Joe1956
Member
I've heard that revolvers converted from 455 to 45 acp are not accurate. Since there are so many out there I find this hard to believe. Anyone with first hand knowledge care to comment ?
455 to 45 acp conversions
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cgt4570
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It varies from gun to gun. They usually shoot just fine with proper hand loads and lead bullets. Most of them wouldn't shoot commercial jacketed bullets very well because of the bore dia.
powerkicker
Member
That is exactly my experience as well.
Robert W. Simms
Member
Here's the best recipe for accuracy in converted .455's that I know of. It has worked well for me in converted Colts and S&W revolvers. It works much better than just using standard .45 ACP dies, cases, & bullets.
Use dedicated cases. I use Starline .45 Auto Rim cases instead of moon clips, but moon clips will work with .45 ACP cases as long as you stay away from the plastic RIMZ clips. Since there are no headspace shoulders on a converted .455 revolver the RIMZ clips can cushion the firing pin fall and cause misfires (harder primers are more problematic than softer ones in this regard - duh).
Use a .45 Colt or .455 Webley sizing die instead of a .45 ACP sizing die. The original .455 case is slightly larger in diameter and the use of the .45 Colt/.455 dies will give a better chamber fit. Obviously, the first loads will have to fire-form, but after that the fit should be better.
Use a 255 grain cast lead bullet sized to .454" diameter. This is about as close to the original 265 grain .455" diameter bullet as you are likely to find. It will fit the bore well and the sights will be regulated very close.
Seat and roll-crimp (don't taper-crimp) the bullets in separate operations to avoid disorting the bullets.
Remember that the powder charge will have to be reduced from .45 ACP data due to the heavier bullet. 5.5 grains of Unique gives decent accuracy, but everyone has their own pet powder.
-Bob
Use dedicated cases. I use Starline .45 Auto Rim cases instead of moon clips, but moon clips will work with .45 ACP cases as long as you stay away from the plastic RIMZ clips. Since there are no headspace shoulders on a converted .455 revolver the RIMZ clips can cushion the firing pin fall and cause misfires (harder primers are more problematic than softer ones in this regard - duh).
Use a .45 Colt or .455 Webley sizing die instead of a .45 ACP sizing die. The original .455 case is slightly larger in diameter and the use of the .45 Colt/.455 dies will give a better chamber fit. Obviously, the first loads will have to fire-form, but after that the fit should be better.
Use a 255 grain cast lead bullet sized to .454" diameter. This is about as close to the original 265 grain .455" diameter bullet as you are likely to find. It will fit the bore well and the sights will be regulated very close.
Seat and roll-crimp (don't taper-crimp) the bullets in separate operations to avoid disorting the bullets.
Remember that the powder charge will have to be reduced from .45 ACP data due to the heavier bullet. 5.5 grains of Unique gives decent accuracy, but everyone has their own pet powder.
-Bob
44wheelman
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+1 to Mr Simms post.
1. slug your gun
2. buy bullets that fit
If correctly sized bullets are not available, use a softer lead bullet with a flat base or hollow base.
1. slug your gun
2. buy bullets that fit
If correctly sized bullets are not available, use a softer lead bullet with a flat base or hollow base.
My Hand Ejector has been fitted with a M1917 cylinder. The chamber mouths are a generous .454"+, so I handload .454" lead bullets for it, usually in Auto Rim brass, so I don't mix them up with rounds for my other .45s. I couldn't keep G.I. hardball on a dinner plate at 10 yds, but the lead bullet loads grouped at about 4". Still not stellar, but good enough for the serious plinking I do with the gun.
rburg
Member
We've discussed this subject at length in the past. A search of this part of the forum should turn up some of our posts.
Basically, there were so many different converters and styles of conversion that trying to make a blanket rule about them is doomed to failure. I've not owned that many of them, but some of my friends have. What I think we've concluded is that the ones rechambered for 45 Colt seem to work better and easier than the ones chambered for 45 ACP. Any number of reasons, but I'm sure the idea of the Colt loads coming mostly in lead are a factor.
I really don't like the conversions that have the rear of the cylinder shaved so far that they cut the serial off and some thin the extractor to the point where I don't trust it.
Basically, there were so many different converters and styles of conversion that trying to make a blanket rule about them is doomed to failure. I've not owned that many of them, but some of my friends have. What I think we've concluded is that the ones rechambered for 45 Colt seem to work better and easier than the ones chambered for 45 ACP. Any number of reasons, but I'm sure the idea of the Colt loads coming mostly in lead are a factor.
I really don't like the conversions that have the rear of the cylinder shaved so far that they cut the serial off and some thin the extractor to the point where I don't trust it.
dsf
Member
I have quite a few 1917s, an unconverted 455 and one converted to 45 LC. Made the mistake of loading .451 jacketed bullets into the converted one and accuracy was terrible. As suggested lead bullets sized to .454 diameter work best. I can't find anyone making a 250 to 260 jacketed slug in .454 diameter, that would work well also I think.
I'm also in agreement with the gang. Using .454 lead bullets seems to be the key...I use these exclusively in my converted 2nd Model, and seat them a bit 'long' versus the standard ACP load. It is important to keep these separate from any other ACP loads, 'cause they won't feed in a 1911! Buffalo Bullets does make some heavy .454 bullets that work well. These will rarely be a target gun, but generally cheap to shoot. I'm fond of WW 231 as my base powder, about 5.8 grains works well. Good luck!
MikeyL
S&WCA #2010
MikeyL
S&WCA #2010
dsf
Member
Just an FYI - most of the .454 diameter bullets were intended for use in SAA type revolvers and the cylinders on those guns may be longer than a converted Smith 455. Be certain you watch your OAL and do not automatically use the crimp groove to set OAL. You may end up with a cartridge just a touch to long.
Go ahead - ask how I know this ......
Go ahead - ask how I know this ......
wilshire1412
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My .455 to .45ACP conversion was done at some time in the past by an unknown gunsmith. It would appear that a 1950 military barrel was used to replace the .455 piece, it shoots very well with standard .45ACP whatever I feed it. I did have the barrel cut down a bit shorter to appeal to my own desire for a 4in. HD in .45 auto.
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