I've had 2 S&W 625's in .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim. My current is a 625 Mountain Gun in .45 ACP.

I have a fair amount of 45 Auto Rim brass and have worked up some pretty stout loads with no ill effects or signs of pressure.

The question is, is it safe to load .45 ACP brass up to the same pressure? I've always understood (and believed) the 45 Auto Rim and .45 ACP are the same internally and the web of the cartridge should be just as strong.

I Googled and looked over a few websites lastnight and saw some pretty impressive loads using 255 Grain boolits out of S&W 625's.

I'll most likely be using Lymans #452423. Thanks for any info and experiences.

Murphy

That's been my understanding too, yet is unconfirmed by actual link availability.

I've fiddled a bit with the 255 cast boolits but remain quite satisfied with the 230 offerings. All my loads have been for range/target use, not hunting purposes. That may affect future choices.....there IS a particularly noisome squirrel out in my yard.....

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

My loads are the same for either. Might work for you as well.
Randy

One way to ascertain if the case capacity is the same for both rounds is to fill them slightly more than full with a powder such as WW231, scrape the excess powder with a straight edge so they are both full to the top of the case, and measure the weight of the powder. Less powder in one case, means less internal capacity.

I don't know if this helps, but the Sierra Manual lists some fairly stout 45 ACP revolver only loads. If I recall, they push 230 grain bullets at 1100 fps. It is my understanding that the issue is slide velocity in auto pistols... i.e. the hot revolver only loads generate too much slide velocity and damage autos.

I have wondered if these same loads are safe in AR cases because I've never seen official load data for stout Auto Rim cartridges. I think it would be because I have also read that the AR is only an ACP with a rim, but that seems like a risk without lab data.

Is anyone aware of any published data suggesting this is safe? Again, not that I am saying it isn't, but I don't like to take risks with my fingers.

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Proud anachronism

I've had some good results with heavy AR loads, but have encountered a few balloon-head cases. Just make dang sure you're using recently-made brass if you want to load thumpers.

Larry

The AR & ACP are virtually identical cases in volumn & web thickness. Loads I run in each are within 25fps of each other. In the AR brass & can run a 250grLSWCHP @ 850fps for a potent SD load.

I have 240gr loads that run 1100fps from my M625JM. I interchange 45AR brass and 45ACP brass. The bullets will not chamber in a semi-auto so, I am safe not running them in something that will destroy itself with those loads!

They are published loads, just a long time ago!

Here is a look at them:




There is a HINT in one picture that might give a hint to the powder I use!

Where are you finding the 250 gr LSWCHP bullets?

Knowing him, his garage!

Yeah, I cast those. It's the RCBS 270SA mold but w/ diff HP pins I can go from 250gr wide mouthed HP that expands @ 800fps to a shallow cup point @ 270gr that runs great in my 45colt @ 1000fps, or leave it a solid & it comes in @ 280gr+. A potent load indeed in a M625. My revs never see JHP.

That is a great looking bullet. Looks like you found "the one" for your needs.

i load some 252 swc over unique for my 625, they wont chamber in my 1911 so no worrys there they are pretty tough in my 3 inch gun, i use only 45acp brass

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WILL WORK FOR AMMO!