 acp loads run up to about 21,000 cup, alot hotter than the factory Colt 14,000 cup, and in the same cylinder and frame.

Check this out...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5 By: John Linebaugh

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

I was hoping someone would post that nugget.

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Stu

Lol, yes.

I have read the other articles and don't argue with any of it. I just can't bring myself to shoot the heavy loads. I'm sure it is safe, but I just like my fingers too much.

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Proud anachronism

I love my 625 mountain gun. I have no desire to shorten it's lifespan. If I feel like shooting 45 magnum rounds I breakout my 460.

Buffalo Bore makes a heavy load for the 45 that is tested in a Mod 25 Mountain Gun -- They do fine in mine

Butchbird I just looked at the BB site. 255gr @ 949 fps is something I'm comfortable with. Thanks for the tip. It's those Linbough loads that make me cringe. But then again I'm not a gunsmith or metallurgist.

My woods load for my 25-13 is a 255g Keith HC over 24g of H110. (a John Linebaugh load) If that won't kill it I shouldn't have pissed it off! This load is as hot as I want to put through my Mountain Gun. Recoil isn't brutal, but it is stout. I don't shoot many of these as they are hard on the shooter and I'd imagine the gun as well.

Another favorite and in all honesty, enough for anything in the eastern US is either a 250g XTP or a 255 Keith HC over 13g HS-6. Recoil is firm, but very controlable.

Well, here is where most people get on their ear. I, as well as a few friends of mine, have made a practice of "proofing" some different guns. I totally agree with (most) recommendations for (most) people. I and my friends have been shooting 625-6's and -7's for quite a few years. One of them has seen a ridiculous amount(not by IPSC standards) of HOT loads. A 340 grain hardcast at 1250FPS is PAINFUL. The gun is as tight as the day it was purchased. Very accurate also. My favorite load varies, but is near a 300 grainer (hardcast)at 1150 FPS. Now for the "RUGER ONLY" advice......I've watched several barrels go down-range from Ruger .44's. Standard loads and the barrel stripped and ratcheted right out of the frame. The shooter thumbed it back and was going to let another round go 'til he was stopped by three guys. I know of three Rugers that have let go with Factory Ammo in .44 Mag. That being said, I have a Blackhawk in .45 Colt and love it and it does get a few stout loads. The 625-6(My baby) is stupid accurate and is very fun to shoot with some stout loads. I don't shoot much of the real hot stuff as there is no reason. I can always go to the Freedom Arms for the nasty stuff. I know all about the factory recommendations and law-suit material. Most people will be responsible, but the occasional "Maroon" will do the worst he can then blame the equipment at failure. The bottom line is the 625 is a bit more tougher than one would be led to think. I carry mine on occasion for CCW and it is my "Go-to" in the woods for up to Bears if needed. JMO By the way, A 255 Keith at @1000FPS is what my SAA's live on. And MAN!!, are they fun to shoot!!!!

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Go big or stay home

I'm planning on hunting Elk in archery season in Montana. The area supposidley has a few Grizzlys runnning around it. I have several handguns I can carry as a back up. Being that this will be the newest addition it gets possible top billing. lol
The other possibles other then the 25 Mountain gun are a P&R model 29 4" nickle, an early Ruger Vaquero stainless .45 LC 5.5", or a Redhawk .44 7.5"
I like the lighter 4" barrel guns for weight reduction.

I'd carry the MG and make sure my rifle was close at hand, Gordylew! My niece and nephew had been hunting black bear a couple years ago here in the great northwest. They took a lunch break, set their rifles against a tree, and had wandered down to a stream. Needless to say, they heard a noise and turned around to see a mama black bear between them and their rifles!

Well, what the hell happened????

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SgtSam

Does Montana allow firearm carry while bow hunting because most states don't?

The 45 Colt Mountain Gun does not have the same hardened frame as the 44 Magnum version. Stick with SAAMI loads in your MG. I shoot 255G lead bullets over 8.5g of Unique or 13g or Blue Dot.
If you need a 45 Colt magnum, buy a Redhawk or a Blackhawk.

YES! Do tell...

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Proud anachronism

The only problem with that is that SAAMI loads are anemic at best and only suited to plinking, IMO. Considering that the 625 can handle .45ACP+P at 21,000 psi (as I recall) the .45 Colt Smiths can certainly handle more lively loads than SAAMI spec without damaging them.

To me, the appeal of the .45 Colt, especially in a Mountian Gun is the fact that it is a very capable round suited for all but the largest creatures in the lower 48 (with the right loading) in a very "carry-able" and relatively lightweight package that isn't unpleasant to shoot. Unfortunately, as I said above, most factory standard pressure falls well short of this mark, thus requiring a little "hot rodding". Now, trying to turn your Mountain Gun into a howitzer is a different story.

Well A10, You gonna continue to leave us hang? Details man, Details...........

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Go big or stay home

Are you talking a 25-(8-13, etc) or a 625-6-7, etc. The stainless seems the way to go for strength.

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Go big or stay home

I have a 25-13 mountain gun and would load it and carry it with your mentioned load but for target shooting shoot a more pleasent round.
I also have a 29-2 with 4" barrel and have shot some Garrett loads through it and in the 4" barrel they certanly get my atention.
It gets target shot with lighter loads also, as I would sugest for your mountain gun.
Keith

Anything 255g ~ 300g @ 900 ~ 1000fps should be more than sufficient IMO.

I like 9g Unique (flaming dirt) under a 255g cast SWC or RNFP to duplicate the BP load it was designed for.

I've read Linebaugh and one day I will have him make me something in a 480 Ruger or the 475 Linebaugh with a 4 5/8" barrel and some excellent grips. His work is fine!

I don't suppose it's a problem to handload a cast 255g up to 1200fps with a nice slow powder, but I have magnums for that, so I suppose having that option makes me selective that way.