Webley .455

Good afternoon all,
Would any one know a source for reputable load data for a No.1 mkVI webley revolver? Particularly a powder that is still obtainable in the UK and a finished round that is suitably stable to be kept for some time. The intended use is humane dispatch so relatively few rounds fired, a lot of sitting around time and then the occasion short distance shot. I do have an exp cert so black is an option but I’d rather not have the smoke if can be helped.

I was planning to use the MP mould for the MK2 bullet and get some Bertram brass.

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Originally Posted by Micheal Doyne

Good afternoon all,
Would any one know a source for reputable load data for a No.1 mkVI webley revolver? Particularly a powder that is still obtainable in the UK and a finished round that is suitably stable to be kept for some time. The intended use is humane dispatch so relatively few rounds fired, a lot of sitting around time and then the occasion short distance shot. I do have an exp cert so black is an option but I’d rather not have the smoke if can be helped.

I was planning to use the MP mould for the MK2 bullet and get some Bertram brass.

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The MP mold is excellent. You will not be disappointed. There is current published load data for Bullseye, Unique, Blue dot and Trail boss. The sheet that comes with the Lee loader contains suitable load data. I use 3.4gns bullseye and the 265 HB projectile or 3.6gns Trail Boss. The Unique load data contained in some older loading manuals varies wildly (up to around 6 grains). I have loaded hotter loads only in a S&W hand ejector. For the Mk V and VI which are nitro proofed I would recommend a starting load of 3.8 grains if using unique. I always use a firm crimp. Good luck,

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Originally Posted by Omark

The MP mold is excellent. You will not be disappointed. There is current published load data for Bullseye, Unique, Blue dot and Trail boss. The sheet that comes with the Lee loader contains suitable load data. I use 3.4gns bullseye and the 265 HB projectile or 3.6gns Trail Boss. The Unique load data contained in some older loading manuals varies wildly (up to around 6 grains). I have loaded hotter loads only in a S&W hand ejector. For the Mk V and VI which are nitro proofed I would recommend a starting load of 3.8 grains if using unique. I always use a firm crimp. Good luck,

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Thank you very much. I was hoping the lee dies would have the load data, but as my lee loading manual was blank for .455 I was a little worried.

if you google Lee load data sheet .455 it will come up. Good luck with your loading. I see your in the UK - are you now able to shoot revolvers? In NZ the government has left handguns alone for the time being with their "bans" and confiscations. Only time will tell. After what we have been through here I have decided to shoot my Webleys as much as I can. So much so that I recently shot an unfired condition 1923 Enfield mk vi in .455.

if you can find it in the UK the starline brass is very good and uses large primers.

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Originally Posted by Omark

if you google Lee load data sheet .455 it will come up. Good luck with your loading. I see your in the UK - are you now able to shoot revolvers?

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Regrettably not.. "Heritage pistols" can be shot in very limited circumstances and every effort is made to make this as difficult as possible.

Frankly I am surprised that the OPs Police force have agreed to him possessing a Webley for HD.. most forces insist on a butchered two shot pistol for this these days..

Starline Brass has done a run of .455 Webley MKII cases. You make want to check to see if they have a dealer in the UK. You can also trim and turn down the rim of their .45 Schofield cases as well. I found the.45 Schofield cases works better than the .45 Colt.

The intended use is very low volume shooting, I’m limited to 10rnds max so the £2.50 of Bertram brass isn’t an issue.

My light .455 load is Starline brass a 250gr bullet over 4.4Gr HP38/W231.
1.270" OAL
Crimp as with any revolver round.
3.6Gr of N320 is about the same