.45 Super in a 625-2 ?

[Seamus O'Caiside]

QUESTION: Is it safe and effective to shoot .45 Super in a S&W 625-2 revolver chambered for .45 ACP and in excellent condition?

BACKGROUND: I have 5 S&W's but my favorite is the 625-2 5" stainless "Model of 1988" in excellent condition. Because of my age and disabilities, I mostly just do plinking on a range, but if I ever decide to go out in the woods in hunting season I would like to carry a handgun suitable for white-tail deer, eastern black bear, feral hogs, and coyotes. The .45 ACP is a little weak for that. I do have a couple of S&W .357 mags but even they are marginal IMHO.

I'm thinking about buying a few (at up to $2 apiece, very few!) .45 Supers for that unlikely occasion. I have been doing a little reading on the 'net, and the .45 Super is actually more powerful than .357, more comparable to .41 Mag. I think it would be OK, but I am a very cautious man, and some of you guys have more experience than I do.

I might decide to double-check with S&W, but I will probably get a faster response here.

THANKS!

 

[rockquarry]

Just an alternative... Sierra has .45 revolver loads listed in their book that are considerably heavier than standard pressure and +P .45 ACP loads. These loads are designed for strong revolvers like yours. They list a 240 jacketed bullet at 1100 fps and a 200 grain bullet at 1200 fps, though that may be slower than what you are looking for.

 

[SuperMan]

If you call Buffalo Bore you will find that they have a large clientele that use their Super ammo in S&W revolvers.

I talked to one of the tecs who said he uses it all the time in his 625...

Bob

 

[YkcorCal]

While I agree it is possible, I personally will not be doing that as I just do not see the need in my own personal case. I fully understand that others may disagree and to each their own. It is an alternative and those that do please stay safe and enjoy!

Rocky

 

[Pig Hunter]

625's have been converted to .460 Rowland.

 

[Seamus O'Caiside]

OK, you guys convinced me that it is safe, so I got some Buffalo Bore .45 Super and shot it.

Worked fine! Kicked a little, but not enough to hurt. Surprisingly accurate. I only bought 100 because they are expensive! That ammo will be reserved for CC and bear country. And now and then, a little practice.

 

[colt_saa]

Glad that you enjoyed the experience

It is Absolutly Safe

I have fired tens of thousands of rounds of 45 SUPER in my 45 pin gun over the decades

A 230 grain JHP at 1100 FPS removes pins from the table with Authority