455 webley load

pajtas

May 09, 2003 14:42

I have some 455 cases, and want to reload them. I am planning to use 230 grain 45 acp full jacketed bullets, andthe black powder subsitute
hodgdon pyrodex P. anyone knows how much powder to use? I am shooting webley MKI, MKII KMIII revolvers, Thanks in advance, Pajtas

joseph keresztessy

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  RancheroPaul

  May 09, 2003 16:25

  You might have some of these cases, but to load them up and shoot them using .45 acp 230 grain bullets certainly won't be the most accurate thing you've ever done......or maybe not the best, either. Here's why!
  
  The 455 Revolver MkI was adopted by the British army in 1892 to replace the 476 Mk III and the 455 Enfield Mk I ammunition. Despite the different caliber designation, these two cartridges actually have the same case dimension. They differ only in bullet diameter, type, and construction. The 476 was a blackpowder cartridge and so was the 455 Mk I at its inception. However, in 1894 the propellant was changed to the then new Cordite, and after a few years, it was found the smokeless powder burned more efficiently in a shorter case. Consequently a shorter case was adopted in 1897, and this altered round was designated as the 455 Revolver Mk II. This is the present 455 Webley familiar to most American Shooters. The case is shorter than the original Mk I case by .140 inches.
  
  The 455 Mk I, 455 Mk II, 455 Colt and the original 476 Revolver are all interchangeable and can all be fired in early British service arms. The 450 Revolver cartridge can also be fired in 455 revolvers.
  I'm not sure why you want to use Black Powder Substitute, (pyrodex) as a propellant as this was never used in anything but the Mk I Cartridges which used 18 grains of Black Powder....you simply filled the case and allowed enough room to seat the bullet. Now, considering 230 grain .45 acp bullets is another problem you should look at as they generally are sized at .451 or .452. Webley bullets are sized at .457 nominal and work best, especially if the bottom is a "hollow bottom" type that expands the base to make a good seal at the bullet leaves the chamber and barrel. If you just want to "throw away" some .45 acp lead....this would be a way but don't expect any type of accuracy because most will be "flyers" going everywhere except where you want them. Check you cases for length and head stamp. Cases should be .740 to .750 in length. There are some 265 grain RNL bullets out there with the "hollow bottom" that are made for the Webley Mk II. If you have cases with a length of .890 or .870, you can use these also as the chambers of the .455 guns are set to take cases about .950 long with the cases headspacing if that long.
  
  Presently, I have 250 of the Webley 265 grain bullets if you're interested in them. I also have some great recipes for loading and shooting these old 455 Revolvers including the British, Smith & Wesson and the Colt .455 Colt/Eley. I would recommend you reconsider trying to use the .45 acp bullets........ padams@aros.net
  
  "Life is FRAGILE!" Handle With Care!

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  Xracer

  May 10, 2003 04:46

  You probably should slug the bores....you might be surprised at what you find.
  
  My Mark VI slugs to .4515....same as most of my .45ACP's. If they slug larger, you might be able to use bullets designed for the .45 (Long) Colt (.454 nominal).

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