.45 Colt Self Defense Ammo for S&W 25 & 625 - My Thoughts

The questions been asked numerous times on whether S&W model 25's and 625's can handle the .45 Colt +P loadings. The consenus has been yes, but it will excelerate wear and tear of the gun.

Cor-bon goes as far as to state:

We tell people that if a particular gun (like a stainless N frame S&W) is chambered in 44 Magnum, that it will work with our 45 Colt loads. The pressure on this particular load is @ 26,000 PSI. Remember that same size/type gun is made in 44 mag and 44 mag pressure is 36,000 PSI.

The 45 Colt case is as big as it is because it was designed with black powder.

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And I think S&W's latest stance is they don't recommend it.

Here's Buffalo Bores recommendations for their +P ammo:

So, use this ammo ONLY in ALL LARGE FRAME RUGERS, (i.e. Black Hawks, all Red Hawk iterations chambered in 454 Casull and 45 Colt, and pre 2006 Vaqueros) Colt Anaconda, all FA revolvers chambered in 454 Casull and 45 Colt and Dan Wesson revolvers, Winchester and Marlin mod. 1894, all falling block actions made of modern steel, TC Encore and the Handi Rifle.

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So, I decided if I need this kind of velocities, I would stick with my .44 Magnum.

But what about the .45 Colt for self defense against two legged & 4 legged critters (minus Brown Bear/ Grizzlies).

Based on what I've read, ideal SD rounds push a heavy bullet at velocities between 900 fps to 1100 fps. There's obviously other factors involved (bullet design, powder, etc.), but I'll let the manufacturers links below speak on that.

Much of the commercial loading for .45 Colt run below these velocities so as to make them safe in all .45 Colt revolvers (including those made back when the .45 Colt was a black powder round).

After some research, Here's some ammunition that I think should work great for SD and be safe in the 25/625 series guns. I don't claim to be an expert, and am just passing on the information I found.

Buffalo Bore
(all information below is published by Buffalo Bore)

This load is “standard pressure” and is therefore safe for use in ANY/ALL 45 Colt and 454 Casull firearms. The bullet construction is hard cast (not lead) and properly lubed and will not substantially lead your barrel, even if you fire hundreds of rounds.

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45 Colt ANTI-PERSONNEL Std. Pressure Low Flash - 225 gr. Hard Cast Wadcutter

1.1057 fps - Ruger Vaquero 2006 large frame 5.5 inch barrel
2.1062 fps - Freedom Arms mod. 97 5.25 inch barrel
3. 951 fps - S&W MT. Gun 4 inch barrel
4. 850 fps - Taurus Titanium 2 inch barrel

45 Colt ANTI-PERSONNEL Std. Pressure Low Flash Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

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BUFFALO-BARNES LEAD-FREE Standard Pressure Heavy 45 COLT - 225 gr. Barnes XPB

1.1054 fps - Ruger 2006 large frame Vaquero 5.5 inch barrel
2.1057 fps - Freedom Arms Mod. 97 5.25 inch barrel
3.958 fps - S&W MT. Gun 4 inch barrel
4.809 fps - Taurus Titanium 2 inch barrel

BUFFALO-BARNES LEAD-FREE Standard Pressure Heavy 45 COLT Pistol & Handgun Ammunition

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Standard Pressure Heavy .45 Colt - 200gr. Jacketed Hollow Point

S&W Mt. Gun (4 inch) 1015 fps
Colt SAA 2nd generation (4 3/4 inch) 1047 fps
Colt NF SAA 2nd generation (5.5 inch) 1038 fps
Custom Ruger Bisley (5.5 inch Pac-Nor bbl) 1136 fps
Colt NF SAA 3rd generation ( 7.5 inch) 1112 fps

Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt Pistol | Handgun Ammunition

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Standard Pressure Heavy .45 Colt - 255gr. Gas checked soft cast bullet

S&W Mt. Gun (4 inch) 949 fps
Colt SAA 2nd generation (4 3/4 inch) 983 fps
Colt NF SAA 2nd generation (5.5 inch) 984 fps
Custom Ruger Bisley (5.5 inch Pac-Nor bbl) 1047 fps
Colt NF SAA 3rd generation ( 7.5 inch) 1053 fps

Standard Pressure Heavy 45 Colt Pistol | Handgun Ammunition

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Cor-bon
(this may be at the top of the spectrum)

45 Colt Plus P 200gr CORBON Self-Defense JHP

Caliber: 45 Colt Plus P
Bullet Wt.: 200gr CORBON Self-Defense JHP
Velocity: 1100fps
Energy: 537ftlbs
Test Barrel Length: 4.0 Inches

45 Colt Plus P 200gr CORBON Self-Defense JHP | COR®BON/Glaser Self Defense | Dakota Ammo

Winchester

45 Colt 225 gr. Super-X® Silvertip® Hollow Point

Cartridge: 45 Colt
Bullet Weight: 225
Muzzle Velocity: 920
Barrel Length: 5.50" Vented

http://www.winchester.com/Products/handgun-ammunition/super-x/silvertip-hollow-point/Pages/X45CSHP2.aspx

So, these are the choices I feel would make good self-defense loads in .45 Colt based on the research I've done. There seems to be other choices out there in .45 Colt for SD, but the velocities are under 900 fps. These may be excellent for SD, but I would just prefer a bullet traveling a little faster.

Your experience or preference may vary, and I'm sure there's more out there.
Please feel free to add to this.