45ar in Webley revolver

[792mauser]

I picked up a Webley mk2 that has been cut for 45auto rim.
Anyone have any info on loading for this antique.

[Suck My Glock]

I recall reading up on loading for the .455 Webely round back in the day, and it seemed all the loads were just about 100 fps slower than anything of equivalent projectile weight in .45acp. .45AutoRim was (unless I remember incorrectly) nearly identical load data as for A.C.P.

I would extrapolate from that that the Webely itself would not do well with a steady diet of what might be considered "warm" load data for .45acp. One fellow I knew back in the 80s who had one of these only loaded the lighter cast projectiles, like 185 and 200 grn. swc because he was paranoid of over-stressing the old girl.

[shooter444]

792mauser,... I load 45 Auto Rim for my S&W 325PD ultra lite with full lead wad cutters and Trail Boss powder. I would have to double check, but, I believe Auto Rim brass isn't loaded any different than regular 45acp brass. I load all my straight wall, and some bottle neck calibers, with Trail Boss Powder, to produce very safe light loads, even at max capacity.

If you follow the load data for Trail Boss and start low, as recommended, you should realize just how safe the loads are, very quickly.

After many pounds, and many different calibers, for many years now,... I just go to max load and don't think twice, even with a new caliber, I have not loaded for,... that is how safe Trail Boss powder is, to me. Some guys don't like Trail Boss powder because it looks and measures different from ALL other powders, but, I have no problems and actually like it better because of my single stage press, one at a time, hands on loading style.

You may want to give it a try, I can't think of many other powders, for your specific situation, that would be as good.

[needsmostuff]

What 444says is true for the cartridge but I would have some reservations about the gun.
A MKII is an old dude. Not real sure but I believe about 1894-1898ish . In any case , a gun designed for black powder. Due to the bulky nature of Trailboss it may well be your best bet but I would sure stay at the bottom end .
As far as loads try searching loads for the 455 Webley and starting loads should work well in the AR brass.
Bullets ? You will need to avoid jacketed and stay with a soft lead . I believe originally they used a hollow based bullet for expansion to the bore. Maybe find bullets cast for the webey.
They should be sized large, up to .455 or whatever is a snug fit in the cylinder chamber mouth.
The gun is well made and stouter loads probably will not grenade it but will hasten it becoming loose.
Top breaks have several stretchy points and can get pretty sloppy.

[792mauser]

I ended up loading up 50 45AR with a 250gr lead round nose and a case full of Alliant black mz.

She's a handful.

Looked get up and, yup she's pretty much a black powder only revolver.

[792mauser]

I love me some trail boss.
Use the snout out of it with 38 s&w, 38 special and 45 colt and even my 300 win mag.

Don't know why didn't think of trail boss for her.

[shooter444]

So, let us know how Trail Boss works out for you,... you may want to consider dropping down to 200 grain lead, or less.

[792mauser]

Fired 100 rounds at C2 from the old girl with a 200 grain bullet and 1.9 grains of trail boss.

Got a not bad for me 3" group at 10 yards with her bad sights.

[shooter444]

That's a mighty light load,... can't see you getting into trouble with that Webley, at that charge.

[792mauser]

No need to stress the old girl.
She hit the century mark before I was even in high school.

[shooter444]

Yup, I hear ya,... I have a Uberti 1873 Colt clone I delegated to just Trail Boss charged snake shot loads, made with 444 brass, I have no need to hot rod it, either.

Best snake gun EVER!!!

[792mauser]

That sounds like a fun little piece.

I had a old beater 22 single shot that had a toasted barrel. Keyholed damn near anything we shot through it.
She didn't do to bad with shot shells inside of 10 feet. We'd play mini skeet by tossing chalk pieces into the air. Managed to hit more than a few and missed a lot.

I need to hit up Wal-Mart for some more chalk.

[shooter444]

Very Fun! It has a 7.5" barrel on it with a 12" waiting on the shelf,... but, it holds such a great pattern out to ten yards with #6 shot, I doubt going longer could improve it.

Never considered shooting chalk/skeet with a pistol, but that does sound like fun, also!

All the best to you, with the Webley!

[samnev]

I load my 45 ACP with 230 grain hard cast bullets and 6 grains of Unique. I use only 5 grains of Unique in my Mk VI Webley.

[792mauser]

I need to find myself a mk VI.