S&W model 25-5 question

[wad]

OK S&W N frame experts, can any of ya'll tell me if the S&W model 25-5 will reliably handle "Ruger Super Blackhawk only" (i.e. hot .45 Colt) loads?

 

[Croyance]

Reliably as in long term use? I wouldn't try it. I don't think the N-frame is delicate, but I do believe the Ruger is very strong.

 

[CSA 357]

the 25-5 is a fine revolver, but its not made for those hot loads, still a great gun with factory loads or std pressure loads, why hot rod the 45 lc any way? step up to the 44 mag or 454 csa

 

[Majic]

The cylinder walls are too thin for the high pressure loads. The locking notches are cut directly over the chambers leaving very little metal.

 

[Deer Hunter]

Standard pressure loads, such as 255 SWC at 1100 FPS for a steady diet would do just fine. If you go above it, don't make it a habbit. The particular N frame wasn't meant for .454 levels.

 

[bakert]

Check this site out and see what Mr John Linbaugh has to say about this.

http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12

 

[Croyance]

I am suprised at the lack of heat treament. Good to know.

 

[Colt46]

Great guns, but the cyliinders aren't up to it

Be very careful with loading them hot.

 

[wad]

The great thing with .45 Colt is it's versatility. I am already setup to load this caliber and have a few revolvers chambered for it. I am just looking to add more revolvers to my collection and want something that can handle any of my hand loads. I suppose a Colt Anaconda or Dan Wesson would probably do the trick but I would like S&W represented as well.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The word according to the gun scribblers (and this is a few years old) is that the Ruger Blackhawk-only starting loads should be the absolute maximum load in the Smith, and then not too many of those.

 

[only1asterisk]

Look up what John Linebaugh has to say on the subject:
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=12
I loaded mine to .45 ACP+P levels without reservation.

David

 

[DrLaw]

25-5, plus 45 LC Colts & Clones

If anybody wants some questions about 25-5's, Colts, Rugers and other clones answered by John Linebaugh himself, as well as test some of the firearms he makes (and test out your own big bore guns), then you might check out the Linebaugh Big Bore Seminar coming to Carthage, Illinois, May 18, 19 and 20, 2007. Information can be found (for last years event but the theme is the same at http://www.carthagegunclub.com/Linebough06.htm )
The contact information is still good.

I tried this one year and literally and figuratively had a blast. They started me out with what they said was a 'light' Linebaugh load in .500 Linebaugh. No problems with that one. Then they let me try a 'heavy' load.
I survived, but my hand felt it for about a half hour. I am used to double actions as opposed to single actions, but I still hit the 'charging bear' twice in a couple seconds as it went the 25 yard distance with a SAA in .500 Linebaugh. Amazing!

Seriously, this is some cool stuff they have, do and learn. If you can make it, come.

The Doc is out now.

 

[Bear41mag]

A steady diet of Hot Ruger loads will shoot your 25-5 loose after a while.
Mine gets a steady diet of 9 grains of Unique under a 255 grain Hard Cast Kieth or LBT sytle bullet for a little over 1000 fps, and this will never shot your gun loose.

Nothing in the Lower 48 that this won't put down if shot placement is correct.