Anyone here reload 45ACP for the Webley pistol?

Sgt Striker

Sgt Striker

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I have a MkI Webley, that was machined to accept the 45acp full moon clip, and I have all the kit, but was wondering if anyone here had any data for reloading for this pistol in that cal? IE the bullet wt & type and powder.

I also cast .45 230gn RN bullets.
 
They are stronger than most believe.
The bullet used in the 455, was originally lead. It was a conical, hollow based bullet. The lead used, was relatively soft. The reason for the hollow base, was for the skirts on the bullet, to be able to expand into the grooves of the bore, to keep it accurate.

The Brits, got the cartridge/bullet right, the first time. In my experience, the jacketed fodder wasn't as accurate. Before I sold my set up, I had a hollow base mold set up that worked quite well. Flat base bullets, even with gas checks, just weren't as accurate. Good lube, is very important as well.

tjhaile, that is a great bit of information. I should defer to your first statement, as it is just good common sense. IMHO, just believe the pistols are much stronger, especially in decent condition than they are generally given credit for. I am a very conservative hand loader as well, so for me, that is a big step.

Sgt Striker, take heed of Tjhaile, it is the safe and sane path.

By the way, the velocities listed on that page are almost identical with 45acp specs.
 
I've made arrangements to purchase a 455 Webley Mark VI from the estate of a recently deceased shooting buddy:(. More for sentimental reasons than anything but I do plan to shoot it.

455WebleyMarkVI.jpg


I have a reasonable selection of 45 cal cast bullets available but I concur with what bearhunter has stated. To that end, the guy I now get all my cast bullet supplies from, just happens to have a hollow base cast bullet available for the 455.

I did find some reload data for the 455 Webley, some in an old well used and very tattered copy of the 1st Edition Lyman Book of Cast Bullets. I also found some somewhat similar data in P.O.Ackleys Volume I Handbook For Shooters & Reloaders. Hope this is of some help and the Lyman data is as follows;

455Webleyloads.jpg
 
scianna54 said:
I think the amount of unique powder recommended above is a bit high. I would start with 4 grains.
Click to expand...

Starting a little under the recommended is a good course of action, reloading for any caliber. The loads using Unique in Ackleys book are the same as what I've posted from the old Lyman book. Some of the charges Ackley lists using Bullseye however are higher than those listed in the Lyman data.
 
Johnn Peterson said:
I've made arrangements to purchase a 455 Webley Mark VI from the estate of a recently deceased shooting buddy:(. More for sentimental reasons than anything but I do plan to shoot it.

455WebleyMarkVI.jpg


I have a reasonable selection of 45 cal cast bullets available but I concur with what bearhunter has stated. To that end, the guy I now get all my cast bullet supplies from, just happens to have a hollow base cast bullet available for the 455.

I did find some reload data for the 455 Webley, some in an old well used and very tattered copy of the 1st Edition Lyman Book of Cast Bullets. I also found some somewhat similar data in P.O.Ackleys Volume I Handbook For Shooters & Reloaders. Hope this is of some help and the Lyman data is as follows;

455Webleyloads.jpg
Click to expand...

UPDATE:
Just received the 200 pieces of Hornady unprimed brass I ordered from Henry Nierychlo on site and a generous;) 'supply' of 260gr HB bullets from friend locally. They look very much like the Lyman # 457196 as pictured below, top right on the page, in another scan from my old 1st edition of Lyman Book of Cast Bullets. Now, let the games begin:D.

455Webleybullet.jpg
 
Just shot my webley two days ago - loaded with 4 to 4.5 gr of unique and a 225gr boolit. Super light recoil - almost nothing! Very accurate and fun to shoot. Still mushrooms nicely on impact on wet paper with soft lead.

Only things I would change would be to increase the load slightly, and get a hollow base mold. Since the load is so light I think the gun will be just fine with a bit more powerful, and the hollow mold will obdurate and fit the bore perfectly, as right now the flat based boolits seem to not be sufficiently expanding.
 
scianna54 said:
Ben here on CGN sells the soft lead bullets which are perfect for her, don't forget to use moon clips with ACP, otherwise you have to use AR cases.
Click to expand...

My source of supply is within 15km, quality, variety, price and availability are great and being that close to home, I save on shipping costs.

H Wally, earlier I posted some reload info from an old Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook but I was 'thinking' of using or working up some loads using Trail Boss. Have you tried it?
 
The Ackley load data pretty much mimics my chrono testing with a 255 grain flat nosed/flat based bullet at 1.10 OAL using Unique

5.6 grain - 710 ft/sec calculated energy 285 ft/lbs

This represent 29% over standard MKI-II revolver design pressures but should be no problem as a regular diet for the stronger alloyed frame of the MKVI
 
Keep in mind the original post was about a Mk.I. The Mk.I had no hardened recoil shield, was made out of weaker steel (iron?) and had a smaller diameter cylinder than the later marks. I wouldn't get too adventurous with one! Same with using that Fiochi ammo in an unconverted Mk.I. That stuff is pretty hot!
 
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