Lead Bullet reloads in ,45ACP revo;vers?

Hard Ball · March 16, 2000, 07:34 PM

I have three Smith&Wesson .45ACP revolvers (A model 25, a model 26, and a model 625). All three are very accurate with metal jacketed bullets, but I can't seem to get good results with reloads using lead bullets. I don't have this problem with my Colt Gold Cup. Is this something inherent in the revolvers, the rifling perhaps, or is there some special reloading techniques I need to know?

Grayfox · March 17, 2000, 12:12 AM

It could simply be that your revolvers don't like the load you're using or perhaps the bullets are too soft.
I shoot more lead than anything else in my .45acps and .45 Colts with good results. I'd try experimenting with the loads and some different bullets first.

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Politically, Fashionably and Aerodynamically Incorrect!

NJW · March 17, 2000, 07:48 AM

I second Grafox's comment's. I have a 1955 Target and 2 625's (5" & 3") and they all shoot lead bullets great. One thing that I do with my 45 ACP revolvers is to use a seperate batch(one certain headstamp)of brass that only goes in my revolvers. I do this because I Redding profile roll crimp the ammo for my revolvers. I have found this to make things more consistant. As grafox said, experiment with some different loads and bullets.

NJW in AZ

JoeHatley · March 17, 2000, 09:57 AM

Hard Ball,

Like the other folks have suggested, I'd try several different loads. You probably should concentrate on the bullet 1st, velocity 2nd.

For a place to start, I'll pass on my favorite (most accurate) .45 acp load. I use it in all my .45's, including a 625.

200 grain LSWC cast Silver Bullet (fairly hard)
4.5 grains Bullseye
Federal standard primers
Mixed cases

I seat the bullet just a couple thousandths short of the SWC sholder, and use a slight roll crimp.

Good Luck...

Joe

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Go NRA

Hard Ball · March 17, 2000, 12:10 PM

I have tried a number of different loads and powders. I think perhaps you have identified the problem. It may well be bullet hardness.
I wil get some hardcast lead bullets and try again.

Thanks for the advice.
Hard Ball

slabsides · March 17, 2000, 05:26 PM

I've had good luck with the 200 gr. H&G bullet cast hard, over both Bullseye and Unique, in my 1911's and revolvers. For the S&W 25-2, I also like to use the 250 gr. .45Colt Keith bullet in either ACP or Auto Rim cases, for a sort of pseudo-Webley 'punkin-ball' load. It takes a well-tuned 1911 to shoot as well as a revolver with these loads. Even my Ruger Blackhawk convertible shoots the 200 gr. well in its ACP cylinder. Part of my good accuracy may be because I have put a Brownell custom barrel chamfer on all my revolvers. It has usually helped reduce leading and spitting, and increased accuracy, on every gun so altered. slabsides

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If they take our guns, I intend to let my hair grow long and acquire the jawbone of an ass.

Trigger Jerk · March 17, 2000, 06:26 PM

No one has yet mentioned the possibillity that the forcing cone might need to be opened up a little. You need a little "wider funnel" for the lead bullets.

The crown could be another problem, but I doubt it since your accuracy is okay with jacketed bullets.

Paul B. · March 20, 2000, 02:18 PM

I have not seen anyone mention chamber mouths. If the lead bullet is smaller than the chamber mouths, this can be a source of inaccuracy. Colt Single Actions are notorious for having that problem. See if your bullets are a snug, or better yet, tight fit in the chamber mouths.
Paul B.

March 16, 2000, 07:34 PM	#1
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,925	I have three Smith&Wesson .45ACP revolvers (A model 25, a model 26, and a model 625). All three are very accurate with metal jacketed bullets, but I can't seem to get good results with reloads using lead bullets. I don't have this problem with my Colt Gold Cup. Is this something inherent in the revolvers, the rifling perhaps, or is there some special reloading techniques I need to know?

March 17, 2000, 12:12 AM	#2
Grayfox Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 1998 Posts: 1,885	It could simply be that your revolvers don't like the load you're using or perhaps the bullets are too soft. I shoot more lead than anything else in my .45acps and .45 Colts with good results. I'd try experimenting with the loads and some different bullets first. ------------------ Politically, Fashionably and Aerodynamically Incorrect!

March 17, 2000, 07:48 AM	#3
NJW Senior Member Join Date: November 5, 1998 Location: SouthWest Posts: 204	I second Grafox's comment's. I have a 1955 Target and 2 625's (5" & 3") and they all shoot lead bullets great. One thing that I do with my 45 ACP revolvers is to use a seperate batch(one certain headstamp)of brass that only goes in my revolvers. I do this because I Redding profile roll crimp the ammo for my revolvers. I have found this to make things more consistant. As grafox said, experiment with some different loads and bullets. NJW in AZ

March 17, 2000, 09:57 AM	#4
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	Hard Ball, Like the other folks have suggested, I'd try several different loads. You probably should concentrate on the bullet 1st, velocity 2nd. For a place to start, I'll pass on my favorite (most accurate) .45 acp load. I use it in all my .45's, including a 625. 200 grain LSWC cast Silver Bullet (fairly hard) 4.5 grains Bullseye Federal standard primers Mixed cases I seat the bullet just a couple thousandths short of the SWC sholder, and use a slight roll crimp. Good Luck... Joe ------------------ Go NRA

March 17, 2000, 12:10 PM	#5
Hard Ball Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 1999 Location: California Posts: 3,925	I have tried a number of different loads and powders. I think perhaps you have identified the problem. It may well be bullet hardness. I wil get some hardcast lead bullets and try again. Thanks for the advice. Hard Ball

March 17, 2000, 05:26 PM	#6
slabsides Member In Memoriam Join Date: May 27, 1999 Location: Maine Posts: 614	I've had good luck with the 200 gr. H&G bullet cast hard, over both Bullseye and Unique, in my 1911's and revolvers. For the S&W 25-2, I also like to use the 250 gr. .45Colt Keith bullet in either ACP or Auto Rim cases, for a sort of pseudo-Webley 'punkin-ball' load. It takes a well-tuned 1911 to shoot as well as a revolver with these loads. Even my Ruger Blackhawk convertible shoots the 200 gr. well in its ACP cylinder. Part of my good accuracy may be because I have put a Brownell custom barrel chamfer on all my revolvers. It has usually helped reduce leading and spitting, and increased accuracy, on every gun so altered. slabsides ------------------ If they take our guns, I intend to let my hair grow long and acquire the jawbone of an ass.

March 17, 2000, 06:26 PM	#7
Trigger Jerk Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Eastern WA Posts: 136	No one has yet mentioned the possibillity that the forcing cone might need to be opened up a little. You need a little "wider funnel" for the lead bullets. The crown could be another problem, but I doubt it since your accuracy is okay with jacketed bullets.

March 20, 2000, 02:18 PM	#8
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,801	I have not seen anyone mention chamber mouths. If the lead bullet is smaller than the chamber mouths, this can be a source of inaccuracy. Colt Single Actions are notorious for having that problem. See if your bullets are a snug, or better yet, tight fit in the chamber mouths. Paul B.