Max loads for an N-frame .45 Colt?

[Old Griz]

I would like to hunt with my S&W .45, but worried about what I can use in it. I don't reload, nor do I know anyone that does. Factory loads would be very helpful, but I'l file away any load data in case I find someone that does. I tend to like hard cast bullets with wide meplats, but it doesn't take a lot for deer.

[Mikey]

Old Griz:  drop on down two lines in this forum to the 45 v 44 thread and read what has been said about using the S&W N Frame in 45 Colt.  Very interesting. 

You don't need heavy loads for whitetail, which helps with that S&W.  I think the thread I mentioned addresses some ammo brands and pressure levels for your revolver.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Lloyd Smale]

your kind of caught in the middle with a smith n frame in 45 if you dont reload. The factory ammo is pretty lame and most of the heavy ammo is to heavy. Your best bet is to buy a cheap lee reloading set up and make your own. YOu can get one of the lee kits for around a 100 bucks and buy some bullets primeres and a can of powder and probably recoup the cost of the loading gear with that first can of powder.

[superdown]

here this may help ya   ?     http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#low45

[Old Griz]

Thanks superdown! That 255-gr looks pretty good.

[Old Griz]

Mikey, I looked through that thread, but did not find anything mentioning N-frames. Are you sure that was the right one?

[Mikey]

Old Griz:  the gist of the thread was that the Mountain Gun in 45 Colt shouldn't be loaded to the same pressure levels as the 44 mag in the M29 Mountain Gun. 

Lloyd's post is accurate:  although your revolver is a N-Frame Smith, the factory ammo is pretty lame and the heavily loaded stuff is too heavy. 

I should have read your post first, then looked down the Forum list for the thread I wanted.  I'll get back at ya.  Mikey.

[Mikey]

Old Griz:  the post is entitled:  'just bought a smith and wesson mountain gun', by huntinhick.  The post is on page 2 of this Forum (next page), a couple of threads down.  It contains some pretty good information and Graybeard has some significant comments about that revolver you should be aware of.  Very informative.  HTH.  Mikey.

[Redhawk1]

Mikey, Old Griz posted in that thread. As far as I can tell, there was a lot of information there.

Old Griz, why don't you just call S&W up and talk to the techs? I don't think you are going to get any different answers than what was in that last thread.

[WL44]

http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/heavyweight_bullets.htm

There's a reference to the Smith and WEsson at the end of the article. They are all good reading IMO.

[S.B.]

Most of the blast ammo manufacturers (Buffalo Bore Corbon etc.) put out loads appropriate for your gun. I'd use premium stuff for hunting and regular factory for everyday practice. Just be careful and ask question, if in dought? Enjoy. You've got one of the best calibers made in a S&W.

[Redhawk1]

WL44, that was a good read, thanks. 

[Old Griz]

Thanks WL44. The article by John Linebaugh was great, especially the last two paragraphs. It explained a lot.

Gee Redhawk, I didn't know it was against the rules to ask a question in another way in hopes of getting a better answer. This time it really paid off. And by the way, I did contact S&W and basically they just advised me to get in touch with the ammo manufacturer. They weren't a lot of help.

[S.B.]

WL44. I sincerly enjoyed the article. Too bad someone at gun writer school doesn't teach what John is saying?

[Redhawk1]

Thanks WL44. The article by John Linebaugh was great, especially the last two paragraphs. It explained a lot.

Gee Redhawk, I didn't know it was against the rules to ask a question in another way in hopes of getting a better answer. This time it really paid off. And by the way, I did contact S&W and basically they just advised me to get in touch with the ammo manufacturer. They weren't a lot of help.

Old Griz, I was just letting Mikey know you already participated in that other thread. It was not meant to stop you from asking other questions, so chill out.
If I recall, I did post links to Corbons suggestions on what was acceptable in a 45 colt S&W handgun is several other threads.  But here it is again.

From The S&W site.
What kind of ammunition should I use in my S&W handgun?
Use only commercially manufactured ammunition with internal ballistic pressures which are in strict accordance with the specifications of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI).

Be certain all ammunition you use complies with the SAAMI specifications. If you are uncertain, contact your ammunition supplier for verification.

If you would like any further information on specific ammunition, you may contact one of the major ammunition manufacturers from the link listed below:

Click here for major ammunition manufacturers

From Cor-bon.

Q. Can I use the 45 COLT +P loads in my S&W model 25 Mountain Gun? 
A. Yes, the 45 COLT +P loads can be used in the S&W model 25 and the other modern S&W guns. You need to be sure that your gun is in good condition and hasn't had too many years of hard use. The 335 gr. Hard Cast load is probably a good choice. It operates at a little less pressure, but still packs a real whoop. New guns come out every year and the 45 COLT is a popular cartridge. If the model gun is not offered in 44 Magnum, it doesn't have the metal to handle the 45 COLT +P. The new titanium and scandium guns are nice to pack, but these are intended for self defense -- not hunting. The 45 COLT +P loads are not suitable for these guns.