.45 ACP Webley

Josafoot · 07-10-2017, 06:36 AM

I figured someone on here might be able to give me a good answer about this:

Is most commercially available .45 ACP not safe to shoot in a Webley Mk VI that has been cut down to .45 ACP. I would not mind picking up one but I have heard some pretty bad horror stories about the Webley's breaking or even backfiring from High pressure .45 ACP.

Also, what is the going rate for a cut webley Mk VI?

Karl · 07-10-2017, 10:47 AM

Alex,

You are correct about not shooting commercial ammo in a cut .45 Webley. In addition to the load being too hot, the Webley requires a lead bullet because of the forcing cones built into the chambers in the cylinder. A blown apart cylinder is a real possibility. At a minimum, firing commercial .45 ACP will quickly work the action loose due to the weak break-open locking system. With handloads, the Webley is a fun and accurate shooter.

As for prices, note that most Webley large frame military revolvers are cut. In my opinion, you should be able to find a good one in the $600. - $700. range.

KFS

DonVoigt · 07-10-2017, 10:51 AM

Yes,
Webley revolvers have been "broken" when over stressed by continual firing of .45 acp rounds.
The ACP is as hot or hotter than the proof round for the .455 caliber.

That said many have been fired for years with .45acp and still exist- though I don't recommend nor do I fire .45acp in a Webley.

I would not buy one that has been cut with intention of firing it either, you have no way to know how many rounds of .45acp have already been fired it it and it may be a the point of failure.

Cost/price you can find by looking at the online auctions; they do vary quite a bit.

You may have seen this picture or similar ones before.

Sergio Natali · 07-10-2017, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonVoigt

Yes,
Webley revolvers have been "broken" when over stressed by continual firing of .45 acp rounds.
The ACP is as hot or hotter than the proof round for the .455 caliber.

That said many have been fired for years with .45acp and still exist- though I don't recommend nor do I fire .45acp in a Webley.

I would not buy one that has been cut with intention of firing it either, you have no way to know how many rounds of .45acp have already been fired it it and it may be a the point of failure.

Cost/price you can find by looking at the online auctions; they do vary quite a bit.

You may have seen this picture or similar ones before.

Goodness it's quite scary!

Chickenthief · 07-10-2017, 01:44 PM

Food for thought:
http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.c...CP-45-Auto-Rim

Josafoot · 07-10-2017, 04:44 PM

Thanks, As usual the luger forums provides excellent answers at a timely rate.

I have seen some of the photos and the article linked above. I also wanted to check with what I consider to be a very reliable source. I do have a few questions about this still:

1. Of the three pictures, the one with the casings confuses me as to what actually happened there. Any thoughts?

2. Is there a good source for .455 ammo? I am not really set up for reloading but it looks like .455 ammo is scarce or very expensive. Is this true or am I not looking in the correct spots.

3. Where can I find the proper loading information for both .455 and .45 ACP, for webley's. More specifically, for blank shooting but general knowledge as well. There appears to be quite a variety of issues webley .455 ammo.

rolandtg · 07-10-2017, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josafoot

Thanks, As usual the luger forums provides excellent answers at a timely rate.
1. Of the three pictures, the one with the casings confuses me as to what actually happened there. Any thoughts?

Looks like the shooter was using a full-moon clip and had fired three rounds and the failure occurred upon firing the fourth round.

rhuff · 07-11-2017, 03:47 PM

If you decide to try your hand at handloading, and own a Webley converted to 45ACP, I will be more than happy to help you develop some very "soft" loads for it. Off the top of my head, I don't know of any factory 455 Webley revolver ammo for sale currently. I would expect it to be pricey if found. I will look for some if you wish.

I own a 1914 Colt 1911 in 455 Eley auto. This ammo is like "hen's teeth" to find, and very pricey. It can be made from other brass cut down and handloaded.

kurusu · 07-11-2017, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhuff

If you decide to try your hand at handloading, and own a Webley converted to 45ACP, I will be more than happy to help you develop some very "soft" loads for it. Off the top of my head, I don't know of any factory 455 Webley revolver ammo for sale currently. I would expect it to be pricey if found. I will look for some if you wish.

I own a 1914 Colt 1911 in 455 Webley auto. This ammo is like "hen's teeth" to find, and very pricey. It can be made from other brass cut down and handloaded.

Fiocchi still makes them.

07-10-2017, 06:36 AM	#1
Josafoot User Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 37 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	.45 ACP Webley I figured someone on here might be able to give me a good answer about this: Is most commercially available .45 ACP not safe to shoot in a Webley Mk VI that has been cut down to .45 ACP. I would not mind picking up one but I have heard some pretty bad horror stories about the Webley's breaking or even backfiring from High pressure .45 ACP. Also, what is the going rate for a cut webley Mk VI?

07-10-2017, 10:51 AM	#3
DonVoigt User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: near Charlotte NC Posts: 4,681 Thanks: 1,441 Thanked 4,350 Times in 2,040 Posts	Yes, Webley revolvers have been "broken" when over stressed by continual firing of .45 acp rounds. The ACP is as hot or hotter than the proof round for the .455 caliber. That said many have been fired for years with .45acp and still exist- though I don't recommend nor do I fire .45acp in a Webley. I would not buy one that has been cut with intention of firing it either, you have no way to know how many rounds of .45acp have already been fired it it and it may be a the point of failure. Cost/price you can find by looking at the online auctions; they do vary quite a bit. You may have seen this picture or similar ones before. Attached Thumbnails Attached Images __________________ 03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector. Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie

07-10-2017, 10:47 AM	#2
Karl Lifer - Twice Over Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Savannah Posts: 522 Thanks: 0 Thanked 271 Times in 118 Posts	Alex, You are correct about not shooting commercial ammo in a cut .45 Webley. In addition to the load being too hot, the Webley requires a lead bullet because of the forcing cones built into the chambers in the cylinder. A blown apart cylinder is a real possibility. At a minimum, firing commercial .45 ACP will quickly work the action loose due to the weak break-open locking system. With handloads, the Webley is a fun and accurate shooter. As for prices, note that most Webley large frame military revolvers are cut. In my opinion, you should be able to find a good one in the $600. - $700. range. KFS

07-10-2017, 01:44 PM	#5
Chickenthief User Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Denmark Posts: 135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 131 Times in 48 Posts	Food for thought: http://britishmilitariaforums.yuku.c...CP-45-Auto-Rim

07-10-2017, 04:44 PM	#6
Josafoot User Join Date: Feb 2017 Posts: 37 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks, As usual the luger forums provides excellent answers at a timely rate. I have seen some of the photos and the article linked above. I also wanted to check with what I consider to be a very reliable source. I do have a few questions about this still: 1. Of the three pictures, the one with the casings confuses me as to what actually happened there. Any thoughts? 2. Is there a good source for .455 ammo? I am not really set up for reloading but it looks like .455 ammo is scarce or very expensive. Is this true or am I not looking in the correct spots. 3. Where can I find the proper loading information for both .455 and .45 ACP, for webley's. More specifically, for blank shooting but general knowledge as well. There appears to be quite a variety of issues webley .455 ammo.

07-11-2017, 03:47 PM	#8
rhuff Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Az. Posts: 2,291 Thanks: 2,709 Thanked 972 Times in 717 Posts	If you decide to try your hand at handloading, and own a Webley converted to 45ACP, I will be more than happy to help you develop some very "soft" loads for it. Off the top of my head, I don't know of any factory 455 Webley revolver ammo for sale currently. I would expect it to be pricey if found. I will look for some if you wish. I own a 1914 Colt 1911 in 455 Eley auto. This ammo is like "hen's teeth" to find, and very pricey. It can be made from other brass cut down and handloaded.