[m141a]

Ive had mine for about six months now, and I can't say enough good things about it!  The balance of this revolver is almost perfect for my hand.  The 4" bbl. makes for a nice carry length, and it's also tapered so as not to be to heavy.  Accuracy so far, as of yesterday 800 rounds, is excellent.
 I'v found that mine shoots the Sierra's 240 JHC very well.  I'm using 6gr. of Universal clays or 7gr. of clays.  I talked to Smith, Hodgdon, and Sierra, all recommend keeping handloads at just about 1000fps.  I'm waiting on Marshalls 265Keith bullet to try some loads in that one also.  
 Also, just for plinking, Magtech's Cowboy loads are great... moving about 750-800, light to moderate recoil, and Very accurate.
 The rubber Hogues feel almost natural when you grip the revolver, but I'm thinking about a set of grips modeled after Mr. Keith's guns.  My buddy put Hogues "secret service" style grips on his, but to me this gun needs a fuller grip, Iguess that is just personal choice.  
 If you find one, my recommendation is to buy it and not look back!   <!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->

 

[m141a]

"loads" of fun!

 

[m141a]

Coldfingers:

 I have been told by Smith and by several of the powder mfgs. not to go too hot with this firearm.  Smith recommends staying about 1000fps and not too much more for a steady diet.
 I'm sure the 625 could handle a "hot" load, but what Smith told me was it's not the frame, but the lockup and internals that will "loosen" with repeated firings of big stuff.
 I have carried the Corbon 45"mag" stuff on occasion in the woods, when I did'nt feel like using my Blackhawk.  I'm sure with Marshall's bullets you could mix up some big 300's or 325's at about the 1000fps velocity.
 Either way, good luck with the Smith!  I'm crazy 'bout mine.  You'll love the balance of the firearm.  If you are lucky, yours will come with the elusive wood grips a few have shipped with! <!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->

 

[m141a]

I shoot ALOT of magtech's cowboy loads thru mine for punching paper.  The bullets they load are .452 RNFP 250's.  I experience mininmal leading in the bbl, and no "shaving" around the forcing cone.  These run out at about 850fps, mild recoil, and pretty darn accurate!  I've Handloaded some Sierra 240 JHC bullets with 9.7gr.universal clays from Hodgdon, these are very accurate also, but I have yet to chrony them.  According the the manual, they should be moving 'bout 700-750fps.  I accidently put 1 round from my Blackhawk loads(same bullet, only H110 moving 1350fps)...won't do that again!  The pistol handled it fine, meaning recoil was bearable, but STIFF!  Remington's 255 factory loads are good shooters too!  I ahve on order with Marshall, some 265Keiths and some 300's...  When they finally get here I'll load those to be fired from the Blackhawk and my Winchester Trapper .45.

FWIW,  hope this helps!  :O

 

[m141a]

If you stick to moderate loads, I think you'll have your ".357" and a little more!  This gun, for me, is as close to a natural pointer as I think I'll ever get.  As I said B4, the Cowboy stuff and the Remingtons are good shooters.  My buddy bought one 3 months after me, and he exclusively shoots the Winchester stuff.  I cannot find ANY of the Winnie locally, and as I purchased a case of the Magtech at a show, I'll stick to that.
 What are you gonna do for a holster?  I had a 7 1/2" Redhawk that I sold, but being lefty, nobody needs the leather as an accompaniment.  I went to my local cobbler and had him cut down the Hunter holster I had.  It now appears to look just like a Keith style holster w/ a thumbstrap.  The best part is that the part he cut off became a magazine holder for my Sig229 once he sewed a loop upon it!
 Good luck with the 625!  I'll be curious to know how you make out!<!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->

 Be well

Chris

 

[m141a]

Hmmmm,
 My Mountain gun is a 625-7.  I don't know about any of the earlier guns, but I do have an OLD model 25  6" bbl that shoots good too.  I have heard some bad stories about the M.G., but most have to do with play in the cylinder and shaving of lead around the forcing cone.  Check out-
www.smith-wessonforum.com
I think there is more info there.  I personally have had ZERO problems with mine.  I did'nt sight to 50yds, only to 25, not that I'd want to work that close in to an angry critter, but also don't want to over-extend the capabilities of a pistol.  Now I know that I'll probably catch alot of flack about that comment, but me personally, consider the sidarm as a LAST ditch defense tool while hunting.
 I'm sure that in Alaska, where the hunter could easily turn into the hunted, or at least the threatened, a handgun would be a constant appendage.
 Here in the northeast, I hunt Vermont and New Hampshire, and the hand gun is mostly carried as back-up or to put down the odd deer that has deceided although your shot placement was correct, it's not his time to go!
 As far as hot loads or defense loads, why not buy and try the Corbon stuff.  It is pretty powerful!
 Good luck when you finally recieve it.

Be well,
Chris

 

[m141a]

Coldfingers,
 I am very happy you are enjoying your new toy!   How do the 300's shoot?
 Ijust got a load of 260 fmj [copperclad lead core] from Graf & sons while waiting on Marshall's bullets that I'm gonna work up a 1000fps load using H110  in the morning.  My 625 shoots 255's and 240's great!  the 255 Magtechs shoot to POA/POI but are moving slow--750-850.... the Remingtons move about 850- 900 out of mine, but same POA.  The 240's... well I just don't know, seems light for a .45...
 Hodgdon recommends 8.5 of Universal clays for a 250,gets 850fps... figure if I drop and go to 8.0 gr. of univ.clays for the 260s I'll be at around 750-800fps---maybe a little more... That's what's so fun about this game!
 I feel we have a sturdy "little" N-frame here and with the right load, will be a TACKDRIVER for years!!<!--emo&--><img src="http://beartoothbullets.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''><!--endemo-->

 

[m141a]

Hello all!
Well I'm just back from the range, shooting the wonderful Mountain Gun.  I can't believe I ran through a case of ammo in this gun.  I've been "recycling" the brass, filling it with 9gr of Hodgdons Universal Clays and a lead 250gr. RNFP copper clad bullet.
This gun likes this load! It holds good groups at 25yds, (About 2 inches) and I believe if I reduce it to about 7.5-8.0grains, I'd have an all around load. According to Hodgdon, this should give me about 900fps at 9.0 grains.  I still want to try Mike G's load of 20 grains of H110 and a 300gr.
Hope all of you are having alot of luck with the Mountain Gun, just as I have.

Be well, Chris

 

[m141a]

C'fingers;
Glad to hear of your sucess.  I'm finding that revolver is turning into my favorite just cause of it's balance and "pointability".  The Univ. clays is a very clean running powder, and has proved to be somewhat accurate, although I have to "fine tune" my 250gr load.
I'm gonna try the H110 recipe for the 300's when I get Marshall's bullets, but I'll tell ya, I shot the 250gr/9.0gr mixture from my Winchester Trapper.45lc as well, and they were "tack drivin'".

Alan:  
Sorry to hear your woes...
 I hope it's not a case of being built on a Monday or Friday, like the old story about cars....
 ALTHOUGH, you are correct about the terrible D/A trigger.  I thought mine wuold get "better with age", as things settled in, but it remains constant and about a 90lb D/A  
 I'll be watchin'the post to see how you make out.

Best wishes to all, stay safe!

Chris...