Webley mk5
- Thread starter gasmandave
- Start date
RevolvingGarbage
Member
Congrats!
I take it you're aware of the needed caution in exactly which ammunition is relatively safe to fire in a converted Mk.V?
I love the look of the older birds head gripped Webleys such as yours, but im glad I have a Mk.VI all the same.
I take it you're aware of the needed caution in exactly which ammunition is relatively safe to fire in a converted Mk.V?
I love the look of the older birds head gripped Webleys such as yours, but im glad I have a Mk.VI all the same.
Dave DeLaurant
Member
I would also recommend limiting shooting to tailored handloads in the Webley top-breaks. I don't trust any commercial reloads or factory fodder for this.
Matt's Bullets offers a copy of the .455 service bullet, as well as a .45 HBWC that kinda/sorta approximates the .455
"Manstopper":
Both shoot well in my MkVI, which unfortunately also features a shaved cylinder. A case loaded with Trail Boss about 90% full (to the base of the seated bullet) gives good, consistent results at safe pressures. Decent accuracy at about 550-600 fps, depending on the bullet. They also shoot just fine in my other .45 ACP revolvers.
I load my Webley fodder in .45 Auto Rim cases to segregate from the full-power .45 ACP loads for my 1911.
There's some .455 Webley reloading data here that can serve as a starting point. Reduce a bit -- .45 ACP cases typically have slightly less internal volume.
Since Auto Rim brass is pretty scarce right now, consider some other method for distinguishing the lighter Webley loads from standard .45 ACP, assuming you shoot both. Perhaps storing loaded ammo on moonclips instead of in boxes?
Matt's Bullets offers a copy of the .455 service bullet, as well as a .45 HBWC that kinda/sorta approximates the .455
"Manstopper":
260 Grain Round Nose Hollow Base Webley (.455)-455-260-RN-We
www.mattsbullets.com
240 Grain Hollow Base Wadcutter (.452)-452-240-HBWC
www.mattsbullets.com
Both shoot well in my MkVI, which unfortunately also features a shaved cylinder. A case loaded with Trail Boss about 90% full (to the base of the seated bullet) gives good, consistent results at safe pressures. Decent accuracy at about 550-600 fps, depending on the bullet. They also shoot just fine in my other .45 ACP revolvers.
I load my Webley fodder in .45 Auto Rim cases to segregate from the full-power .45 ACP loads for my 1911.
There's some .455 Webley reloading data here that can serve as a starting point. Reduce a bit -- .45 ACP cases typically have slightly less internal volume.
Reloading for the 455 Webley Revolvers - Revivaler
After World War II the British government were keen to sell off all surplus military equipment to get some hard cash to begin the process of financial recovery. The “big gun ships” of empire were almost...
revivaler.com
Since Auto Rim brass is pretty scarce right now, consider some other method for distinguishing the lighter Webley loads from standard .45 ACP, assuming you shoot both. Perhaps storing loaded ammo on moonclips instead of in boxes?
Pat Riot
Contributing Member
My thought: That’s Cool! 
Congratulations on a great find. 
Congratulations on a great find. 
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Nice Webley!
Rockrivr1
Member
I would also recommend limiting shooting to tailored handloads in the Webley top-breaks. I don't trust any commercial reloads or factory fodder for this.
Matt's Bullets offers a copy of the .455 service bullet, as well as a .45 HBWC that kinda/sorta approximates the .455
"Manstopper":
260 Grain Round Nose Hollow Base Webley (.455)-455-260-RN-We
www.mattsbullets.com
240 Grain Hollow Base Wadcutter (.452)-452-240-HBWC
www.mattsbullets.com
Both shoot well in my MkVI, which unfortunately also features a shaved cylinder. A case loaded with Trail Boss about 90% full (to the base of the seated bullet) gives good, consistent results at safe pressures. Decent accuracy at about 550-600 fps, depending on the bullet. They also shoot just fine in my other .45 ACP revolvers.
View attachment 1200471
I load my Webley fodder in .45 Auto Rim cases to segregate from the full-power .45 ACP loads for my 1911.
There's some .455 Webley reloading data here that can serve as a starting point. Reduce a bit -- .45 ACP cases typically have slightly less internal volume.
Reloading for the 455 Webley Revolvers - Revivaler
After World War II the British government were keen to sell off all surplus military equipment to get some hard cash to begin the process of financial recovery. The “big gun ships” of empire were almost...revivaler.com
Since Auto Rim brass is pretty scarce right now, consider some other method for distinguishing the lighter Webley loads from standard .45 ACP, assuming you shoot both. Perhaps storing loaded ammo on moonclips instead of in boxes?
Definitely this! Running full load 45 acp through a trimmed down Webley is the fastest way to turn your Webley into a grenade. I run reduce power 45 Auto Rim ammo through it with no issue.
This is from another forum from a guy that ran full loads 45s through his Webley. Not a good outcome!
Standard 45 ACP ammo is loaded to what would be proof pressures for a Webley. Even if it doesn't blow up, it WILL shoot loose. Lead bullets only. Those Matt's Bullets 260s look like just the thing. I have a stash of long since discontinued Remington bullets that are similar and I'm glad to see there's another source. And with those lead bullets, use only very, very light loads, preferably those specified for Webleys. Just because of the happy coincidence that the brass is the same diameter as 45 ACP doesn't mean the gun will withstand 45 ACP pressure.
.455_Hunter
Member
Cool!
What barrel length? I had a 6" MK V for a bit and quickly found out why the square-butt MK VI was rapidly developed. The birds head is great with the 4" MK I to V patterns, is not very workable with the 6".
I concur on just loading.45 Auto Rim to .455 specs and skip factory .45 ACP entirely.
What barrel length? I had a 6" MK V for a bit and quickly found out why the square-butt MK VI was rapidly developed. The birds head is great with the 4" MK I to V patterns, is not very workable with the 6".
I concur on just loading.45 Auto Rim to .455 specs and skip factory .45 ACP entirely.
Gordon
Member
Yeah an uncut Mark V in great condition is worth $1200 , at least these days. They are the first Nitro Proofed Webleys I believe
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