Loads for a .45ACP Webley WG

Kevin M.

Kevin M.

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Looking for some starting loads for my Webley WG in .45ACP.

Bullets are AIM 230gr RN TMJ Copper Plated for bulk, and I also have a few boxes of Hornady 230gr XTP HP for some stouter loads.

Powders currently in stock are:

Win231 (A bit fast maybe)
Trailboss

I really don't want to stress this gun out, so I am curious as to what a good, light load would be for it.
 
From the Hodgen site

230 GR. HDY FMJ FP Winchester 231 .451" 1.200" 4.2 grns, start 751 13,800 CUP 5.3 Max 832 16,800 CUP

230 GR. LRN Winchester 231 .452" 1.200" 4.3 grns Start 699 12,200 CUP 5.3 max 834 16,900 CUP

Trail Boss is lead only

230 GR. LRN IMR Trail Boss .452" 1.200" 3.5 Grns start 658 11,200 CUP 4.5 Max 761 15,100 CUP
 
You shouldn't exceed about 12,000 psi in the WG. That is the maximum pressure of the cartridges it was designed for. The starting loads listed above for .45acp would be OK. Read this: http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku....-REVOLVERS-ALTERED--SHOOT-45-ACP--45-Auto-Rim

The WG should have been originally chambered for .455 webley or .476 Enfield. Sometime later the cylinder was modiifed to accept .45acp. That does not mean that you should shoot it with full power ACP, which will be in the 18,000 psi range.

Is your WG marked .455 or .476? Or both?
 
jethunter said:
You shouldn't exceed about 12,000 psi in the WG. That is the maximum pressure of the cartridges it was designed for. The starting loads listed above for .45acp would be OK.

The WG should have been originally chambered for .455 webley or .476 Enfield. Sometime later the cylinder was modiifed to accept .45acp.

Is your WG marked .455 or .476? Or both?
Click to expand...

I don't have it in my possesion yet, but it was a .455 shaved down to .45ACP.
 
Use the .45ACP cases, but assemble with .455 loads. The .45ACP bullets might work, although they are smaller in diameter than ones intended for .455. .45ACP service loads produce about the same pressure as .455 proof loads.
Treat the revolver as if it were still .455, using the ACP cases.
 
Congrat's on the WG!, .... always wanted one of those.

Jacketed bullets may wear that old bore more quickly than the lead slugs it was made to shoot. Also, those XTP's may not be able to be safely driven to the speeds needed for reliable expansion.
Slugging your bore and throats will tell you much, and help to choose a well matched bullet type and dia.
I have a pile of 215 grain wheelweight .454" SWC's from a H&G mold that you are welcome to try out. ... Free delivery, in person, at our upcoming shoot.

The quick powders can be quite accurate, but they make me nervous in an antique, 'specially for those "stouter" loads you mentioned. A slow burner like Alliant 2400 can be dropped straight from the measure, being a bulky powder a double/overcharge is unlikely, and it has a more comfortable build of pressure as the charges are increased.
Those rounds you shot with my MK1 were loaded with 10 grains of 2400 and the 215's in AR cases. I started at 9gr and worked up over the chrono, 11gr was tops in testing, a reasonably snappy load, but more than needed as a bulk working load. Your mileage may vary.

FWIW, the AR cases group better than ACP in my gun.

Can't wait to shake your Webley's hand:D

:cheers:
 
tiriaq said:
Use the .45ACP cases, but assemble with .455 loads. The .45ACP bullets might work, although they are smaller in diameter than ones intended for .455. .45ACP service loads produce about the same pressure as .455 proof loads.
Treat the revolver as if it were still .455, using the ACP cases.
Click to expand...

You actually have to run a bit more powder in the .45acp (or 45ar) cases to duplicate the .455 webley performance, because the .45acp/ar case has a bit more capacity. .45acp starting loads in the 12000 psi range are perfect. I load 5.3 gr Unique with a 255 gr bullet in a .45autorim case and Quickload estimates this is a 11,000 psi load.

I also agree with the previous poster about not shooting jacketed bullets - the steel in these barrels is very soft and the lands are light to start with. Jacketed bullets will wear out the bores in a hurry. There are a lot of .45acp converted webleys around that are essentially smoothbores from shooting jacketed bullets.

I use soft 255 gr flat base bullets from Ben Hunchak cast from 30-1 lead/tin in the Lyman 454190 mould. They work well in the .45acp case in the webleys and they are very reasonably priced - send a PM to Ben Hunchak on this forum.
 
Do you know what the max pressure is for the Colt 1911 in 45 acp?




jethunter said:
You shouldn't exceed about 12,000 psi in the WG. That is the maximum pressure of the cartridges it was designed for. The starting loads listed above for .45acp would be OK. Read this: http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku....-REVOLVERS-ALTERED--SHOOT-45-ACP--45-Auto-Rim

The WG should have been originally chambered for .455 webley or .476 Enfield. Sometime later the cylinder was modiifed to accept .45acp. That does not mean that you should shoot it with full power ACP, which will be in the 18,000 psi range.

Is your WG marked .455 or .476? Or both?
Click to expand...
 
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