45acp/.455 Webleys

[Khaki]

No this is not some sort of unusual Webley caliber markings, it's just random thought's that occured to me. Apart from the 'purist' desire to have a Webley that has not been cylinder skimmed to .45acp, I personally would not care too much. If the conversions had not been done, then importations into the US would have been minimal and vast amounts of Webley's would have been melted down or be at the bottom of the ocean. I am just happy that they have survived.

khaki

[MikB]

That's fair enough, but I've seen blown-up examples of Webley 455s that (as far as I remember) were using standard ammunition that was wet, oily or compromised in some other way. Fultons at Bisley used to have an example in their window in the '80s.

How has the 455's reputation done in the context of modding to 45 ACP? I'd expect it to be OK with strictly standard loads in good conditions, but with severe warnings against any experimentation with hotter charges?

Regards,

MikB

[TonyE]

I would not use even standard .45ACP in a Webley due to pressure differences.

I think British commercial proof for the Webley was six tons pers quare inch and for the .45ACP eight tons? If proof pressure is 25% above service pressure it means that regular ACP loads are equivalent to Webley proof loads.

Regards

TonyE

[MikB]

Nevertheless, as khaki points out, many have survived. Does this point to a low level of use, or minor overengineering? In view of the Fulton's exhibit, it sounds a bit like the former.

Regards,

MikB