.455 Eley "Conversions" To .45LC

[MI2600]

I have two Colts and one S&W that were reportedly converted to .45LC. The Colts performed fine at the range yesterday. I used both .454 and .455 cast bullets.

However, the S&W cylinder would not close. It appears the case rim is too thick and drags on the rear shield. I read somewhere that the Eley rims were thinner, but I can't find another article that contained the solution.

Anyone resolved this problem?

 

[BBBBill]

The .455 Eley rim is .039" while the .45 LC rim is .060". Seems that the rear of the cylinder will have to be faced in a lathe. I would start by measuring the Colts, but I would also check someone's factory S&W .in .45LC to get some idea of the exact dimension you need. Probably around .063-.064". I will try to remember to pull out my S&W when I get back home and post my dimensions.

 

[MI2600]

Thanks for the info. I think trimming the back of the cylinder should work and be the easiest solution. It shouldn't create any headspace problems. The down side is the work is outside my expertise. Gunsmith time!

 

[BBBBill]

It shouldn't create any headspace problems.

Probably not, but done incorrectly, it could. The headspace will be determined by the cartridge rim seating on the rear face of the cylinder plus the additional clearance from the breechface. The spec varies from gun to gun, but is generally about .060"-.068" with my preferred spec at .060"-.066". So measure first and know your target dimension before cutting. The ratchet should not be cut as it is not involved in setting headspace. The center circular boss inside the ratchet ring does get involved. It needs to be smooth and flat to present a consistent mating surface to the breechface. Depending on the age and wear on the revolver it might be wise to check it for any other wear or out of spec condition and get that corrected first before the final step of cutting the cylinder. Endshake, hand and ratchet fit/timing, cylinder stop fit/timing, etc is equally as important as headspace in my book. None of this is rocket surgery, but it does get overlooked a lot. Consider buying Kuhnhausen's S&W book, The S&W Revolver: A Shop Manual - http://www.gunbooks.com/sw.html . Even if you do not plan to do any work on your own guns, reading and comprehending the contents of the book will make you better able to communicate with your smith what you want/need and possibly help you decide whether the fellow knows his business or not. If nothing else you will at least be a lot more knowledgeable about the inner workings of your guns.

 

[MI2600]

Thanks, BBBBill.
This whole matter has reminded me to fully question "converted" anything.

 

[Kp321]

Starline produces .455 brass. It would make more sense to produce the proper ammo rather than modify a collectible revolver.

 

[Catcar67]

Buying/building "special" brass for a converted pistol? It sounds like the original converter did just that. I'd want a pistol that would use everyday bullets I could buy at any sporting goods store.

 

[BCRider]

Starline produces .455 brass. It would make more sense to produce the proper ammo rather than modify a collectible revolver.

It sounds like it's already chambered out for the Colt. But perhaps not correctly since it would appear that the person that did it could/should have kept reaming and lightly recessed the chambers to allow for the difference in rim thickness.

 

[THEWELSHM]

I have a Colt new service in unmolested 455 Eley, I reload...

Thewelshm​