Low pressure .45 ACP for Webley?

[Continental Op]

I really want to get an old Webley revolver shaved for .45 ACP, but am having trouble locating ammo. I know I can't safely use factory ammo because the pressure is too high for what was originally a .455 Webley.

I do not reload and it's not realistic that I start anytime soon.

Does anyone know where to buy .45 ACP or .45 AR loaded with lead bullets to a pressure safe for a MK IV, V, or VI Webley?

Thanks

 

[Rock185]

Within the last 5 years I checked into this. I could not find any major manufacturer or "Boutique" manufacturer ammo loaded to lower pressure that might be acceptable to shoot in my old MK VI. I reload, so that question was settled for me. I have a Dillon press for other things, but only an old single stage press to reload light .45 ACP and .45 Auto Rim ammo for the old Webley. But the old Webley does not get shot a lot, so it's still worth the effort to me.

A work around you might consider if you acquire one of the shaved Webleys, is purchase of one of the spacer rings that allow the gun to use the original factory .455 ammo. Just out of curiosity, I bought one of these rings, and have used factory Fiocchi .455 ammo in mine. Works just fine.

I attached an internet photo of the type of ring/conversion plate I'm talking about.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Good idea to keep the pressures low. I wish I could help, but I just haven't seen anything like low pressure loads for the 45ACP recently. Seems like there still should be a bullseye load of either a 185 grain SWC or a 200 grain SWC, but I've only seen handloads (mine included) at my local club.

 

[Continental Op]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I was afraid that was going to be the answer. I think .455 is pretty expensive. My dad belongs to a very nice club and, judging by their swap meets, there's a bunch of reloaders there. I'll ask him to ask around to see if anyone is willing to load me 300 rounds. That would hold me for a while.

 

[jimmyj]

/45 acp

Your Mk VI Webley's value will decrease if you have the cylinder shaved.

Thanks for the responses, guys. I was afraid that was going to be the answer. I think .455 is pretty expensive. My dad belongs to a very nice club and, judging by their swap meets, there's a bunch of reloaders there. I'll ask him to ask around to see if anyone is willing to load me 300 rounds. That would hold me for a while.

 

[deadin]

Don't shave it !!!
If it is in any kind of decent condition I'm sure you could find any number of folks that would gladly trade you a shaved one and throw in some cash.



Which Mark is it ?

 

[gwpercle]

Do Not have the Webley shaved ... unaltered are worth so much more and 455 empty cases and loaded ammo are / were available .
If you want a shooter ...buy one already altered or take up reloading .
A Lee Hand Press Starter Kit ($53.99) & a set of Lee .455 dies (26.61) from Midway will get you reloading for only $80.60 .
The Lee dies come with a shell holder and powder scoop for charging cases ... it's a neat little reloading set up .
Gary

 

[DWalt]

I'll also add - do not shave the cylinder. Ever.

 

[deadin]

Even with a shaved cylinder it's going to be pretty much a handload scheme. You cannot safely shoot regular 45 ACP in a Webley. I've been told the 45 Auto Rim is loaded down, but it is almost as hard to find as 455. Also, if you want the Webley to shoot anywhere near to POA, you need to use 265 gr, slugs.


If you are still determined to shoot a converted Webley, we might should have a talk. I have a "shooter" shaved MkVI that I would be more than willing to work up some sort of a trade. To sweeten the pot I also have a spare Lee Hand press, powder measure, moon clips and I could probably chase up a set of 45 acp dies.


Keep me in mind.....


Dean

 

[Buick]

Just get the Fiocchi .455 ammo. Excellent ammo and not expensive.

 

[Herky Bird]

I also vote for NOT shaving the cylinder of irreplaceable piece of history.
Steinel Ammunition does has 455 Webley for sale at a decent price:

455 Webley 265gr Round Nose - Steinel Ammunition Co

 

[2152hq]

I read the OP's posting that the Webley was already shaved and that he was just looking for appropriate 45acp pressure ammo for it.

Whatever the case,,reloading is a way to shooting these in either their orig caliber or in 45acp.

The new standby of Trailboss powder can be used to insure low pressures in either.
With some searching, there are quite a few lower pressure loads available for the 45acp also.
Cowboy reload data for the 45 Schofield may offer another starting point or reduce by 10%.

Webley cylinders quite often have undersize throats, some by quite a lot.
Stick to cast bullets on the soft side to avoid splitting the cylinder. Stay away from jacketed stuff.
Don't try and make a 45magnum out of it

 

[deadin]

I really want to get an old Webley revolver shaved for .45 ACP

Doesn't sound like he has ruined it....yet.

 

[Dave_n]

You can buy the 265 proper heads from Jet Bullets in Canada and Starline carry the 0.455 Mk II cases. Or if already shaved, then substitute 45 AR (again from Starline) and you then have the "Shaved Webley's loads". Have been doing this for years, or simply substitute Colt 45 250 grain lead heads sized to 0.454 (which is the Webley calibre) into either of the cases. Works well in my shaved Webley/Enfield Mk VIs (yes, Enfield did make Mk VIs after WWI) and 0.455 S&W Mk II in both 0.455 and 0.45 LC (though have to use the Cowboy loadings dues to cylinder length. Dave_n

 

[Continental Op]

To clarify, I don't even own a Webley yet. I'm looking to buy one that is already shaved. I would never alter a historic gun.

I want one that's already shaved because they're less expensive than the unaltered ones and I thought it would be cheaper to feed it and didn't realize it would be difficult to find low pressure lead loads in ACP or AR cases.

I am not in a position to start reloading at this stage in my life. Maybe when the kids are grown and I have more free time and space.

 

[Continental Op]

Just get the Fiocchi .455 ammo. Excellent ammo and not expensive.

It's close to $1 a round at Midway right now.

SGAmmo has better prices, especially if you buy a case, but it's still pricey.