Loads for my 625's.

[Dale53]

I, over the last year, have been fortunate to find and purchase two 625's (one a 625-6 Model of 1989 with 5" barrel and one 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special with 4" barrel). Both are in .45 ACP.

Here is my favorite cast bullet:

This is the H&G #130 SWC and weighs 195 grs with my alloy. I shoot mostly target loads and this bullet works extremely well whether it is at target velocity OR at full charge for IPSC.

For target use I run 4.0 Bullseye or equivalent. Both of my revolvers are self tuned and I use Federal 150 LP primers. Presently, I am using up old partial containers of powder and when I have everything empty (actually, before

) I'll restock with an 8lb keg of Hodgdon's Titegroup powder. Right now, I am finishing up a keg of 5066 (a really nice pistol powder that had been obsolete for about 20 years). 4.5 grs of 5066 make a wonderful target load behind the #130 bullet. I have a four cavity mould that really runs nice with this bullet.

These revolvers are NOT finicky. They will do equally well with the H&G #68 or the Saeco #68. I had already had my moulds for years before I discovered Lee's bullet moulds. They have a good candidate for a replacement for the #68 and that is their 452-200-SWC which appears to be a near clone of the Saeco #68. They are available in six cavity and will produce lots of match quality bullets in record time.

I have just recently purchased a Lyman 454424 260 gr Keith SWC four cavity bullet mould from a fellow forum member and that will be my "heavy" bullet. It should be about all that you can expect from a .45 ACP or Auto Rim case at about 900+ fps. I haven't started working with this but will do so when spring breaks. Here is a look at this bullet:

Here is what you can expect "when the planets are aligned"...

This was shot standing with no support. Both of my 625's will shoot ten shot groups well under an inch at 25 yards off a rest. The rest is up to you. I am not a world class pistol shot but last fall I shot two NRA slow fire targets that scored 94x100 with these bullets (the H&G #130). That is about as good as I can do (on a GOOD day).

When I am using .45 ACP cases I use RIMZ clips for general use. However, recently I bought 1000 Starline Auto Rim cases and it is hard to beat them for range use. For serious use, of course, I have steel, full moon, clips.

I have hardly enjoyed any revolver more than I do these two.

Dale53

 

[Dale53]

I, over the last year, have been fortunate to find and purchase two 625's (one a 625-6 Model of 1989 with 5" barrel and one 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special with 4" barrel). Both are in .45 ACP.

Here is my favorite cast bullet:

This is the H&G #130 SWC and weighs 195 grs with my alloy. I shoot mostly target loads and this bullet works extremely well whether it is at target velocity OR at full charge for IPSC.

For target use I run 4.0 Bullseye or equivalent. Both of my revolvers are self tuned and I use Federal 150 LP primers. Presently, I am using up old partial containers of powder and when I have everything empty (actually, before

) I'll restock with an 8lb keg of Hodgdon's Titegroup powder. Right now, I am finishing up a keg of 5066 (a really nice pistol powder that had been obsolete for about 20 years). 4.5 grs of 5066 make a wonderful target load behind the #130 bullet. I have a four cavity mould that really runs nice with this bullet.

These revolvers are NOT finicky. They will do equally well with the H&G #68 or the Saeco #68. I had already had my moulds for years before I discovered Lee's bullet moulds. They have a good candidate for a replacement for the #68 and that is their 452-200-SWC which appears to be a near clone of the Saeco #68. They are available in six cavity and will produce lots of match quality bullets in record time.

I have just recently purchased a Lyman 454424 260 gr Keith SWC four cavity bullet mould from a fellow forum member and that will be my "heavy" bullet. It should be about all that you can expect from a .45 ACP or Auto Rim case at about 900+ fps. I haven't started working with this but will do so when spring breaks. Here is a look at this bullet:

Here is what you can expect "when the planets are aligned"...

This was shot standing with no support. Both of my 625's will shoot ten shot groups well under an inch at 25 yards off a rest. The rest is up to you. I am not a world class pistol shot but last fall I shot two NRA slow fire targets that scored 94x100 with these bullets (the H&G #130). That is about as good as I can do (on a GOOD day).

When I am using .45 ACP cases I use RIMZ clips for general use. However, recently I bought 1000 Starline Auto Rim cases and it is hard to beat them for range use. For serious use, of course, I have steel, full moon, clips.

I have hardly enjoyed any revolver more than I do these two.

Dale53

 

[dennis40x]

I had two Model of 1988 625-(2?) revolvers. Mainly shot jacketed 185gr and 200gr SWC using W231 as the powder of choice. Both shot superbly out to the 50yd line. I never bothered shooting the heavy weight bullets. I sold both revolvers one of which was just recently on the forum. Mainly anymore I shoot semiautomatic pistols.

 

[Doug M.]

I want to see your updates on the AR loads with this Keith bullet, as I am inclined to that direction myself. I also have a 5" 625, and think that a reasonably heavy AR load using the Keith bullet would do all I would ever need.

 

[Dale53]

I'll post the results of the Lyman 454424 in my 625's when the weather breaks. It will probably not be until March or April. We just had six inches of snow and more expected tonight. It is at a high of 25 degrees today. I'm getting a bit too wimpy to set up the chronograph when it's this cold outside.

However, I will load up some test loads and if we get a warming spell, I'll be ready to run them across the chronograph. I'll start at 6.0 grs of Unique (or equivalent) gradually move up and see what works out. There is SOME data on heavy bullets in the .45 ACP but not nearly as much as I would like to see. The new Speer manual has some information. Hodgdon's web site is a treasure trove of pressure tested data but has nothing on heavy bullets. Likewise, nothing on Alliant's web site. Elmer Keith's old data covers it but you wonder how dated that information is? Powders do change, etc.

At any rate, I WILL share what I learn.

P.S. John Taffin has an excellent article on the 625 at:

http://www.sixguns.com/range/sw6252.htm

It is complete with loading data for the heavy bullets. As above, I plan to start at 6.0 grs of Unique then proceed towards 7.0 grs if everything goes well. I believe that will give me as much as I need with a .45 ACP revolver.

Dale53

 

[Skip Sackett]

Dale,
Great report. I have the Lee #68 clone 200gr LSWC in 6 cavity but I was snooping in the wife's ebay account and I think I have real H&G #68 on the way! (Don't tell her I know!)

Those are some nice looking bullets. What lube are you using? Is it one of White Label's?

If you ever want to get rid of that 5" model, let me know! I have the Michulek and like it a lot. Wish I had the longer barrel though.

I use steel clips exclusively for auto rounds though. I bought a bunch when I first got the gun and still have some I have never used!

I too have a heavy bullet for my M625JM. It is Elmer's 240gr LSWC. My mold is an H&G for that too, the model #502. I have had it loaded up into the 1100fps range with good results. That big ole' meplat going that fast, something is going to move!

Great report, looking forward to updates!

 

[Skip Sackett]

Here is what I have been playing with in my M625JM. 250gr Thompson Center "Shockwave" bullet loaded to about 800fps.

Just thought I would post this picture of them.

 

[Dale53]

Skip;
Thanks for the kind words. I hate to rain on your parade, but the 5" will be going NOWHERE for the foreseeable future

.

My lube these days is Lars White Label Carnauba Red:

http://www.lsstuff.com/lube/index.html

Lars prices are so low that I quit making my own. I buy the lube packaged in sandwich bags (easier to use than the typical plastic tubes and cheaper to boot! The Carnauba Red requires heat (I use the Lyman heater under my Star lube/sizer with a rheostat to control the temperature). It works beautifully and is not nearly so "sticky" as the NRA Alox/Beeswax. It shoots just as well and has a higher melting point.

I am just a bit jealous of your H&G mould. Years ago a friend died and left a couple of four cavity H&G moulds. I was supposed the get the #68 but ended up with the #130. Now, my #130 shoots SO well that I have quit using my four cavity Saeco #68 moulds. They are excellent moulds but with the H&G, the bullets just fall out upon opening so it is just slightly better to use. As a result, "I smile behind the pile" (of bullets, that is

). Frankly, anyone who has either of those H&G bullet moulds is in seventh heaven!!

Dale53

 

[Skip Sackett]

#130.

There is a mint looking 8 cavity for sale on ebay. It's got 4 days left and is upwards of $180 already! 8 bids too!

 

[Doug M.]

Note Taffin's description of getting over about 1000 fps with the 250 grain bullet and I think he said 13.0 grains of 2400. He also got over 900 with the 260 grain bullet you are using (454260). That's ample for anything I would ever do, works for self-defense (and my issue 230 gold dot 45 ACP or its predecessor, the Ranger 230 +P in moon clips as the reload), and should be just about perfect. I have no need for more power, so a 44 Magnum is pointless (but I'm keeping my M58). There is also an article in the May/June 2008 issue of American Handgunner; pretty similar stuff.

I'm really only keeping my M66-4 because everyone should have a .357/.38; the 625 with 45AR will do anything I need in a woods gun. It is not a good EDC, at that size and 5" barrel, but I could carry it for serious purposes and not feel worried. If I could snag a Mountain Gun, it would even work in my old 070 duty holster.

 

[Iowahunter]

Dale, Are you going to roll crimp the heavier bullets? I picked up a roll crimp die and have some loaded up but, like you the weather seems to have other ideas for my time. Its been either snow or colder than &^$^&%^&!!!!
My 5in really shoots the 255 gr bullet/FB but, the 3 incher prefers a 200grain bullet. Of course that could just be me. That heavier bullet in that short barrel will get your attention. Hopefully I'll get to the range soon.

Smith Crazy... Thats a nasty looking round !!! I might have to look for some of those....

 

[Dale53]

Iowahunter;
Yes, I WILL roll crimp the heavy bullets. I use the Lee Factory Crimp die. The standard .45 ACP Factory Crimp Die taper crimps. However, I talked to Lee and they will ship, for just a few dollars a .45 Colt insert to the FCD along with the required spacer (the two inserts are different lengths) to swap out and make the .45 ACP FCD a roll crimper. If you own a .45 ACP Smith, I believe that is a good idea. At least, I sure like mine for bullets that are designed with a dedicated crimp groove. If course, I taper crimp the standard 200 gr SWC's designed for the .45 ACP. It's all "Horses for courses"..

I have long suggested that seating the bullet with one die and crimping with another is good to do. Absolutely NO shaving of lead, etc. It is just a better way in general and REALLY a better way when using cast bullets.

Frankly, I am a cast bullet man and use NOTHING else in any of my revolvers but cast bullets (from .32's up to and including the .454 Casull).

But that's just me...

Dale53

 

[Skip Sackett]

But that's just me...

Dale53

Yeah, but when you are right, you are right!

I do the two step seating too. Only because I can easily. With the Square Deal B, it comes as the only way to go. When I load on the XL650, I have a LFCD in the 5th hole and a standard seating die in the fourth. I even do this for jacketed and plated bullets too. From 9mm to 30/06 and a whole bunch in between!

 

[Calaveras Slim]

Originally posted by Dale53:
I, over the last year, have been fortunate to find and purchase two 625's (one a 625-6 Model of 1989 with 5" barrel and one 625-8 Jerry Miculek Special with 4" barrel). Both are in .45 ACP.

Here is my favorite cast bullet:

This is the H&G #130 SWC and weighs 195 grs with my alloy. I shoot mostly target loads and this bullet works extremely well whether it is at target velocity OR at full charge for IPSC.

For target use I run 4.0 Bullseye or equivalent. Both of my revolvers are self tuned and I use Federal 150 LP primers. Presently, I am using up old partial containers of powder and when I have everything empty (actually, before

) I'll restock with an 8lb keg of Hodgdon's Titegroup powder. Right now, I am finishing up a keg of 5066 (a really nice pistol powder that had been obsolete for about 20 years). 4.5 grs of 5066 make a wonderful target load behind the #130 bullet. I have a four cavity mould that really runs nice with this bullet.

These revolvers are NOT finicky. They will do equally well with the H&G #68 or the Saeco #68. I had already had my moulds for years before I discovered Lee's bullet moulds. They have a good candidate for a replacement for the #68 and that is their 452-200-SWC which appears to be a near clone of the Saeco #68. They are available in six cavity and will produce lots of match quality bullets in record time.

I have just recently purchased a Lyman 454424 260 gr Keith SWC four cavity bullet mould from a fellow forum member and that will be my "heavy" bullet. It should be about all that you can expect from a .45 ACP or Auto Rim case at about 900+ fps. I haven't started working with this but will do so when spring breaks. Here is a look at this bullet:

Here is what you can expect "when the planets are aligned"...

This was shot standing with no support. Both of my 625's will shoot ten shot groups well under an inch at 25 yards off a rest. The rest is up to you. I am not a world class pistol shot but last fall I shot two NRA slow fire targets that scored 94x100 with these bullets (the H&G #130). That is about as good as I can do (on a GOOD day).

When I am using .45 ACP cases I use RIMZ clips for general use. However, recently I bought 1000 Starline Auto Rim cases and it is hard to beat them for range use. For serious use, of course, I have steel, full moon, clips.

I have hardly enjoyed any revolver more than I do these two.

Dale53

That 260gr cast bullet is a nice looking one. I might have to find a mold and try them myself.
That would work perfect for my 625 45 Colt

 

[Dale53]

Slim;
That bullet (the original 454424 and the 452424 which is the current one) was designed by Elmer Keith FOR the .45 Colt.

Unfortunately, Lyman only offers that (452424) in a two cavity mould, these days. I even called them to see if they would make me a four cavity mould but they said NO and that they had no intention of again producing it in four cavity

. Fortunately, a kind gentleman on this forum had one of the earlier 454424 four cavities for sale and we made a deal.

I would guess that the Lyman 452664 250 gr RF (which I have in a two cavity mould) would work just as well for whatever job you had for it, but it just isn't an Elmer design. I have shot a goodly number of the 664's in my Ruger Bisley Vaquero and it does exceptionally good work with both Black Powder AND smokeless. It has a "square" lube groove that holds plenty of BP lube but also works well with smokeless lube. It has a wide meplat so I suspect it would work as well as the 424 on Game but Elmer didn't design it

. The 664 IS available in a four cavity Lyman mould.

At any rate, I can say, without fear of contradiction, that either will probably do all you need in a .45 Colt of any description. However, if you have large cylinder throats, then the older 454424 series would serve you better (it casts quite a bit larger than the 452 series).

Dale53

 

[Stillwater788]

Dale, My experience with Tightgroup and lead is mucho smoke and a very hot gun. Although the price is right and accuracy is excellent in 38 spl loads, I switched to Clays - less smoke and just as cheap. I also like N320, but for the money I didn't see an advantage over Clays. 4.1 grains of Clays under a 230 grn LRN is my IDPA load for my 625 - beauty. 231 is always a good bet, but more smokey than Clays. You cast some nice bullets!

 

[Dale53]

Stillwater788;
Thanks for the kind words. I am glad to hear of your experiences with the various powders. After I finish with my 5066, I have a pound of Clays that I won in a match and will try that before I get a keg of anything. I have used LOTS of 231 but agree it is a bit smokey with Alox. I have found that Lars White Label Carnauba Red seems to smoke less than Alox/Beeswax.

I am a bit "old school" and for years used Bullseye for target, Unique for mid range (full loads in .45 ACP), and 2400 for heavy loads (until I discovered H110, 296, and WC 820).

Clays just may be in the running. I'll run it against some Titegroup and see what works for me.

Dale53