.44 / .442 Webley load data?

762mm

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Hey there guys,

Today I have acquired a very nice Iver Johnson American Bulldog revolver chambered in .44 Webley (aka .442 Webley) from a fellow CGN'er (many thanks to Mr. "fiscus" for being such a great guy to deal with!). Although presumably chambered in .44 Webley, the gun's chambers actually allow for a slightly longer case, almost on par with the .44 Russian. The actual caliber is not stamped on the gun, but it's definitely a .44 of some kind, with maximum case length being roughly .930".

Anyway, I was looking for some load data that will give me decent velocities without blowing the gun up. I was googling all over the place to find some load data with Unique or HP-38 (which is the only two powders I have right now), but to no avail... one person on another forum says to keep load in between 3.0 and 3.5 gr of Unique, but no info on bullet weight was provided.
Here's what I plan on using to reload:
  • .430" 240gr SWC cast bullets that I make myself (with a Lee mold and melted down wheel weights).
  • Cut-to-size Starline .44 Special brass (case length will be .930").
  • Unique (preferably) or HP-38 smokeless powder.
  • Target velocity should be roughly at 650-700 fps, as per factory specs of 44 Webley ammo.

Also, it is important to note that my gun was made at the turn of the century, so it is more than likely made to handle light smokeless rounds (just like most guns made during that period). It sure feels very solid and kind of "overbuilt" for an antique, which is always a big plus.

Thanks in advance for any help!

:)


P.S.
Here is some technical data on the "44 Webley" Cartridge :

.44 Webley

Type: Revolver
Place of origin: United Kingdom

Production history:
Designed 1868
Produced 1868-1950s

Specifications:
Bullet diameter .436 in (11.1 mm)
Neck diameter .470 in (11.9 mm)
Base diameter .442 in (11.2 mm)
Rim diameter .503 in (12.8 mm)
Case length .69 in (18 mm)
Overall length 1.10 in (28 mm)
Rifling twist 1:20
Primer type large Berdan

Ballistic performance:
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
200 gr (13 g) (Kynoch ball, factory load) 700 ft/s (210 m/s) 239 ft·lbf (324 J)
200 gr (13 g) (Remington factory load) 715 ft/s (218 m/s) 230 ft·lbf (310 J)

Source: Barnes & Amber 1972
 
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I was planning on trying 3.5gr unique with a 245gr swc (OAL to the full length of the cylinder), I think that load is safe. If you can find some lighter bullets try those also (with more powder though, maybe 5gr unique with a 200gr bullet). From what I can tell the original 44 webley loads were 200-230gr so the 245gr bullet might impact the target higher (antiques I've tried with heavier bullets shot above point of aim).
 
Thanks for the reply. Actually, 3.5 gr makes perfect sense if you consider the following data I've found. It is important to note that this has been posted by an anonymous reloader, so the veracity of the information remains unconfirmed:

44 Webley (.442 RIC)

LEAD TYPE wheel weights

CALIBER TYPE 442" heel based LRN

RATING 4

LEAD SIZE 225

POWDER TYPE Alliant Unique

POWDER AMOUNT 3 gr

PRIMER Winchester LP

BRASS Lathe turned

BARREL LENGTH 5"

F.P.S ~600

GROUP SIZE dinner plate

GUN DETAILS Webley RIC early model revolver

OTHER DESCRIPTION Load too weak.

So... 3gr yields roughly 600 fps with a 225gr cast bullet. In other words, 3.5 would probably bring it up closer to 700 fps while maintaining reasonable pressure, especially given the extra case volume my particular gun seems to accept.

I guess I'll start off with 3.5gr right away. According to what I've been reading, signs of over pressure (too much recoil) start roughly at 4.0gr and more, so 3.5 should be just right.

Thanks for the input once again!

:cheers:
 
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