Antique Handgun Cartridges

[Johnn Peterson]

I am already into reloading, this is not the issue.

I am asking which antique cartridges have components (Brass and bullets) and or factory ammo readily available.

A friend of mine has a 45 Webley that was handed down from his Dad. I've been into handguns for a number of years and a handgun of note I've never had is a Webley. I recently corrected that 'deficiency' and acquired a Webley Mark VI in 455.

For components, from Henry Nierychlo on site I picked up a 'quantity' of Hornary brass. From a buddy locally, I get a 260gr RNHB bullet that looks very similar to the Lyman #457196. Also, in addition to using some of the load info from my 1st Edition copy of the Lyman Book Of Cast bullets, I'm going to try and work up loads using Trail Boss.

 

[Mount Sweetness]

I have no plans to be a "Target Shooter", I collect guns.

 

[dingus]

I am already into reloading, this is not the issue.

I am asking which antique cartridges have components (Brass and bullets) and or factory ammo readily available.

Well brand new? you can buy Starline cases in 44 Russian 45 Schofield 41 Long colt.
Them are all cases i have bought brand new in less than 8 weeks when supplys were in stock.
455 cases i have always had 400+ around so never tryed to buy them new.
as far as Bullets theres guys on CGN can get or make anything.

Worse troble i ever had getting a case was for my perscribed antique SXS 14 Ga coach shotgun.
I just recently got 20 brand new made cases cost me close to $160 for the 20 but there worth it as i will never wear them out.
That Rocky mountain cartridge company can make ANYTHING but it takes time.
I had to send machine drawings of my 14 Ga Chambers before he would even start then there was Shipping issiues ect.
I got em eventully and now im happy with my SXS 14 ga shotgun coach gun.

 

[jethunter]

I am already into reloading, this is not the issue.

I am asking which antique cartridges have components (Brass and bullets) and or factory ammo readily available.

Actually the reloading comments were aimed at the other person who doesn't reload, yet. I thought your question was already answered?

 

[Ardent]

I have no plans to be a "Target Shooter", I collect guns.

Then caliber won't matter much... buy what you like if you only collect and shoot less than a box a year.

 

[budman]

Hi guys,my question is more aimed at Dingus.You use to have a
nickel plated 455 colt saa,it also had a cylinder in 45acp.It is at
the moment for sale in the EE.

The 45acp is a rimless case,how do you use it in a colt saa.
I can see how they are used in the Webley style break open
revolvers with clips?

 

[fingers]

Well brand new? you can buy Starline cases in 44 Russian 45 Schofield 41 Long colt.
Them are all cases i have bought brand new in less than 8 weeks when supplys were in stock.
455 cases i have always had 400+ around so never tryed to buy them new.
as far as Bullets theres guys on CGN can get or make anything.

Worse troble i ever had getting a case was for my perscribed antique SXS 14 Ga coach shotgun.
I just recently got 20 brand new made cases cost me close to $160 for the 20 but there worth it as i will never wear them out.
That Rocky mountain cartridge company can make ANYTHING but it takes time.
I had to send machine drawings of my 14 Ga Chambers before he would even start then there was Shipping issiues ect.
I got em eventully and now im happy with my SXS 14 ga shotgun coach gun.

I am looking for .455 cases. Could you please give me any tips on where to source these?

 

[Ardent]

Hi guys,my question is more aimed at Dingus.You use to have a
nickel plated 455 colt saa,it also had a cylinder in 45acp.It is at
the moment for sale in the EE.

The 45acp is a rimless case,how do you use it in a colt saa.
I can see how they are used in the Webley style break open
revolvers with clips?

It headspaces on the case mouth, same as in an auto. You only need a rim in a double action for extraction (or moon clips, or a special extractor with a toe). In a single action, the empties are ejected by the ejector rod pushing the case out from the inside, so no rim is required. In a single action, a rim doesn't really matter. .45 ACP works equally well in a 1911 or a single action. So there you go.

 

[dingus]

Hi guys,my question is more aimed at Dingus.You use to have a
nickel plated 455 colt saa,it also had a cylinder in 45acp.It is at
the moment for sale in the EE.

The 45acp is a rimless case,how do you use it in a colt saa.
I can see how they are used in the Webley style break open
revolvers with clips?

Ardent explained it well ^

 

[budman]

Thanks,bit just a little more clarity,the rounds will not slide forward
in the cylinder.It is a bit of a push to put them in,?

 

[drslav]

If someone wanted to get into reloading for antique cartridges as painlessly as possible, this setup would get you started very nicely:

-Lee single stage press
-powder scale
-primer pocket cleaner (or brass prep kit)
-caliper (inch)
-a set of dies


Then you would need to buy primers, powder, bullets, and brass. IMO a new reloader should stick to cartridges for which bullets and brass are easily available - reforming brass from a different cartridge and casting your own bullets makes the reloading process more complicated. You can move onto that after you master the basics.

well stated. i think this would make it easier for some people to get started with simple advice. Exactly what i have done...

 

[Max Power]

I'd say the most desirable would have to be one of the rare S&W topbreak DAs in .44 Russian with the long cylinder (1 9/16?) that takes .44 SPL length round. These handle the Cowboy Action .44 SPL loads no problem. Off the shelf and into the gun... Couldn't ask for anything more available and have it still be antique IMHO.

 

[Ardent]

Thanks,bit just a little more clarity,the rounds will not slide forward
in the cylinder.It is a bit of a push to put them in,?

They shouldn't, no. Properly sized, with clean chambers, they ought to drop in to a nice snug fit.