45 Colt bullets/powder for M25-7

[steelslaver]

from Writings | linebaughsixguns

I use his starting Ruger loads as my S&W max and keep back off them a bit. Mainly as a guide to pressure because he got the data by using actual pressure test barrels. I also know that cup does not translate directly to PSI

STARTING LOADS
BULLET POWDER GRS VEL CUP
260 cast H-110 25.5 1364 24,800
260 cast H 4227 24 1180 24.800
260 cast #2400 19 1165 24,800
260 cast HS-6 14 1130 25.000
260 cast Unique 10.5 1050 24,800

Incidentally a S&W N frame cylinder is 1.710
A Ruger's Super Blackhawk cylinder is the same 1.710

It has an advantage ONLY because it's cylinder notch is offset from chamber C/L

Speaking of the cylinder notch. While it is the weakest point that thin point has a relatively small area. If the whole length of the cylinder was that thin it would be much weaker. Think of it like this. Take a piece of half inch ply wood and only support the edges. If you stand in the center it will bow down a considerable amount. Now, place it on 16" centers and stand on it between 2 centers. You will get very little defection.

Which brings me to the endurance package guns with the longer notch, Whole the lock up system is more secure the cylinder is slightly weaker due to a longer thin area.

 

[grice]

I agree with you. After reading John Linebaughs article on the subject several years ago I believe he's correct and I too have been using his data in my smiths. Of course you'll always hear get a 44 mag if you want that much power , I have several of rugers and smiths but with the model 25 45 colt I don't need a 44 mag. I've shot quite a lot of those loads without any of the usual high pressure signs. Cases literally fall out of the cylinder and almost rare to have to eject them. The model 25 is one fine revolver!

 

[steelslaver]

Yes, while I would not go near 36,000psi of 44 mag max pressure in a S&W 45colt, I feel that 25,000psi max is more realistic in them than the 14,000 psi limit that is imposed by the 125 year old guns out there.

Get a 44mag LOL.
I did and actually took 2 very decent 629-1 44 mags and improved them by reaming their cylinders to 45 colt and fitting 45 barrels to them. I also have a 4" and 6" 629-1 plus a 6" 29-3. I also have a 6" model 57. I never fired any of them. My 45 colts all get shot on a fairly regular basis.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have found great favor using Ramshot powders in 45 Colt . Ramshot Zip and Ramshot True Blue are favorites using current load data . These are powders seldom mentioned but perform extremely well in 45 Colt . I cast my own 255 gr RNFP bullets ( LEE mold ) . Regards Paul

 

[zeke]

I have found great favor using Ramshot powders in 45 Colt . Ramshot Zip and Ramshot True Blue are favorites using current load data . These are powders seldom mentioned but perform extremely well in 45 Colt . I cast my own 255 gr RNFP bullets ( LEE mold ) . Regards Paul

While off topic, the 255 Lee rnfp's have a great flat point dia for my uses, including 45 acp.

 

[grice]

Yes, while I would not go near 36,000psi of 44 mag max pressure in a S&W 45colt, I feel that 25,000psi max is more realistic in them than the 14,000 psi limit that is imposed by the 125 year old guns out there.

Get a 44mag LOL.
I did and actually took 2 very decent 629-1 44 mags and improved them by reaming their cylinders to 45 colt and fitting 45 barrels to them. I also have a 4" and 6" 629-1 plus a 6" 29-3. I also have a 6" model 57. I never fired any of them. My 45 colts all get shot on a fairly regular basis.

Now you've really got my attention, that's a most interesting idea. I'm guessing you bored out the cylinder pretty tight to allow a little more steel around the cylinder? You do it yourself?

 

[Doug M.]

I see a couple of references to 250-255 grain SWC over 8.5 grains of Unique. What's the approximate velocity of that load? I may start reloading, probably after I retire and move, so I am collecting info.

 

[grice]

About 900-950 fps with a 4 inch barrel

 

[grice]

Oh Doug I see you're 10-8. I went 10-7 about 3 months ago!!

 

[steelslaver]

Now you've really got my attention, that's a most interesting idea. I'm guessing you bored out the cylinder pretty tight to allow a little more steel around the cylinder? You do it yourself?

No, 44 mag cylinders are exactly the same OD and length etc as 45 colt cylinders, 25-5 and later ,except for the chambers and I use a standard 45 colt reamer .By making my cylinders from 44 mag cylinders I always have proper .452 throats and in blued guns I also end up with recessed cylinders. No better than non recessed butt an nice feature. Yes I do it myself. I have 2 separate 45 colt reamers and a mill. Also, 44 mag cylinders are much easier to come by than 45 colt cylinders. I use either colt or acp barrels and have found no difference in accuracy

 

[grice]

That is a nice feature. I have no a mountain gun in 45 colt but I notice the cylinder isn't as long as the one on my 29-2, I believe the cylinder on my 25-15 is the same as the mountain gun. I like your idea of boring the 29 cylinder , are 45 cal barrels tough to find ? One thing Limbaugh says I'm not sure about, he states that the frames of model 25s aren't heat treated like the 29 frames are. With the company producing these in mass you'd think they would send all N frames through the same heat treatment?? Maybe not..

 

[steelslaver]

That is a nice feature. I have no a mountain gun in 45 colt but I notice the cylinder isn't as long as the one on my 29-2, I believe the cylinder on my 25-15 is the same as the mountain gun. I like your idea of boring the 29 cylinder , are 45 cal barrels tough to find ?

All of the cylinders beginning with the 25-5 are the same length as the non recessed 44 mag cylinders. The 29-2 is recessed so it would be about .060 longer because of the rearward length for recesses. frame face of exactor star to face of a chamber they are the same.

The ACPs are the same length as the old 357 and 44 special and the 25-3 45 colt cylinders. EXCEPT the rear of ACP cylinders are shaved about .040 for using clips and the early 357 until the end of the -2 models having the .060 more to the rear for the recesses. They did make a small run of very short ACP cylinders that needed real long barrel extensions though.

I have not had any trouble finding 45 barrels, In fact I have several spares in my parts pile. I keep my eyes on Ebay for barrels and cylinders. Tight now I am looking for another J frame 32 H&R or 327 cylinder.

 

[grice]

I don't have the brains or equipment to pull that off but I do like the idea, it makes good sense to me.

 

[steelslaver]

I don't have the brains or equipment to pull that off but I do like the idea, it makes good sense to me.

I have a total of 9 S&W revolvers. Only one of them came from the factory as a 45 colt. It was a 8 3/8" 25-5, but it had oversize throats so it got a reamed recessed 44 mag cylinder and while I was at it I chopped the barrel to 5"

45 Colts

#9 with a 6" recessed 5 screw

 

[ArchAngelCD]

In Post #13 back in March I asked the OP which powders he has available to load with. He has not answered that question or any of the other questions asked of him and it seems he has not back to this thread since the thread was created.

We are just spinning our wheels and wasting our time if the OP hasn't been back to check on the thread even though he was on the forum yesterday.

I suggest we all wait until we get the answers to questions many of us have asked before we waste anyone more of our time.

 

[Cdog]

I don't mind resurrected threads. I missed this back in March and just can't imagine discussing handloading being a waste of my time.

My experience with the old big bore runs the gamut. From mild to wild, there's not a lot of combinations I haven't tried.

I like traditional weight for caliber bullets at target velocities. I also like a powder that half fills the brass. (Easy to spot an irregular charge)

The case fill can limit my choices, so I have to disregard the half full charge with many old black powder cartridges.

Universal and Unique have been my go to powders. Cast 250-255 grain round nose bullets are what I load most.

If you're looking for a bit more velocity without pushing the pressure CFE Pistol can deliver. I like the lower velocities and higher load density TrailBoss delivers, but the odor keeps me from using it more often.

With modern metallurgy the 25 can withstand a lot more pressure than the SAA was designed for. Still if I'm going to push a .45 Colt it ain't going to be in anything but a Ruger or T/C. I simply wouldn't want to feed a Smith with W296/H110 loads.

These days I shoot the old warhorse for pleasure. My primary .45 is a 3rd Generation Colt. With fixed sights I get point of aim loading in the 800 fps range.

I've chronographed 250 gr bullets down to low/mid 600 fps from the same 4 3/4" barrel single action. My enjoyment was diminished due to the firearm and me both being covered in soot and unburned powder.

N frame and .45 Colt = Fun!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

@Cdog,
I never said discussing loads is a waste of time, I was saying trying to answer the OP's question without the important details is a waste of time. Without that information the answers are just guesses.

 

[BC38]

Luckily the cylinder throats are properly sized in the 25-7 and thereafter.
Most bullets that work well in 45acp will work well loaded as 45Colt.
I used mostly Trail Boss from Cabela's under 200gr LSWC,230grLRD and 250gr LSWC.
Reloading Data Center | Hodgdon

Hard to argue with any of that. Pretty much any bare lead 45acp caliber bullet in the 200gr-250gr range is do-able. Suitable recipes can be found for any of them pretty readily with just a little research - either online or in paper manuals. 45 Colt is a pretty flexible round to reload - and FUN to shoot!

 

[grice]

Steelslayer you have a real talent there. Not many including myself have that kind of knowledge!