Safe load for Model 25-5 45LC?

[catdad]

I came into shells that were loaded for my father in law when he was alive, they are 45 Long Colts with a 180 gr. JHP and marked 1100 FPS, but no powder info on box.
I'm wondering if these will be safe in my S&W 25-5?

 

[catdad]

I came into shells that were loaded for my father in law when he was alive, they are 45 Long Colts with a 180 gr. JHP and marked 1100 FPS, but no powder info on box.
I'm wondering if these will be safe in my S&W 25-5?

 

[jbouwens]

As far as my book looks that load looks to be a hunting load, those numbers are near or at the top of the charts for the 45 colt. I shoot mid range numbers out of my Smith and hot-hot rounds out of my Ruger blackhawk.

 

[Frank237]

I've always been suspect of ANY reloads other than my own. I'd give them to someone to shoot out of a Blackhawk or something stronger than your 25-5. Why look for trouble?

FN in MT

 

[max]

I would not shoot them in my Smith unless there was a bear at the door and no other weapon around.

 

[catdad]

Ok, that about does it for me, I'll pull the bullets and start over.
Thanks everyone.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

There is an article in HANDLOADER number 217 that you really need to get a copy of. Written by Brian Pearce, it explains the different power levels the .45 Colt can be loaded to, in different strength guns.

Basically, it says a model 25-5 has the exact same strength cylinder as a model 25-2, 625 (same thickness walls, materials etc.) and therefore is safe with loads that go up to 23,000PSI. That is the same pressure as .45 ACP +P loads generate, and S&W rates their model 25 variants chambered in .45 ACP for +P loads.

If you go to John Linebaughs websight,(the man who practically wrote the book on the .45 COLT) you will find all kinds of technical info on the 25-5/.45 Colt. He goes as far as 30,000PSI for a rating, while still keeping a 100% safety margin that is a requirement of his.

You can get a back issue of Handloader number 217 from Wolfe Publishing. Go to their web sight and I believe you can order it there. I simply called them and ordered it. It is by far the best article I've ever seen on the .45 Colt in 40 years of reading gun articles.

 

[VonFatman]

I also vote to pull!

Better safe than sorry!

Bob