Chamfered 625 + Auto Rim?

[meh92]

My 625-4 has been generously chamfered for easy loading of moon clipped ACP. To scratch an itch, I want to shoot 45 Auto Rim in it. Just looking at the geometry, it seems like it could potentially cause some damage or unwnated wear. Thoughts?

I could always buy another extractor star. If I did, would you recommend I also get another hand?

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[Protocall_Design]

It depends on how generously chamfered. Check to see if any of the rim is still supported. If so, you're probably OK. The brass is solid near the rim except for the flash hole. Anyway, 45 ACP anything is not a really high pressure round.

If the rims go into the chamfer, or even are barely supported, I would just get another ACP cylinder. Then you can easily change just by removing one screw (above the trigger) and replacing it. It's likely you can still use the same hand either way.

 

[meh92]

It's pretty aggressive. I think I'll just buy another cylinder assembly. My 625-4 is pre-MIM, pre-lock, and has the hexagon extractor style. Do you know which cylinder assemblies would be compatible?

 

[robert1804]

I just checked my 625 PC and 625 JM. The extractor is slightly below flush with the cylinder by close to .0015" on both. Unless your extractor is actually proud of the cylinder, the headspacing loads are on the cylinder, not the extractor. I think you'll be fine with AR brass.

 

[Coastie762]

OP, a photo of the cylinder chamfering would be helpful to answer your question. I've attached a photo of my 625-6 cylinder loaded with .45 AR for your info. Cases in the photo are RP make, they've worked well for me but I would recommend Starline cases. They are of excellent quality and last through many loadings.

According to Starline, their .45 Auto Rim brass is internally identical to .45 ACP. The AR case has an extra thick rim to properly headspace on the cylinder without having to use a clip. As you are currently using .45 ACP without problems, it is unlikely that use of AR cases will hurt your gun.

 

[Protocall_Design]

It's pretty aggressive. I think I'll just buy another cylinder assembly. My 625-4 is pre-MIM, pre-lock, and has the hexagon extractor style. Do you know which cylinder assemblies would be compatible?

The new extractors are actually square with rounded corners. Any cylinders of the newer style will work. Most older style ones probably will too. Any time you fit another cylinder to a gun, there is always the chance that adjustments will need to be made.

 

[Wee Hooker]

It's your call but if you buy another cylinder assembly, it will likely need to be fit by a gunsmith. Such a project will run you up towards $350 -$400 by the time your done. That' s allot of itch scratching IMHO.
Personally, I would build some light to mid range hand loads in 45 AR and try them out . Just mic your cases before and after to look for bulging.

FWIW, my 625PC is factory chamfered and shoots 45AR hand loads all day long with no issue.

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
If you are worred just cut a 45acp case and a 45 AR case down the
middle .
I believe you will find that there is solid case head below the chamfer
on both...

 

[meh92]

Thank you for all of the replies. There's lots of good info here. I love this forum!

I am not concerned with unsupported case blowout. The case, given the charge, is plenty strong. My only concern is that the beveled surface of the extractor, not a flat face, will be the bearing surface against the case rim during extraction. Sure, steel is tougher than brass, but it still made me wonder if damage was possible.

Thanks again.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

At normal 45 & 45(+P) pressures the cases should basically fall out so I don't see having extraction issues if that was your only concern.

.

 

[growr]

No need for an extra cylinder....just shoot the AR ammo.

I don't understand why a person would want to use AR ammo as there is nothing to be gained in performance.

Still nothing faster than 6 in and 6 out with a full moon clip....easy to load and unload as well....so many will say that it is a pain to use moon clips....Baloney!

Randy

 

[rogerwnuss]

Bingo, Randy. If you find moonclips inconvenient at the range, just get some half moons for range time. Pop em in, pop em out.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I have had lots of other shooters tell me it looks like loading moon clips is a lot of trouble...while they are sitting there loading magazines. It's not any different. You have to either load loose rounds into the chamber, load speedloaders, moonclips or magazines. When it comes to loading a handgun, there's no free lunch.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I don't understand why a person would want to use AR ammo as there is nothing to be gained in performance.

Still nothing faster than 6 in and 6 out with a full moon clip....easy to load and unload as well....so many will say that it is a pain to use moon clips....Baloney!

Starline 45AR brass is as strong, or stronger, than their 45 Super brass, & cheaper. Using S-L 45AR brass I can handload them to whatever power level I want, whenever I want, & add a roll crimp if I need to control bullets jumping crimp with hot loads (45 Super) in a lightweight revolver.

I'm pretty sure you can load (6) Auto Rim rounds in your cylinder before you can load (6) ACP rounds in a metal full moon clip & then put it in your cylinder... Smoked turkey breast!

.

I have had lots of other shooters tell me it looks like loading moon clips is a lot of trouble...while they are sitting there loading magazines.

With a semi-auto pistol you don't have a choice. With a (625) revolver you do.

I have both but AR's are my first choice.

Some of us are quit happy loading one at a time. I'm in no rush.

.

.

 

[Pig Hunter]

The nice thing about moon clips is all the empty brass is right there and is lots easier to not loose than 6 empty pieces of brass. Plus it is easier to inspect your brass for cracks and splits. ymmv

 

[Ed Fowler]

After about 30 reloadings you may find the rim on the AR cartridge has expanded too much to fit in your reloading rim die, they will still shoot fine but it is time to throw them out and get some new ones. Naturally brass life depends on how hot you reload them. I have never seen a split 45 AR case or damaged cylinder.

 

[LPD256]

No need for an extra cylinder....just shoot the AR ammo.

I don't understand why a person would want to use AR ammo as there is nothing to be gained in performance.

Still nothing faster than 6 in and 6 out with a full moon clip....easy to load and unload as well....so many will say that it is a pain to use moon clips....Baloney!

Randy

I use RIMZ polycarbonate moon clips for my 625JM, 325NG, and my 929 JM. I shoot the guns a lot more because those clips are easily loaded and unloaded by hand. No tools required. Fastest reloads and an easy way to save brass. EZMOONCLIPS.com. And Denny is a good guy to work with.

 

[JohnLawRet1]

Does anyone have an idea what a lettered 4" Registered Magnum with Stag handles and hump back hammer is worth?The Barrel may have been replaced as serial number has a star indicating the gun has been worked on. JohnLawRet1.

 

[growr]

I'm pretty sure you can load (6) Auto Rim rounds in your cylinder before you can load (6) ACP rounds in a metal full moon clip & then put it in your cylinder... Smoked turkey breast!

I don't know of any moonclip revolver shooter that doesn't pre-load the moonclips...no different than pre-loading a magazine....in that case there is no contest what so ever.
Furthermore, I CAN drop 6 .45 acp rounds into the cylinder without a moonclip and fire them on my revolvers....just need a pencil to remove them.

Randy

 

[steelslaver]

I have about 80 or so moon clips. Clips with empty case go to loading room. Loaded clips come out. With a too easy to unload clips and refill. I never load clips at the range. One mag for a 1911 cost more than a bunch of clips. AR cases are ok, I guess, but I sure don't get the clip haters. Fastest reliad and easy brass pick up. Just buy a bunch of them