My standard load for the .45 Colt has always been 9 grains of Unique under a swaged Remington 250-grain RNFP. I shot these for many years through a Ruger Blackhawk and a Colt Anaconda. I wonder if this is OK in my new 25-15 or should I drop the powder weight a couple grains? I did put a cylinder's worth of these cartridges through it and found that my crimp needed to be heavier to keep the bullet from backing out, a problem I never had with the other two guns. I think part of it might be that the Smith is lighter and recoil is snappier. Shooting the 25-15 is a pleasure and I don't want to stress it.
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45 Colt Load OK For 25-15?
- Thread starter DanGee
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I have been using 9 grains of Unique in my 25-5 since 1987. Nice choice in my opinion.
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Pressure level for your load is probably on the order of around 15,000 PSI. Less than .38 spl std. limits. Since the 25-2s are good with .45 ACP +P at 23,000 PSI I don't think you have much to worry about.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That's not always true. While the frame might not be in danger it's the cylinder that is the weak point. You don't know if the 45 Colt cylinder has enough material between charge holes or is tempered correctly to withstand the pressures of a 45 ACP load. I highly suggest you stay within established pressure limits of the 45 Colt shot in your M25.
DR505
US Veteran
I'm sorry but John Linebaugh's writing tends to disagree with you:
Additionally Brian Pearce's writings disagree as well. Pearce wrote in the April 2022 issue of HANDLOADER #337 that he talked to a S&W engineer who confirmed that a S&W Model 25 in .45 Colt will withstand the pressure of a .45 ACP +P (23,000 PSI) as the cylinders are functionally identical to those of the .45 ACP 25s and 625s. No difference. My guess is that S&W doesn't explain that because there is no SAAMI standard for .45 Colt +P.
Now the question is why one would need to heavy load their Model 25 .45 Colt. Personally I would never load up a .45 Colt to 32,000 PSI and try it in a S&W, irrespective of what Linebaugh has written. But I would feel fine using loads up to 23,000 PSI.
As always, only use trusted sources for load data for any cartridge and work up slowly. If you need a powerful .45 Colt, get yourself a .454 Casull instead.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That's all and good. They are legends in their field and have also blown up many guns finding out what the limits are. Us lowly reloaders don't have their resources and should not attempt to copy the experts.
Here on this forum we do not give out information that can be dangerous. Suggesting overcharged ammo without a specific warning is forbidden. It's especially true when speaking to new reloaders.
It the future do what you want with your guns and fingers but don't quote experts to cover your unsafe suggestions.
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DR505
US Veteran
Serious question, not being sarcastic: does this part of my post "As always, only use trusted sources for load data for any cartridge and work up slowly. If you need a powerful .45 Colt, get yourself a .454 Casull instead" count as the required warning, or do I need to put that in bold and red letters or some such?
STORMINORMAN
Member
I don't see that the OP's question was about load data ("published" or otherwise) but, specifically about the relative strength of his new 25-15 vs. a Blackhawk or an Anaconda. He states "9 grains of Unique" to be his "standard load for the 45 Colt". Alliant shows a MAX 9.5gr for a 250gr LCWC.
Don't wish to step on any toes, but...
Why would a reference to this concept be deemed an "unsafe suggestion"?
Cheers!
P.S. Lyman #4, 45 Colt Standard Pressure : #454190 250gr SWC, MAX 9.0gr UNIQUE
P.P.S. Remember the run of Model 25-2s with both a 45acp & a 45 Colt cylinder?
Don't wish to step on any toes, but...
Why would a reference to this concept be deemed an "unsafe suggestion"?
Cheers!
P.S. Lyman #4, 45 Colt Standard Pressure : #454190 250gr SWC, MAX 9.0gr UNIQUE
P.P.S. Remember the run of Model 25-2s with both a 45acp & a 45 Colt cylinder?
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Pisgah
Member
And now that we have all the irrelevant news of the world, the answer to your question is, "Yes, that is a standard .45 Colt load, and safe as mother's milk for your gun"...
gwpercle
Member
It's the lighter revolver ... that extra felt recoil puts more pull on the bullet .
My favorite load with a 250 gr. swaged or cast bullet is 7.5 grs. Unique for about 850 fps . standard primer .
This load is pleasant to shoot and accurate ... lighter guns and older shooter's (me) appreciate it !
Gary
My favorite load with a 250 gr. swaged or cast bullet is 7.5 grs. Unique for about 850 fps . standard primer .
This load is pleasant to shoot and accurate ... lighter guns and older shooter's (me) appreciate it !
Gary
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pantannojack
US Veteran
I bought one issue of the magazine sited many years ago because they promised a story on a "thousand yard prairie dog hunt". It had 9 columns about how the plane was late, the wife was displeased, but only a half column on the actual action. I don't buy magazines anymore.
I once bought a big bag of potato chips at the grocery store & they were stale. I don't buy potato chips anymore. 
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OP, your stated load is safe in your 25-15.
You might try using a different sizing die that has a slightly smaller sizing diameter (I.D.") to stop that crimp jump as well.
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OP, your stated load is safe in your 25-15.
You might try using a different sizing die that has a slightly smaller sizing diameter (I.D.") to stop that crimp jump as well.
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Model19man
SWCA Member
I have mine. It will be for sale at my estate sale.
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cowboy4evr
Member
For just a nice target easy shooting load I like 6.5 grs of Red Dot with a 255 - 270 gr cast bullet . It's bulkier than most powders in it's category , accurate and just a real nice shoot all day load . Regards Paul
STORMINORMAN
Member
No. It works for you, and that is 100% appropriate.
Others may have different applications and different expectations: you do nothing wrong.
Not really different from a 38 Special 2.7gr Bullseye load for a 148gr wadcutter: the perfect load for many, but not for all.
And that may be why some of us do it..?
Cheers!
grice
Member
Both linebaugh and Pearce not only endorse the loads they deem safe for the 25, they use them! Linebaugh has run thousands of rounds through his 4 inch model 25-5s with no issues . I’ve tried several of his loads myself and I like the way they perform with the Keith 260 grain bullet. I’m using 24 grains of h110 which is 2 grains under his recommended max load . In no way am I afraid of his max load but I hold off because the recoil is stout enough for me as it is! I’m convinced that is a excellent hunting load for that gun!
Uraldriver
Member
I think 10 grains of unique is max for the 45 colt. I owned a 625 mountain gun years ago and shot a few ruger load through it and it held up just fine. I didn’t find the small gain in velocity worth it. In my opinion you can kill just about anything with a 250-260 grain slug at 950-1000 fps.
grice
Member
I agree , it is max for many guys out there but not for the gun itself!
