I am interested in getting a S&W Model 25. I have wanted one for years and I am very close to acting on my desire.

My question is whether there is any one official resource, from Smith and Wesson, that lists all of the Smith and Wesson handgun models and the corresponding ammunition that a particular model can handle? From what I have been able to determine, the Model 25 has been released in at least 15 sub models, each with different specifications of ammunition, and barrel lengths.

Specifically, I would like to know whether a Model 25-15 can safely handle .45 Colt +P. But I thought a single Smith and Wesson resource would be a handy reference for all of their handguns. No offense to those very knowledgeable hand gunners, but in this case, I am not interested in opinions, only fact. I may come across other model 25s and would like to know about them.

I realize that +P ammunition is not recommended for use on a regular basis in most guns.

Generally speaking, S&W says their revolvers are designed for use with ammunition loaded to SAAMI specs. Since you specifically ask about .45 Colt +P, and since SAAMI has no .45 Colt +P specs, I would say the official S&W answer to your question would be "no". But, you could always ask them...

I rarely see any real need for anything with more oomph than the pretty-much "standard" .45 Colt load of a 255-260 gr. bullet at around 900 fps or so, which is fine in a Model 25, but when I want to venture in to higher realms I haul out my Ruger Bisley Blackhawk.

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Pisgah

There are only three cartridges to deal with when talking about the Model 25.

There is .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol)- which is a rimless round most often encountered in semi-autos generally and the 1911 pistol specifically. To use it in a revolver with 100% reliable ignition and for extraction purposes, it requires the use of a moon clip. The rounds are inserted into the moon clip and then, as a whole, the clip and rounds are inserted into the cylinder.

The second cartridge is the .45 AR (Auto Rim) - this is simply a rimmed version of the .45 ACP. As such it does not require the use of moon clips and can be loaded singly or with a speed loader. Any revolver chambered for .45 ACP can also use .45 AR (with the exception of the Governor).

The third cartridge is the .45 Colt (.45C), commonly called the .45 Long Colt. This is a rimmed revolver round and the case length is considerably longer than the .45 ACP/.45 AR. From the factory (S&W) the only gun that will chamber both the .45 ACP and the .45C is, once again, the Governor.

It is possible, in the aftermarket, to have the .45C cylinder machined to accept moon clips (TK Custom is the most common purveyor of this modification). Once modified the gun can use .45 ACP in moon clips or .45C in moon clips, loaded singly or with a speed loader.

As was already pointed out, the Model 25's in any caliber are approved for use with any SAAMI-spec ammunition. As was further pointed out, there is no SAAMI-spec .45C +P.

The 25/625/325 family of guns are among the finest, and subjectively the most fun to shoot, revolvers that S&W has ever made. Good luck in your quest.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

I have a few 45cal revolvers that I shoot regularly.

Pre Model 25 5 Screw Model Of 1955(6 1/2").45ACP
Model 25-2(6.0").45ACP
Model 25-5 unpinned (4.0").45LC
Model 625-2 Model of 1988(5.0").45ACP

I shoot the 25-5 and the 625-2 the most.I prefer the shorter sight radius.

The Model 625 4" Mountain Guns if you find one are highly sought after.They were made in .45acp and .45LC.

Revolvers made for .45LC can have their cylinder cut to accommodate moon clips for .45acp.

An unpinned 25-5(.45LC) made in 1982 and later have correct cylinder throat sizing.

The Model 25-7 is a beautiful looking 5" gun in .45LC but a few examples are said to be .45acp.

My recommendation would be a Stainless Steel 625 Model of 1988 or Model of 1989 and not a Model 25 Classic

They are all fine guns

I shoot standard velocity reloads out of all of them

.45LC with 7gr of Unique/8gr of BE-86 w/ 230gr LRN
.45ACP with 4.0gr of Bullseye w/ 200gr LSWC or plated Berry's 200gr SWC

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

As far as I have been able to determine there is no quick and dirty reference that shows by engineering change what ammunition by brand and bullet weight goes best with each model 25 variant.

Since there is no SAAMI +P specification for ammunition you're out of luck there.

I think since you want a more robust loading than the vanilla 45 Colt loadings you might want to look at the Buffalo Bore standard pressure heavy load.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...ct_detail&p=45

It is listed as being within SAAMI Specifications for 45 Colt.

The 4.2" Ruger Redhawk 5027(.45LC) and 5032(.45LC and .45acp)are built to handle the heavier loadings and they weigh a ton.

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

Why put additional stress on a gun for marginal increases in velocity when the 45 Colt (in saami spec) is a superb cartridge as is? Who doesn't think it has sufficient power for any reasonable application? If more power is needed I recommend a 44 magnum or a 454.

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Detective Cobras Agents Oh My!

Ditto what everyone has said about +P. I have a 4" Model 25-5 that I bought new in 1986. Shooting 250 gr. LRN bullets at 825 FPS is about as fun as it gets. I'll push the envelope on my Rugers, but not the Smith. If I need to make more noise and hurt my hand, I'll get out the .44.

I run into these same questions all the time, usually from new
shooters. They scrimp & save to buy a S&W, and first thing they
want to do is shoot +P type loads. I am died in the wool S&W
Revolver man, but I never shoot +P type loads out of any of
mine. When you ask them why they want to do this, they have
no good answer. The only S&Ws I have ever seen with serious
problems were 19s & 29s that had been beat with constant
heavy magnum hand loads. One of these guys actually ruined
a Ruger SBH with his super hot 44 loads. I tell them if you want
a Cadillac, buy S&W. If you want a bull dozer buy a Ruger. This
is not a Ruger bash, I got several. The solid frame of a SA is
just stronger and has fewer moving parts. No Brainer!

I really appreciate all the replies. Thanks!

Some relevant info in an oft-linked article from a guy who knows a thing or two about heavy handgun loads:

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

I don't baby my one 25-7, but when I absolutely, positively have to make an impression with a .45 Colt, the Rugers come out.

As stated above, the big Colt is a highly effective round in standard form. No Viagra required.

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5
Steve

I have three mdl 19s 357 mag. I have a mdl 25-5 long colt. All of them are the cream of the crop when it comes to accuracy, feel, and good looks. I am looking for a load for the 25-5 that best fits this pistol and also will work well in my Henry LC Big Boy

How about the 25-15

I appologize, my smith long colt is a 25-15. I'm presently shooting 185 gr HP at about 1100fps but I'm thinking some 230s would be a better load.

Take a minute and read what S&W tells you what to use.

Starting on page 8.

https://snwcdnprod.azureedge.net/sit...6560000_WC.pdf

From a rookie. What the hell is P ammo?

+P is commercially loaded ammo that exceeds the standard SAAMI spec for a given caliber - ammunition that is loaded to a higher pressure rating. The gun that you intend to use it in should be certified for use with +P ammo by the manufactuer.

There is a SAAMI spec for +P ammo, but there is none for +P+, which is usually contract ammo loaded for a specific agency for use in specific guns. When +P+ finds its way to the commercial market it is strictly buyer beware.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

For the poster who has the 25-5.

Yes, the cylinder throats are usually too large. You need pin gages to measure the throats or find a buddy who has them.

You can get .454 sized bullets for 45 Colt from some vendors. Only measuring will tell you what you size you really need.

You may also need to slug the barrel and measure the slug to get the grooves diameter.

If you handload, DON'T swage the bullet diameter down when you seat the bullet. Use "M" dies to create a nest instead.


Prescut

You may be right but, I've always thought it was commercially loaded ammo not above SAAMI specs but, pushing the limits of SAAMI specs, possibly with bullet weight higher than normal(sometimes)?
Steve

If you want power out of a 45 revolver, why not just do the job right and go for a nice Freedom Arms 454 Casull?
Even a Ruger Blackhawk is gonna get beaten loose from overly hot handloads.
It makes more sense to load a 454 Casull down a bit than push a lesser power cartridge past it's intended ability.
But, as others have said, standard 45 Colt provides lots of fun and performance.

My apologies to the OP for any digressions into personal opinion. I got a little carried away reading all the interesting and informed replies.

Jim

PS: speaking of fun, I once put a boxfull of 45 Long Colt "1909 Double Action", loaded with black powder (!) through a S&W 25-5. It was old RCMP stuff intended for the Colt New Service.
That stuff was a REAL blast! Also, quite powerful!! I'm sure it was also below SAAMI pressure specs.