S&W Model 25-2

[jimmyj]

Hi:
My understanding is that the S&W .45acp Revolver rifling is designed for FMJ bullets.
However in the distant past we revolver shooters in "Bullseye Competetion Matches" used S&W Model 1950 Targets and Model 1955 Targets (Model 25-2) for the .45 relay using 200gr LSWC bullets with 4.5gr bullseye powder. This was an very accurate load. IIRC a six o'Clock hold at 25 yards and a dead center hold at 50 yards.
I never recall anyone using FMJ bullets in revolvers.

 

[Art Doc]

I think a 25 will shoot well with any properly sized bullet. I never understood the story about them being intended for FMJ ammo when they were designed and meant for precise target shooting, not combat with military ammo. Maybe the 1917s don't shoot lead...

 

[Rooster1966]

S & W 25's Shooting Lead

I have a 1917 Post War Transitional and I'm lucky to hit the target frame at 25 yds with lead 230gr bullets (frame is 32" x 32"). But, I can shoot 4" groups with FMJs or plated.

Model 25s in 45 Colt shoot well with lead as long as the charge is light/moderate. I got keyholes with maximum loads.

Don't know about Model 25's in 45ACP, but I will next week. I just bought one.

 

[perrazi]

shot a 25-2 for many years in bullseye with a lyman 452460 bullets. will shoot the x-ring out at 50ft or 25 yds.

 

[deanodog]

I shoot 230 cast lead .452 with auto rim brass with excellent results.

 

[steamloco76]

My 25-2, 22-4 TRR and 22-4 Model of 1917 Classic all do well with .452 Missouri Bullet Hardball cast lead.

 

[Smithhound]

I think that line of thinking is a hold over from the 1917 HE days, they had very shallow rifling and were designed for gov. issue FMJ, my 25-2 has standard, deep cut rifling and I would think all do, so lead shouldn't be a problem.
The example I have is configured for jacketed bullets however, the original owner 'chamfered' the forcing cone and when I got the gun it had a tag warning 'for jacketed bullets only' I think the chamfer would shave lead and build it up at the point it was chamfered. Don't know why this was done, if it was a common practice or just something this owner did, a long story is behind this gun and others from his collection, to be honest I've never got around to shooting it since buying, so don't really know what it will do.
I do own a 625-2 (1988 marked) that loves lead bullets tho'.
RD

 

[BE Mike]

Are you sure of that powder charge? That seems pretty stout for bullseye shooting.

 

[Muley Gil]

Are you sure of that powder charge? That seems pretty stout for bullseye shooting.

"200gr LSWC bullets with 4.5gr bullseye powder"

I checked several reloading books and this may be on the upper end, but still a safe load. Some guns shoot better with a bit hotter load.

 

[mwtdvm]

Rifling depth?

my 25-2 has standard, deep cut rifling and I would think all do, so lead shouldn't be a problem.

This is a surprise to me. I have two 25-2's and would characterize the rifling in both as similar to that on a 1911. One of my 25-2's has been very lightly used, the other more used but still locks up like the other.
Other owners?

 

[BE Mike]

"200gr LSWC bullets with 4.5gr bullseye powder"

I checked several reloading books and this may be on the upper end, but still a safe load. Some guns shoot better with a bit hotter load.

I wasn't questioning the safety of the load. Bullseye shooters usually like to keep the recoil to a minimum, especially for timed and rapid fire. I know some who have used a charge of Alliant Bullseye of 3.5 grains.

 

[boatbum101]

Marty Magnan was the first guy to break 2650 with revolvers . He did this 4 times . For his 25-2 he liked R-P 45AR brass , H&G # 78 cast with linotype ( Harry Reeves designed for revolvers ) , Fed LP primers , look for 825 - 850fps to determine charge weight , 4.6grs W231 or Green Dot , 4.3 for 25yds was what he used in later years when Dupont P 5066 , 452AA & Scott 453 were no longer available . He shot nothing but S&W revolvers . M25 for 45 , M14 for CF & M17 for 22 . Made his own grips etc . Like most I lost patience with the 25 & have stuck with 1911's for my shooting .