45 ACP in a 455 Webley Revolver

challenger_i

It is my understanding that the Webley service revolvers had a 454 bore.
Has any one had any accuracy issues, shooting 45 ACP in the Webleys? When reloading, will I run into any case issues, loading a 454-sized slug in the 45 auto, or ato rim, case?

Thanks!

slumlord44

I have had a .455 Webley for 35 years. It is my house gun loaded with Black Tallons. It is a large gun that should make an intruder think twice. In order to use .45 ACP with half moon clips or .45 auto rim, somethin like .045 must be machined off the face of the cylinder. If this has not already been done to your gun, I would not recomend it in order to maintain collectable status of the gun. Some sources say that the bores are oversize for the standard .45 bullets. I have not found this to be the case with mine. Had a round with only a primer leave a bullet stuck in the barrel. Drove it out and found the rifleing to be fully engaged on the bullet. I have found accuracy to be more than adequate at combat distances up to 25 yards. Mine is more accurate with hardball than lead bullets. I would recomend staying with standard loads. Some say the action is weak but to me it is built like a tank. Keep in mind that it is an old gun. Love the one I have. Hope this is of help.

Xracer

I have an Enfield Mk. VI (same as the Webley Mk. VI) that was converted to .45ACP.

Since I cast my own bullets and handload, I slugged the bore and found it measured .4514....same as several of the M1911s I own (or close enough as to make no difference).

BTW, just FYI, I have several new, replacement, WWII GI M1911A1 barrels (Colt, Remington, High Standard, Flannery Bolt) and they vary between .4507 and .4515.

challenger_i

Thanks, guys!
The revolver I purchased has been machined to handle the 45 acp/45 ar, so that issue is settled. While it may affect collector's value, I bought the old girl for shooting, so I'm square there.

I'm surprised that the Ball ammo shoots better than cast. Oh, well: makes my job easier![:D]
Book loads will do me just fine. I haven't seen a paper target jump out of the way, yet!

Again, thanks!

dfletcher

If you run into a .454, .455 sized bore and reload you can get those diameter sized bullets from Penn Reloading - they'll size specifically for .451 to .455 & anything in between. And they make a 225 grain full wadcutter. I use it in my 25 and accuracy is excellent @ 25 yds.

Hawk Carse

Don't load it too heavily.
.45 ACP standard pressure is at or above proof test pressure for .455 Webley. Shoot full charge ammo and you are treading on the gun's safety margin, big and stout as it may be. I'd use not more than .45 Auto Rim loads, which are themselves lighter than ACP.