Strength of Mod 25-5 vice Mod 29/629

[2Guns]

I have a Smith 25-5 .45 Colt 4" that I love to shoot, to include the occasional high velocity load in.  I have read several articles in gun mags that say the .45 colt +p loads are not suitable for the Smith 25-5.  I am talking sane reloading manual authorized loads, like 22 grs W296 250 gr Hornady XTP.  That is a stout load, but it is on par with .44 mag loads using the same bullet weight  

It would seem that all of the N frame smiths are large frame well made revolvers, why is it safe to fire hot .44 mag loads out of the 29/629 but the gun writers say it is not wise to shoot hot .45 colt loads out of the 25-5?

I have a 629 classic and the two seem pretty dog gone similar, except for the obvious bore size difference.

What are your thoughts experiences?

[TennesseeNuc]

2Guns,
I wouldn't know for sure, but maybe it could be because of the thinner cylinder walls due to the larger holes.  Just a guess.
Best,
TnNuc

[unspellable]

The Achilles’ heel in the Smith & Wesson design lies in using the tail of the yoke tube to locate the cylinder.  When the revolver is fired the cylinder is blown forward and the yoke tail stops this forward movement by impacting the bottom of the cylinder well.  The bearing area is very small and gets peened down.  This results in end shake which allows the main cylinder more travel which causes a heavier impact which promotes still more endshake.

The yoke cylinder tail receives special heat treatment i nthe 44 Magnum to resist this effect.  This is not done to the 45 Colt.  Hence, excessive use of heavy loads in the 45 Colt leads to premature end shake.

The same effect was seen in the 44 Mag when used with heavy silhouette loads which lead to S&W develop-ing the "endurance package" for the 44.

The mystery here is why S&W stays with this design instead of using the cylinder neck to limit forwrd travel.  There is a larger bearing surface available here.  It's the method used to limit the cylinder's forward travel in the majority of revolvers.

[TScottO]

This link is a worth while read as well as the other articles you will find. The last three paragraphs talk specifically about the 25 and 29 but the entire article is good stuff!

http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Default.aspx?tabid=112

Take Care,
Scott

[gcf]

This link is a worth while read as well as the other articles you will find. The last three paragraphs talk specifically about the 25 and 29 but the entire article is good stuff!

http://www.linebaughcustom.com/Default.aspx?tabid=112

Take Care,
Scott

Excellent / informative article. Thanks for passing it along.

[redbonet]

2 guns
I have an  s w 25 5  45 lc like yours . if you would like to sale your 25 5 I would like to have another one to match the one I have got .
redbone