Handloads for .455 Webley

[clement1]

I have a MK VI 455 Webley...it has been partially shaved for 45 acp 1/2 moon clips but the inner star on the ejector is in tact so it can still use factory ammo as well as cut down 45 colt cases which I am going to use. (about 20)

Does anyone have load data for this type of handload. I am thinking of using 250-255 gr. 45 colt bullets. What would be an appropriate charge using Unique powder to keep the pressure down to the MK VI level and achieving a velocity of about 625 fps.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Clement

[email protected]

 

[Slamfire]

I have one of these and after testing it with a number of handloads, I am going to stick with the lightest one.

Whoever did the caliber conversion did it cheap and reamed the chamber mouths oversize.

Also the barrel is not exactly small. I found .454 diameter bullets shot OK with a little leading. Smaller bullets gave more leading. I don’t have a mold that casts bullets .457, the larger dimensions are probably more appropriate.

I thought I would use some loads I developed in my 45 ACP revolvers. I had some Elmer Keith loads of a 250 with 6.5 grains Unique. That load was way to hot in a Webley. Actually stretched the top strap recess!

After that happened I realized that this mechanism is a lot weaker than any solid frame I have ever handled.

I also reconsidered using Elmer Keith loads in any of my 1917’s. His loads are entirely too hot for vintage pistols.

I eventually decided that 3.5 grains Bullseye was a good load. It shot to point of aim and was easy on the pistol.

  [SIZE="3"][B]455 Webley MkVI  	rechambered 45ACP		
	manufactured Enfield 1923		[/B]	
					
					
	255 LSWC  (.454)   3.5 grs Bullseye  thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers
	Jun-Aug 02				
Ave Vel =	541		  	 	
Std Dev =	10		 	 	
ES =	42.44		 	 	
Low =	522		 	 	
High =	565		 	 	
N =	24		 	 	
 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards			
					
							
255 LSWC  (.454)  4.0 grs Bullseye  thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers
	20-Jan-02	T = 42 °F			
Ave Vel =	640		 	 	
Std Dev =	21		 	
ES =	79.1		  	
Low =	586		 	
High =	665		 	
N =	12		 	
 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards			
					
					
255 LSWC  (.454)  4.5 grs Bullseye  thrown, R-P Auto Rim cases, CCI300 primers
	20-Jan-02	T = 42  °F			
Ave Vel =	681				
Std Dev =	8				
ES =	28.4				
Low =	667				
High =	696				
N =	12				
 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards better accuracy		
					
					
					
250 LRN  (.454)  6.5 grs Unique  thrown, R-P Auto Rim cases, CCI300 primers
	20-Jan-02	T = 44  °F			
Ave Vel =	801				
Std Dev =	21				
ES =	79.2				
Low =	776				
High =	855				
N =	12				
2 O'C hold kept them all on target, medium recoil 	 	
But too hot, excessive effort to open latch, topstrap stretched[/SIZE]!

 

[clement1]

It shot to point of aim...

Slam...thanks...what weight bullet were you using in your Webley?

clement

 

[clement1]

Ooops...

I got it...I missed your detail.

CC

 

[SteveW-II]

Folks, just a reminder that if you are not shooting soft lead hollow based bullets, your Webley is unlikely to shoot well.

If you measure the cylinder throats you will find them to be about .450" (+/- a few thou). The barrel will be at least .455" in the groves. Without the hollow base that slugs up (hence the soft lead) to fit the barrel, accuracy is poor.

It's a design feature, not a flaw. If you have a copy of Skinnerton's paperback book on the Webley service revolvers, the dimensions are clearly marked in the parts schematics.

I found the best bullet for the 455 was the NEI mould #330, cast with 12:1. Trail Boss worked well.

S.

 

[noylj]

This sounds like an area for old copies of "Handloader" magazine and Mike Venterino.
The Webley shows the same engineering skills that have made English cars the envy of the world.

 

[Slamfire]

If you measure the cylinder throats you will find them to be about .450" (+/- a few thou). The barrel will be at least .455" in the groves. Without the hollow base that slugs up (hence the soft lead) to fit the barrel, accuracy is poor.

Might be true for a Webley in 455. These revolvers that were rechambered to 45 AR, these were very crudely done. My chamber mouths are huge, but I have not measured them.

Soft lead and measuring the throats is a good idea.

 

[zeke]

Own a Webley Mark I , which has rear of cylinder shaved for 45 acp, and a Enfield Mark VI. Both have cylinder mouths of approximately .450-.451. The Mark I's cylinder bores do not appeared to be altered. The earlier Webley-Fosters (or others) were reported to have larger cylinder mouth diameters, as well as the modified Smith and Wessons.

In addition to the hollow base, most styles of the older bullets were long nose , with minimal bearing surface. Have had decent luck with 200 lrnfp's which were sized down to .451, and mild charges of unique. However there POI were off considerable at 25 yds.

Does anyone have a source for hollow based long nose bullets? Has anyone tried the Rem 45 LC swaged lead? Seem to remember these are hollow base, but memory plays tricks on occasion.