S&W model 25-15 max loads

[Grayfox]

Some years back I did some wandering in bear country. So I worked up a load for my 25-5 with 300gr LFP bullets right at 1000 fps. It was a good load and quite accurate, but recoil was stout. I figured that would be plenty if needed. But I shoot them very sparingly.
Now considering that the average standard velocity 250-255gr .45 Colt load will go completely through your average whitetail deer, I see no reason to hot rod the .45 Colt any more.
I still have about 100 or so of those 300gr bullets, but I seriously doubt I'll ever use them.

 

[Vortec MAX]

I would not drive a 300 grain bullet to 1,100 FPS in a model 25. That has to be approaching 44 MAG pressures. I would probably take them up to the 20K PSI pressures shown in Handloader #246, but the problem is... that article does not have any data on 300 grain bullets. There is no source for data in that pressure range using 300 grain bullets that I am aware of. There was only one load that hit your 1,100 FPS mark with a 280 grain bullet in that article (20 grains less than your bullet) in the 20K PSI table.

I think you are crazy to pursue this. You are going to end up fragging your model 25 and probably your hand. Just get a 44 Magnum if you want to have that kind of performance... and keep all your fingers.

Just my .02.

Mike

 

[Wise_A]

I suggested that. He seemed...unwilling to accept that advice.

The existing .45 Colt loads are all quite capable. Performance beyond that can be had in a cartridge of similar size, in guns that are the same size, and are both common and relatively inexpensive. Alternatively, one can side-step to the Ruger and have a gun known to handle the desired load.

 

[SLT223]

I suggested that. He seemed...unwilling to accept that advice.

The existing .45 Colt loads are all quite capable. Performance beyond that can be had in a cartridge of similar size, in guns that are the same size, and are both common and relatively inexpensive. Alternatively, one can side-step to the Ruger and have a gun known to handle the desired load.

Or a Freedom Arms. I'm about use exactly this loading scenario to purchase a single action .454 Cassul. Isn't heavy .451" bullets & high velocity the reason the .454 exists?

I asked the exact same question as the OP about three months ago here. The 25-15 is still sitting at the LGS and I still want it, but I think I prefer the safe flexability of the .454.

 

[dbress]

I have talked to a local reloader at a LGS and he has advised me to go to 11.5 gr of HS-6 that would put me at 925 fps and under 20,000 cup, I should add he said to start at 10 and go up from there to find the best accuracy/performance , does that seem reasonable ?????

 

[Vortec MAX]

I have talked to a local reloader at a LGS and he has advised me to go to 11.5 gr of HS-6 that would put me at 925 fps and under 20,000 cup, I should add he said to start at 10 and go up from there to find the best accuracy/performance , does that seem reasonable ?????

That does sound more reasonable. I would fully expect you to retain all your digits with that load

Mike

 

[USSR]

Quote:
Originally Posted by dbress View Post
I have talked to a local reloader at a LGS and he has advised me to go to 11.5 gr of HS-6 that would put me at 925 fps and under 20,000 cup, I should add he said to start at 10 and go up from there to find the best accuracy/performance , does that seem reasonable ?????

That does sound more reasonable. I would fully expect you to retain all your digits with that load

Mike

That is actually a mild load, so of course there is no digit problem. You guys really need to read John Linebaugh's article concerning the Model 25. One of his favorite loads for the 25-5 (and I use it as well) is 13.0gr of HS-6.

Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5

Don

 

[S.B.]

Careful USSR, I was criticize for posting that link before by one of the experts here..
Steve

 

[USSR]

Well, Steve, all I can say is, it appears that some of the so-called "experts" here are a legend in their own mind. I have spoken to John Linebaugh on a couple of occasions, and personally, I would take the advice of someone who builds revolvers chambered in .45 Colt for a living over the keyboard experts here. Just MHO.

Don

 

[Vortec MAX]

...You guys really need to read John Linebaugh's article concerning the Model 25. One of his favorite loads for the 25-5 (and I use it as well) is 13.0gr of HS-6...

The article shows a 260 grain bullet with that recipe. The OP was going to be shooting 300 grain bullets.

Mike

 

[USSR]

Mike,

Right you are. The bullet weight was not mentioned in the last couple of posts, and I failed to go up to the OP. While my SWCHP's at 265gr are heavy enough for me, I would not use HS-6 if I shot 300gr bullets. I would use a slower powder such as 2400 or 4227.

Don

 

[dbress]

but that's with a 260 gr bullet won't there be more pressure with a 300 gr ??

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The data I gave you in post #9, for the RCBS 45-270, actually weight ~285grs.

.

 

[USSR]

but that's with a 260 gr bullet won't there be more pressure with a 300 gr ??

Yes, see the above post. I would suggest you use a slower burn rate powder with a 300 grain bullet.

Don

 

[dbress]

thanks BlueDot37