I like to have my ducks in a row before going browsing. I primed the misses I’m going looking.

My choices are,,,
S&W m25. 6.5” nickel 45 long colt or a Redhawk 5.5” 45 long colt stainless?

I’m not sure if the m25 can handle those 300gr bullets?

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Plant garlic in the fall

It can if you keep them down around 850-900fps

But at 850fps a 300 gr 45 is pretty serious medicine.

Might not want to use it on any elephants or Rhinos you come across, but it will kill about anything else if you do your part

I look at it this way, if I gut shoot a grizzly bear with a 1500fps 240gr 44 mag, I am not going be in any better shape then doing it with a 300gr 45 at 850 or for that matter a 300 gr going 1300fps. All of them would do the job with a brain, heart or spine shot. The heart shot might take a bit, but thats true with any of them. I had a deer run about 25 yds or so after having its heart blown up by a 225gr 338 win mag.

I am more interested in accuracy and ability this days than how fast the bullet is going. I shoot 255 gr slugs at a bit over 1000fps in all my colts depending on gun and barrel

That model 25 is a fine gun

Bill, I agree with the above. Unless you really intend to load the snot out of that .45c, I would go with the model 25. Besides, nickle is pretty...

Larry

And if you do plan on loading the snot out of it, why not just go to the Model 460 and be done with it?

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

There is a MASSIVE difference in size, weight, gangly rotten looks, carryability and probably a dozen other reasons to choose or not choose a .460 Magnum when you are trying to decide between a Redhawk and a S&W 25.

Should I get the F-150 or Silverado? “Definitely get the Greyhound bus.”

Sheesh.

Not so much if you compare a Redhawk to a 460

Sorry could not help myself.

At one point in history John Linbaugh had no problems using 320gr projectiles in .45 Colt chambered Smith & Wesson’s. Although, the Ruger Redhawk can use something like Garrett’s 405gr cartridge.

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

A much fairer comparison would be should I get a Ford 150 or a Ford 250. If you are pulling a 8k trailer, the 150 is fine, but if you're pulling a 12k trailer, the 250 will be warranted. Someone spoke of shooting excessive loads. While either of the OP's original choices will handle limited use of these powerhouse loads, the 460 will not only handle them all day long, it can also handle loads the other two weren't designed for. Kind of like buying a .357 magnum rather than a 38 special. Or a 44 magnum rather than a 44 special.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

So, the OP should really be looking for a rifle?

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I think a 460 Weatherby Magnum should do.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life