Opinions on shaved .455 2nd model HE

[45Guy]

Just out of curiosity, what are the opinions on the .45 Colt conversions? One would think SAAMI spec cast colt loads would be A-ok. If I recall correctly, the first N frames submitted to the Brits were converted .44 specials. So you have .455 at 13,000, .45 Colt at 14,000, and .44 Spcl at 15,500... So I'm thinking some of the powder puff factory loads such as the Federal 225 LSWCHP at ~ 800 FPS wouldn't even be a hiccup for one of these.

 

[opoefc]

Shoot anything you can fit in the cylinder. If it blows up, no great loss as the gun is a shooter, and has no value as a collectible. Be sure to wear gloves, helmet and safety eyewear. Ed. ( What I'm trying to point out here is that the gun is a CONVERSION, which means it was not done by S&W and who knows what stresses the non-heat treated cylinder, frame, forcing cone, etc. have already be subject to by prior owners. Maybe the next hot Keith loaded Ruger round will be the gun's demise.)

 

[45Guy]

Yeah, that was the jackassery I expected. I'll be sure to run some of my Ruger only loads through it just for you.

 

[Tom K]

Nice looking old gun. You can get a replacement lanyard ring and pin from Gun Parts Corporation (Numrich Arms).

I have a couple of .455s converted to .45 Colt - a First Model Hand Ejector (Triple Lock) converted to a target model, and a 2nd Model like yours. I wouldn't put anything hotter than standard loads through it, but it should work fine. I wouldn't be surprised if there are more converted .455s in .45 Colt and .45ACP than there are left original .455 and if they were a problem, we probably would've heard about it.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/381234-range-45-colts-44-specials.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/344064-tulsa-finds.html#post137538228

Have fun with it.

 

[45Guy]

This one never had a lanyard.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I have a converted .455 Triple Lock and as long as you stick to factory level .45LC loads you will be fine.

 

[Texas Star]

Keep in mind that those cylinders were not heat treated. The only reason why cylinders were treated on US M-1917 .45's is that the Govt. insisted on that.

Skeeter Skelton had a 1917 .45 cylinder that cracked from using Keith's .45 auto rim load. But he had put quite a few through it before that happened.

I think .45 ACP loads work at about what was PROOF pressure for the .455.

But I haven't heard of any failures with .45 Colt conversions used at factory .45 Colt pressures. I think that Federal ammo asked about in the OP is rated at some 900FPS. Bullet bearing surface may also be greater than for conventional RN bullets.

Let us know what happens. I found that an accurate load in a 4.75-inch barreled Colt SAA. I like the looks of the ctg.

 

[alwslate]

I have one that has been converted to 45 acp/AR and I suppose it
is considered safe with 45 acp ball ammo. My intention however is to
fire only lead bullet handloads in AR brass and keep pressures down
around 14,000 psi. It's in good condition and I want it to stay that
way.

 

[H Richard]

I've got one that has been converted to 38 Special. In excellent condition, and when I saw it in the case at Cabela's I couldn't tell that anything had been done from the original except the front sight had been altered. That pricked my curiosity and when they got it out of the case it was tagged, "No caliber marking". The barrel and chambers were sleeved and done very professionally. Yes, a .357 will fit, but I wouldn't fire one in it.

 

[45Guy]

Texas, they originally advertised it as 900 fps at the muzzle, but I never got near that out of the 4 5/8 on my old model Vaquero. I think they've now revised it down to 832 on the packaging.

Not really concerned with prior stresses, as it sat in a drawer losing finish since the 60's, until the owner passed. It looks like Hell, but is mechanically superior to the last batch of trade in 10-6s that went through. I suppose I could have it magnafluxed, but the apparent risk involved with the occasional light load really doesn't warrant it.

I am thinking I should have gone with the original verbage in my second post to really hammer home its facetious nature. Please preface the final sentence with: "Let me find my interceptor and riot mask," and conclude with, "In the lane next to you at the range."

 

[glowe]

Yeah, that was the jackassery I expected. I'll be sure to run some of my Ruger only loads through it just for you.

That was the jackassery I expected from an OP who really does not want opinions from others . . . even though he asked for them?????

When people use the term "factory" that means little to me, unless they are aware of the pressures measured by the load they are shooting. I can find "factory" 45 Colt ammunition with pressures around 20,000 psi, but would never shoot it in a non-heat treated 455 cylinder. As you state, the standard pressures of early 1900s 455 caliber ammo was 14,000psi. I would not go above that with any conversion calibers. Anything above 700 fps should give satisfactory results on target, so why go any higher? There is a thread that shows a 455 cylinder after it had exploded, so any cautions are meant to keep you healthy and safe.

 

[45Guy]

That was the jackassery I expected from an OP who really does not want opinions from others . . . even though he asked for them?????

Did you even read the OP? I am well aware of SAAMI max and advertised pressure of the SPECIFIC LOAD referenced. The pre edit, "Shoot anything you can fit in the cylinder. If it blows up, no great loss as the gun is a shooter, and has no value as a collectible. Be sure to wear gloves, helmet and safety eyewear. Ed.." Is neither constructive, useful, or in good taste. If you believe it does not fall into the realm of jack assery, you may have a few issues. Decorum always, but one must at times call a spade a spade.

Any specifics available on the circumstances behind the photo of the failed .45 Colt conversion? Any S&W product will come apart when a jack *** is at the helm, and it has nothing to do with the heat treat: https://www.google.com/search?q=mod...66&bih=643#q=smith+and+wesson+kaboom&tbm=isch

 

[glowe]

Any specifics available on the circumstances behind the photo of the failed .45 Colt conversion? Any S&W product will come apart when a jack *** is at the helm, and it has nothing to do with the heat treat.

I have never given much weight to the "heat treatment" issues reported with early S&W revolvers, or any other brand of that era, since I just do not shoot for the fastest loads available. As I said, 700 fps has worked just fine for my vintage revolvers for many years.

As usual, there was little information behind the cylinder failure, but I can almost be certain of the reason - too much (or the wrong type) powder resulting in pressures beyond the limits of the gun.

 

[bettis1]

The Factory shipped the .455 Mark II HE 2nd Models in .45 Colt in 1917 (not conversions) so whatever pressure was in vogue at that time should be good to go. Exceeding that is your call.

Bob

 

[Jack Flash]

... Exceeding that is your call.

In other words, don't do it!