I have one of these guns...awesome piece, but feel like I'm done with moon clips, and moon tools.

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It would take a new cylinder to do that, as the headspace for the ACP w/clips/AR is roughly twice what is required for .45 Colt. Deepening the charge holes is no big deal, but there would then be nothing for the rims to bear against. If the 22-4 were .455, it would be a snap, but with the 1917-style cylinder, it's pretty much a no-go.
BTW, I have a 22-4 as well, and I use AR almost exclusively. You might want to try that.

Larry

I may be wrong but I don't think the rims on 45Colt will be thick enough and you'll have too much head space.

If it were me I'd buy some 45 AR brass. For the cost of a conversion you could buy a good supply of the auto rims and your gun will remain original. Brian Pearce had a good article on loading the AR in a recent Handloader. You can pretty much equal anything you would be able to do with the Colt cartridge.

Dan

Have you tried 45 ACP rimmed cases? Been thinking about trying them myself same reason

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Completely agree. The 25-15 is current production. Use that cylinder and cut back the forcing cone. Would be easier to inventory just the .45 Colt brass since I have other 45 Colts. That's my thought anyway.

I'll second the recommendation for going to 45 AR brass for your 22-4. Use that most of the time in my 625s. I'd put the dollars saved by not doing the conversion towards a 25-5. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I am with BigMuddy...I have a Colt 1917, and although I have the moon clips, and the moon tools, my favorite loads are the Auto Rims. They were developed around 1920 specifically to solve your problem. I have developed several loads with them, and the cases seem to last forever.

If you are a reloader, just lay in a supply of AR cases, and you can use most of the bullets that are suitable for the 45 ACP. Or you can use bullets designed for the 45 Colt as well.

Nice revolver, I think you would be ahead to do this, and then you would still be able to use the ACPs if you choose.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I don't mind the moon clips, but I made a tool for loading, and unloading. Seems the clips are holding up better using a tool then trying to shove them in by hand.

I hear ya guys. It does make sense to go the path of least resistance first. I'll give the AR brass a try.

Several of the top , most reknown gunsmiths have quit working on / converting S&W's, Hamilton Bowen , Dave Clements . There are other capable gunsmiths out there , can be a bit hard to find though with a good reputation .

I never cease to be amazed at the dislike and near hatred for moon clips. With all the loading and unloading tools available they aren't much more trouble than high capacity magazines that require mag loaders to top off. And once you have a dozen or more moon clips loaded a day at the range becomes a joy.

Oh well, to each his own. (smile)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

As I understand it, the reason those guys quit is partially employee attrition but largely the newer crush fit specs being so tight from the factory that they risk ruining parts. I think there was something to that efffect on Bowen website at some point.

At any rate, I envisioned a 25-15 cylinder swap, and trim work on the forcing cone, thus no barrel change. I gotta say, a revolver exactly like 22-4 in .45 COLT is very intriguing for some reason Nonetheless, I'll play with AR brass before doing any kind of surgery.

Groo here
If you want, Buffelo Bore has 45 auto rim loads that will hold there own
with most any 250gr 45 colt load you would want to shoot from that gun.
Before converting, get some and try it.
The kick maybe a little much...

Have you ever tried RIMZ poly moon clips? No tools, easy to load & unload. I use them for my 625JM. Great for range use. Bob

+1 on that. They are great for the range. Leave hollow points in the steel ones for home defense in my 325


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Nice article, Mr. Revolverguy!!! I have watched you on YouTube and am glad to see that you share my fondness for this cool cartridge!! I have and shoot lots of guns, so I can't say that I shoot thousands of rounds of the AR, but I have yet to lose a cartridge, either in the field, at the range, or through "wearing out"!! Once a fellow gets a good supply of these, they last very well.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I agree with Les. For what it's worth my 1917 is much more accurate with AR loaded to hardball specs than with ACP hardball itself.

The reason I like a 45 ACP revolver is THAT I GET TO USE MOONCLIPS which are different and interesting, and the cartridge itself is easier to reload on my Dillon. Otherwise, I would have just bought a Smith chambered in a traditional revolver cartridge such as 45 Colt or 44 Special which are great calibers.

Obviously, you need to invest in a good moonclip tool to make loading and unloading the clips easier. Once having done that, however, they are really not difficult to use. And for competitors or self-defense they are a much quicker reload.

Each to his own, but really, why take the one aspect of 45 ACP model revolvers that sets them apart from most others and not use and enjoy them for what they are?