Loading for the 25 ACP

Still cold here, with some snow on the ground. Despite this, I was able to shoot a few rounds behind my house. WW white box factory, 50 gr = 665 fps, Privi-Partizan, 50 gr = 695 fps. All out of a 1908 Colt. I found it was quite easy to better factory ballistics. I did heat treat the powder coated linotype bullets. I think it did make them even harder. I did make up a sizer die for my Star sizer. The bullets come out @ .2515. I sprayed Hornady One Shot lube on the bullets before sizing, it really made a difference in sizing these hard bullets.

I did have a test load with 231 powder, that I was able to break the 900 fps barrier. Primers were cratered somewhat, so I ceased right there, as being too hard on the gun. If the need ever arises for a EDC gun, this load might be useful, but other than that, no.

I did work up a load for general shooting, that was considerably more mild. 1.2 gr Bullseye for 765 fps. Still better than factory ammo, but not to hard on the guns. All three of the pocket pistols performed reliably with this load. When the weather breaks, I can get out my shell catcher, taking it to the range, and I then can put these pistols through their paces. Without this shell catcher, it's sayonara to the brass.

I did notice one thing. All these pistols were made before noncorrosive primers were developed. All have barrels that were pitted considerably. They were undoubtedly shot a few times by their original owners, and placed in a sock drawer, without cleaning, for 50 or more years. Anyhow, for what these pistols were designed for, it makes no difference.

Ironically I like shooting the cheap Spanish pistol the best. I appears to be a clone of the Astra Hope pistol. It's an internal hammer gun, with the safety in front of the trigger. Which is much more ergonomic to manipulate, than the Colts, which are all the way at the back. The trigger seems to be better also. No grip safety, which can be both a plus or a minus.