Loading .45 LC in a model 25

[1sailor]

I'm considering a Smith model 25 and have been going over some of the loading data. Because there's a lot of older guns that use this cartridge the loading data shows some pretty anemic loads. Keeping the maximum pressure to about 14000 cpu puts this cartridge at or below what I can get out of a .45 acp. It sure seems like the M25 should be able to handle a lot more than this. I understand that loads should be worked up to gradually but if I was confined to those low pressure rounds I don't see any reason to even get into the LC cartridge. The loads listed specifically for the Ruger Blackhawks are considerably stouter. Anyone have any experience with this cartridge in a modern m25.

 

[David R]

I have a 25-7. Model of 1989. Purchased new in 1991. I love it. I shoot it often and am good with it. When it was new I overloaded it. I hunted deer with it and put a huge gash in my nose from the scope. Since then I bought a 44 magnum and only stick to regular 45 loads.

A 255 grain bullet at 900 fps will do in most anything. 9 grains unique = 900 fps. You won't get that out of an ACP.

One sweet gun to shoot. Loading it up takes the fun out of it. Look at the cylinder holes and where the stop notch is. Its kind of thin there. I loaded hot stuff in this gun but will not now. Its too nice to screw up.

With a scope off the bench I could get 5.5" groups @ 100 yards using my home cast bullets and 9 grains unique.

 

[Bearbait in NM]

Lots of threads discussing this. This is the link that most will supply:

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

Yes it can take more, but not Ruger type loads. Your not going to get anything "official", will just have to research, and get a comfort level for your reloading.

Craig

 

[NRA DOC]

model 25 durability

I think that the consensus is that S&W model 25s will handle most of the stouter loads (NOT the very stoutest of them) for a while, but that they are not designed for a steady diet of the stoutest loads, and will show the wear and tear over time. You certainly are not confined to the "anemic" loads though. I shoot some fairly hefty 45 colt loads with my 2 model 25-9s but I do not intend to replicate 44 mag velocities or pressures. If I wanted that, I would get a 44 magnum (model 29).

 

[colt_saa]

The Model 25 has been made for many, many decades.

The manufacturing techniques, metallurgy and overall strength of a Model 25 manufactured in say 1955 is going to be different than a Model 25 manufactured in say 2004.

There is no blanket answer to your question.

If I had a 1955 version, I would stick to the anemic SAAMI specification loads. If I had a 2004 version, I would load it somewhat above SAAMI specifications. But that is my choice and my risk based on my knowledge of what I am doing.

NEVER would a put a RUGER ONLY loaded cartridge in a 25/325/625 revolver. That is also based on my knowledge of what I am doing.

Would a MODERN model 25 live through the experience of firing a RUGER ONLY loaded cartridge without a catastrophic failure to the firearm causing injury or death to the shooter???? Probably

However, the life expectancy of a S&W Model 25 used in such a manner would be GREATLY shortened.

 

[David R]

Snip....
Would a MODERN model 25 live through the experience of firing a RUGER ONLY loaded cartridge without a catastrophic failure to the firearm causing injury or death to the shooter???? Probably

Mine did, but don't do this at home. and I will not any more. If you want a 44 mag, then .... .... ....

David

 

[1sailor]

I'm not looking to get .44 mag performance or even use the Blackhawk specific loads. I like the looks of the model 25's and was offered one at a very reasonable price (one of the newer "classics"). Just wanted to learn a little more about the cartridge before jumping in.

 

[Hammerless-12]

Why not opt for a 25-2? I have a couple and they are fantastic shooters. Sounds like your already into the 45acp. If your looking for a faster, harder hitting round the 44 mag. Is my choice as I can load everything from 44 special to some real stiff 44 mag. loads. I never could understand why so many shooters/hunters want to purchase a firearm and then push the velocity/pressure limits to or near max. If I where you, and it sounds like this is the right time, sit down and really truely evaluate what you intend to do and what you expect from your handgun. Then get the right gun/caliber that suits your needs. Just my opinion which usually isn't worth much. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Rule3]

A 250 gr lead bullet and a healthy dose of HP38 or Unique makes a very good round, It was not intended to be a super fast magnum caliber. Big Heavy and slow. Enough to take don a Calvary Horse.

There is data all over. Be sure of what gun they are tested in.

The link post by Bearbait above is a good one.

 

[USSR]

Keeping the maximum pressure to about 14000 cpu puts this cartridge at or below what I can get out of a .45 acp. It sure seems like the M25 should be able to handle a lot more than this.

And it can. The S&W Model 25 in .45 ACP (25-2) is rated for +P ammo (23k psi), so the 25-5 in .45 Colt can handle the same pressure-wise. I quite regularly use the following loads with a cast 265gr SWCHP:

13.0gr HS-6 (John Linebaugh's load)
18.0gr 2400
22.0gr 4227

Velocities with a 6" barrel run between 1,000 and 1100fps. The .45 Colt is a fun cartridge to load for; everything from mild to wild. Just make sure you don't exceed 25k psi and you will be fine.

Don

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Hi there, if you can get ahold of back issues of Handloader, the December 2011, No. 275 has a good article by Brian Pearce on the then new mid size Ruger flat top in .45 Colt. He has some really good standard pressure (14,000 PSI) loads that are a real improvement over factory loads. I've come to really like Power Pistol in the .45 Colt and .44 Special.

 

[max]

I believe it was Mr Taffin who said that a 250 gr swc at 900 fps will totally penetrate any game animal in North America. You do not to hot load to get that velocity.

 

[alwslate]

Handloader magazine has lots of articles about the .45 Colt. It is a
personal favorite of some of the staff writers. There are many articles
in past issues featuring load tables clearly separated by pressure
levels up to about 23,000 psi, +P .45 acp level.

 

[silentflyer]

Loaded .45 LC years ago for Rugers and Contenders, yes you can load it hotter, but case life was short, and a .44 or .41 Mag did all that was needed with less worry.

 

[Frank237]

I believe it was Mr Taffin who said that a 250 gr swc at 900 fps will totally penetrate any game animal in North America. You do not to hot load to get that velocity.

THIS.

I've killed deer out to 50-60 yds, ALL one shot with .44 SPECIAL loads and a 245 gr Keith slug. I doubt muzzle velocity was much more than 950 fps at most.

Killed a nice antelope buck with a .41 mag, 210 gr SWC at 60 yds with a 950 fps field load. One shot.

I've NEVER understood the .454 and .500 S&W crowd who DEER/antelope hunt with their guns and FULL power loads. Simply not needed.

 

[gen3guy]

I have a 4" model 25-5 that I bought new in 1986. I love that revolver and, although I could probably get away with it, I do not risk shooting hot loads in it. I have Rugers for that. Standard pressure 45 Colt loads are fun to shoot!

 

[Calaveras Slim]

Lots of threads discussing this. This is the link that most will supply:

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

Yes it can take more, but not Ruger type loads. Your not going to get anything "official", will just have to research, and get a comfort level for your reloading.

Craig

Thanks for this by Taffin. I had not read it but have now. It is now printed and in my book.

 

[andyo5]

A typical SAAMI limited load is more powerful than a combat 45ACP load.
A 255 grain bullet at 900 FPS trumps a 230 grain bullet at 850 FPS.
I have several 45 Colt handguns, plus one 45 ACP revolver. When I pull the trigger on my 25-7, it is obvious that I am shooting a more powerful load than a 45 ACP.

 

[Bearbait in NM]

Thanks for this by Taffin. I had not read it but have now. It is now printed and in my book.

Slim, that article is by John Linebaugh, not Taffin. This is Taffin on the 45 Colt. If you read carefully, you will see mention of a 25-5 ;^)

Taffin Test the .45 Colt

Craig

 

[Boxhead]

I'm considering a Smith model 25 and have been going over some of the loading data. Because there's a lot of older guns that use this cartridge the loading data shows some pretty anemic loads. Keeping the maximum pressure to about 14000 cpu puts this cartridge at or below what I can get out of a .45 acp. It sure seems like the M25 should be able to handle a lot more than this. I understand that loads should be worked up to gradually but if I was confined to those low pressure rounds I don't see any reason to even get into the LC cartridge. The loads listed specifically for the Ruger Blackhawks are considerably stouter. Anyone have any experience with this cartridge in a modern m25.

I load mine to no greater than 45 ACP pressures given they make them as such. So 20 kpsi is fine in my book. That said, mine see the RCBS 270 SAA (283 grs as cast) over 12 grs of HS-6 that are mild and run 950 fps in my 4" and 5" Smith's.