The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Webley Mark V 1917, Converted

Slamfire · February 2, 2014, 11:49 AM

I do not recommend shooting standard 45ACP ammunition in these pistols as they were not built to withstand the pressures.

I have one of these and after testing it with a number of handloads, I am going to continue to use the lightest ones.

Whoever did the caliber conversion did it cheap and reamed the chamber mouths oversize.

I have no idea of the diameter of the barrel, but it must also be wide. I found .454 diameter bullets shot OK with a little leading. Smaller bullets gave more leading. I don’t have a mold that casts bullets .457, the larger dimensions are probably more appropriate.

I thought I would use some loads I developed in my 45 ACP revolvers. I had some Elmer Keith loads of a 250 with 6.5 grains Unique. That load was way to hot in a Webley. Actually stretched the top strap recess!

After that happened I realized that this mechanism is a lot weaker than any solid frame I have ever handled.

I also reconsidered using Elmer Keith loads in any of my 1917’s. His loads are entirely too hot for vintage pistols.

I eventually decided that 3.5 grains Bullseye was a good load. It shot to point of aim and was easy on the pistol.

Code:


45 Auto Rim				
					
455 Webley MkVI  	rechambered 45ACP		
	manufactured Enfield 1923			
					
255 LSWC  (.454)   3.5 grs Bullseye  thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers
	Jun-Aug 02
				
Ave Vel =	541		  	 	
Std Dev =	10		 	 	
ES =	42.44		 	 	
Low =	522		 	 	
High =	565		 	 	
N =	24	
	 	 	
 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards			
					
							
255 LSWC  (.454)  4.0 grs Bullseye  thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers
	20-Jan-02	T = 42 °F	
		
Ave Vel =	640		 	 	
Std Dev =	21		 	
ES =	79.1		  	
Low =	586		 	
High =	665		 	
N =	12		 	
 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards			
					
					
255 LSWC  (.454)  4.5 grs Bullseye  thrown, R-P Auto Rim cases, CCI300 primers
	20-Jan-02	T = 42  °F			
Ave Vel =	681				
Std Dev =	8				
ES =	28.4				
Low =	667				
High =	696				
N =	12	
			
 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards better accuracy

February 2, 2014, 11:49 AM	#8
Slamfire Senior Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 5,261	I do not recommend shooting standard 45ACP ammunition in these pistols as they were not built to withstand the pressures. I have one of these and after testing it with a number of handloads, I am going to continue to use the lightest ones. Whoever did the caliber conversion did it cheap and reamed the chamber mouths oversize. I have no idea of the diameter of the barrel, but it must also be wide. I found .454 diameter bullets shot OK with a little leading. Smaller bullets gave more leading. I don’t have a mold that casts bullets .457, the larger dimensions are probably more appropriate. I thought I would use some loads I developed in my 45 ACP revolvers. I had some Elmer Keith loads of a 250 with 6.5 grains Unique. That load was way to hot in a Webley. Actually stretched the top strap recess! After that happened I realized that this mechanism is a lot weaker than any solid frame I have ever handled. I also reconsidered using Elmer Keith loads in any of my 1917’s. His loads are entirely too hot for vintage pistols. I eventually decided that 3.5 grains Bullseye was a good load. It shot to point of aim and was easy on the pistol. Code: 45 Auto Rim 455 Webley MkVI rechambered 45ACP manufactured Enfield 1923 255 LSWC (.454) 3.5 grs Bullseye thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers Jun-Aug 02 Ave Vel = 541 Std Dev = 10 ES = 42.44 Low = 522 High = 565 N = 24 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards 255 LSWC (.454) 4.0 grs Bullseye thrown, R-P AR cases, CCI300 primers 20-Jan-02 T = 42 °F Ave Vel = 640 Std Dev = 21 ES = 79.1 Low = 586 High = 665 N = 12 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards 255 LSWC (.454) 4.5 grs Bullseye thrown, R-P Auto Rim cases, CCI300 primers 20-Jan-02 T = 42 °F Ave Vel = 681 Std Dev = 8 ES = 28.4 Low = 667 High = 696 N = 12 Shot to point of aim 25.0 yards better accuracy __________________ If I'm not shooting, I'm reloading.