Pet Loads for a Webley MKVI .455 webley (cylinder shaved for .45acp clips)

[Mad Chemist]

So I know this is a little obscure hence why I posted it here. I have a MKVI in extremely good condition. At some point somebody turned down the cylinder to allow the use of .45acp brass in moon/half-moon clips.

I worked up a light plinking load using Unique and 230gr MBC cast a few years ago. Performance wasn't exactly great by any stretch, but they fired and extracted OK and didn't seem to lead terribly. I became distracted by other projects and put this one on the back burner for a few years.


Now I'm interested in revisiting it again. I am looking to work up a fun light target load for the old revolver. I can use another bullet type but I intend to stick with lead. I'll probably only load 100-200rds once I have a good recipe. I don't intend to shoot this gun often but I'd like to blow the dust off every now and then

Any good recipes out there?
Should I try another bullet type? Are there commercial cast in .454+ readily available? I assume that the fatter diameter bullet will definitely improve accuracy and reduce leading potential.

"Fast" powders that I have on hand:

Nitro 100nf
Bullseye--My instincts say to start with Bullseye.
VVN320--hmmmm...
Titegroup--I'm a little leery about working up with this powder
HP38--I'm sure it will work better than Unique. I'm not sure that it's a better choice than Bullseye.

The only bullets I have on hand are 230gr MBC cast. If the load requires a different bullet I will have to find a source and order it.


Thanks in advance.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

For loads look at 45 AutoRim, 45 Schofield and 455 Eley. All similar capacity and pressure. One valuable resoure is Ken Waters Pet Loads.

 

[Mad Chemist]

Thanks Jesse.

What I'm after is info from folks that have experience handloading for these revolvers, especially using .45acp cases. I will be using smokeless powder only.

 

[Mad Chemist]

Well I found this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzr9BoPrteQ

He had pretty good success with HP-38. I think I'll start there. Now I just need to find a few more moon/half-moon clips.:banghead:

 

[d'Artagnan]

First, if you're talking about a 1920's Enfield Mk VI, do not presume the bullet diameter should be .455 despite the original caliber designation. If you slug the barrel it's probably in the neighborhood of .449. The cylinder throats are undoubtedly less. Mine measured .445-.447. A .451 or .452-sized soft lead bullet has been my best performer. A Lee 200-gr (actually run 211-gr) soft lead SWC sized to .451 and powered by either 4.2-gr of Nitro-100 old fomulation or 4.4-gr of Bullseye got me mv=760fps and it was quite mild and accurate.