|
The .455 Webley Automatic Pistol cartridge has about the same ballistics as the .45 ACP, but it has a longer case and a rounder bullet than the ACP round, plus is semi-rimmed. Because of the rim, it can be chambered and fired in .455 revolvers, which were designed for a different cartridge of much lower pressure. The British War Office sent out a warning to NOT fire the .455 Webley Auto cartridge in ANY .455 service revolver as the gun could be blown up.
FWIW, the Colt .455 pistol is NOT the same as the .45 ACP gun and there are several significant differences. Because of the semi-rimmed round, the magazine is wider and the magazine well is wider to allow for that. The barrel is made without a sharp shoulder in the chamber since the .455 Auto is supported on its rim (like the .38 Super), not on the case mouth like the .45 ACP. That means the .45 ACP will not fire in the .455 pistol unless the cartridge is held by the extractor. The reverse won't work either, as the .455 Webley Auto won't feed or chamber properly in the .45 ACP pistol.
Jim
|