A lot of data is out there for RUGER ONLY loads but it is hard to pin anybody down on what is acceptable for mid range guns (in strength) like the S & W Mdl 25 .45 long colt. The factory says use only low pressure loads around 16,000 cups but this is built on the same N-frame that is used in .44 mag loads. I have heard that the heat treat is not the same but can't help but think that these could be loaded up to 23,000 cup max. These are nice trail guns in the 4 " barrel range and would make some nice hunting guns for deer/hogs. Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated.

Brian Pierce wrote this up in Handloader a few issues back I believe, and his conclusion was that if the gun was offered in a .45 ACP +P chambering then he would go to that level.

I came to the same conclusion as Brian Pierce did. And I never read his article.
There are many loads out there that will work if you look for them.
My suggestions are the 265gr to 270gr Keith SWC's at around 1000-1100fps. This is just about to that pressure point.

Pre "enhancement" S&W Mdl 29's could be shot loose with standard pressure 44 Mag loads, so a steady diet of 23,000psi loads will eventually shake a 25-5 apart.
The later 25-? guns might be better able to stand these loads, but finding one might be a problem.

J

Gents,

Not sure where I remember hearing this, but I am told that the issue with the model 25 is not the strength of the frame, but the strength of the cylinder. I reckon the 25 and 29 have the same sized wheel, and the 25 had to be drilled out more to accomidate the 45 cal round.

Bigger holes equals less metal meaning less strength. It makes sense to me, really, although I do beleive they will handle hotter loads than factory level.

Something that i heard, several years ago, and really didn't give it much thought. Has anyone recieved any similiar traffic?

Steve

John Linebaugh says that the 25-5 is good for a 260 gr @ 1,200 fps, with max loads being a 310 gr Keith @ 1,200 fps. I don't push my Smith 45 Colt that hard, but JL has the experience to back up his opinions.

With his permission I have a copy of his article "Gunnotes...Smith & Wesson Mod 25-5" on my site at http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12 that you might find interesting.

S&W anythings are not Ruger's!!! -if you want to ruin your Smith's, run that higher pressure through them!! If the factory told you 16000 then stay with in those limits- your health is more important then a few FPS! Unless you like breaking guns!! Or better yet buy a Ruger and have at it.

JohnK, that was an excellent reference and if anybody would have knowledge about this that could be trusted would be John Linebaugh. We have been using 225 gr JHP for deer and while they will get the job done on short broadside shots, I have never felt comfortable using them when hog hunting. I am looking at pushing a 260 gr LBT at about 1000 fps and by his standards, that should be plenty to get the job done and still be in an acceptable pressure range. It will be a carry a lot and shoot a little load even though he mentions putting over 5000 rounds of this same load through his gun with no signs of wear and tear. Thanks again.

In my 5" 25-7 13.5gr of Blue Dot unde a 270gr Keith does right about 1,050 fps. If you're using a 4" Smith that should get you pretty close to the 1,000 fps you're looking for.

This load is of course above "standard" 45 Colt loads, but has worked well in my Smith for years.

As someone who has worn-out two Model 629's within five years, I can tell you even approaching Magnum pressure levels with a Model 25 will cause your gun great distress. I love the N-frame, it's probably my favorite handgun, but Ruger strong it isn't. In my own I never exceeded 250 and 260-grain bullets @ 1100 fps. Maybe 1 in every 50 rounds fired through my gun was at this level. That's more than enough to cleanly kill deer and such with a wide meplat slug. My usual .45LC loads for the S&W were standard, BP-type figures of 250's around 900-950 fps. Still lots of oomph! and the gun was as tight the day I sold it as it was when purchased by my older brother. Knowing what I do now, I wouldn't hesitate to hunt any whitetail in America with those standard loads.