I've had a 25-5 that I purchased right after they came out--about 25 years ago. It probably could handle somewhat hotter loads than the standard (I've read the articles on the websites cited above, and have no facts that contradict their content), but I never had any desire to use them--I bought the .45 because I wanted .45 Colt performance, and would have purchased a M29 if I wanted more. Extended plinking/practice is a 200 gr. Speer SWC at around 850; "full-power" is the 250 gr. Speer SWC at 950 or so. After 25 years with such loads, the revolver is still going strong, which tells me that I'm probably on the right track.

Back in the '80's, I bought an M25-3. Had been using a 7 1/2 barrel Blackhawk for deer, prior. Decided I wanted a double action.

That M-25 couldn't even handle my old "squirrel loads". But I found I could get a fairly stiff load using Blue Dot and 250gr hard lead bullets. My Chrony would list velocity at 1100 fps - 1125fps. But I shot those sparingly.

In the 1980s I was a commercial loader/reloader. Many of my customers were police officers who carried the M25-5.

Using SR4756 powder loads were worked up with the 200 grain Speer HP and 225 grain Speer HP. 14 grains gave 1175 fps from a 4" gun with the 200 grain bullet and 13.5 grains gave 1140 fps with the 225. Neither showed any pressure signs and empties fell right out. I know of one burglar who shot at an officer and two very large deer that were killed with one shot each with the 200 grain load.

Another officer wanted a 240 grain cast SWC load. 12.5 grains of SR4756 gave 1065 fps from a 4" barrel.

As to a 25-2, my now ex-wife shot one for many years and still has the gun. Using .45 Auto Rim brass 10 grains of SR4756 with the Speer 200 grain JHP ran 1210 fps from the 6.5" barrel. The most accurate bullet in that gun was the 225 grain Speer. 8 grains of Unique shot 840 fps and would group 1" at 25 yards. I also loaded the 225 grain bullet with 10 grains of SR4756 but did not chrono it for some reason.

Work up any loads from several grains below, watch for pressure signs and USE A CHRONOGRAPH!

Bob