Thoughts about Model 1955

Joined
Jul 9, 2022
Messages
18
Reaction score
23
Location
NC
I have a S&W Model 1955 45 ACP s/n S-160xxx. After reading several posts about cylinder size, I picked up a set of plug gauges. The cylinder is gauging at .45400, maybe a tad more, but less than .45600.

I just loaded some 45 Auto Rim with Montana Bullet Co .452 255 grain cast SWC. Have not tested yet.

Would like thoughts about what size slug I should consider for future loads to get best accuracy. I am not using this gun for competition, but would like best possible accuracy.

Thank you for your input!
 
Register to hide this ad
All I know is my 1955 Target has oversize throats (.455+) but apparently nobody ever told it it was supposed to be inaccurate. It shoots .452 cast bullets phenomenally.

Your results may vary...
 
I think you are likely to get some leading. At least with mine using .452 bullets it does. There is a limit on how large of a bullet you can seat in a case, and still have it chamber. First shoot your bullets, and see if they lead. If there is no leading, you are good. If there is leading, you can get a .454 cast bullet for the traditional 45 Colt size, and see how they work. My 25 has .455-.456 cylinder throats. I have had some luck shooting .452 powder coated bullets. Apparently the powder coat protects the bullet from the leaking hot gasses.
 
Last edited:
I started shooting plated bullets in nearly all of my .45 revolvers. As with changing over to Auto Rim cases I never looked back. Sure if I was trying to save a few bucks I could cast my own bullets, tighten up on the sizing and work on a better lube but for the amount of shooting I do I stick to running plated bullets, no muss, no fuss and more accurate than I will ever be. I can load them to the upper end of cast bullet speeds for anytime I might be interested in getting a little more performance. If I find myself carrying one of my cut down 1917's, which I do from time to time because I like them. I load them with modern +P 45 ACP in half moon clips, with a stripper clip or two of 45 Auto Rim in the bag just in case I want to do a little impromptu practice at the range to keep the old eye sharp.
 
Instead of measuring the throats you should concentrate on making ammo that your revolver likes. Mine was partial to a load of Unique with a 230 grain lead SWC. It shoots better than I can. Never tried any Auto Rim ammo although I bought a box of it years ago. It is so accurate with regular ACP that I never found the need.
 
These guns are great for making large holes on targets. Never saw the need to try 45 ACP, as the .45 Auto Rim shoots spectacular with them. Funny. I would guess the 25-2 6" would shoot anything well, though I prefer lead. Found quite a few spent cartridges while looking last night.
I would shoot against someone with mine any time, though my small, old finger gets sore behind the trigger guard after awhile. Wish I had a Tyler T black to fit it and close that gap. A blued one would be unique.

These guns are awesome. Never measured the throats, so maybe I just got lucky. It shipped to Jovino and has the best action one could ask for, whether they touched it or not!
 
Last edited:
45 ACP

I own 2 Model of 1955, one 5 screw and one 3 screw. I never checked ether one. They both shoot great, I really don't care how the cylinders mike out.
SWCA 892
 
My 1955 model was a scatter gun until I measured the throats and discovered they were .454. I always powder coated, but now I size to .454 and accuracy has improved significantly. No leading.
 
Back
Top