I say, Chaps, a bit of advice on a Webley, if you would......

[Chinook]

Hi,

Anyone out there have knowledge of Webley revolvers?   I just acquired a Mk VI in high condition.  The top latch is very tight, function is clean and smooth and the bore is bright and shiny.  However, there is a lot of rotational play in the cylinder.  Is this normal?  I would like to shoot the bloody thing, but don't want to be spraying other folks on the firing range with bits of lead every time the hammer falls. 

Also, I'd read the throats on these revolvers (in original .455 caliber) were typically .456 or .457.  Mine appears to be closer to .450.  I haven't slugged the bore yet, but clearly this specimen is not going to shoot well if the throats are markedly tighter than the bore.  Any thoughts on these two matters?

Thanks,
Chinook

[S.S.]

Is the rotational play when the weapon is cocked or un-cocked ?
My Enfield has a lot of play too until you cock it. Then every thing tightens right up.
I do believe there were some that were actually chambered for the .450 round
instead of the .455.. If you have one, it is a rare find I would wager..
Fiocchi still loads the .450 round I think.

[Chinook]

Well, the cylinder seems to align properly to the barrel when cocked, but it's still got considerably more rotational play than - say - my S&W revolvers.  I don't see any peening or damage to the bolt notches on the cylinder and as I related above, the rest of the gun seems to be very tight and clean.  Even the grips look great.

As for the chambering, I'll have to dismantle it and take careful measurements, including slugging the barrel.  The barrel was stamped with ".455", however.  As long as it chambers the standard .455 MK II brass, I can cast whatever size bullet it seems to prefer. 

Thanks for your advice and knowledge!

Regards,
Chinook

[wiley]

Lockup should be evaluated with the hammer down and the trigger back, as in just fired. RCBS makes the proper mold for the 455.

[Chinook]

Wiley,

Thanks!  I actually ran across another site yesterday that explained the lockup.  I tried it last night and it is as tight as a drum with the hammer down and the trigger still pulled back, so I guess I've got a keeper.  I also took the gun apart, slugged the barrel and measured the throats.  The barrel is .4490~.4495 and the throats are .4505.  At least the relationship is correct, but I'll need another sizing die from the Magna folks to produce a properly sized cast bullet.  The odd thing of this is I also have a S&W 2nd model in .455 and the throats on that gun are .4575.  Quite a range for weapons ostensibly built to fire the same cartridge!

regards,
Chinook

[S.S.]

Definitely a Keeper.. I too have a S&W 1917 in .455.
and one in .45 ACP / .45 Auto - Rim.
Gotta love those old revolvers that throw BIG chunks of lead !

[Chinook]

Agreed!  They just don't make'em like that anymore. 

Chinook

[Sir Charles deMoutonBlack]

I have a Mk VI, and so does my son.  The chambers are not stepped, but tapered.  I would feel comfortable loading any diameter of cast bullet that will chamber.  However i usually load them at about .452.  My most accurate load is the 450229 Hollowbase.  the RCBS 201KT does well as does the 452490.

Getting the load right is a bit tricky, but easier if you have Stan Waters' PET LOADS article on the .455.  I have had success with 3.8 gr. BULLSEYE with any of those bullets.  About 21 grains of FFF Goex also works in Mk I cases.

Cases are .45LC cut to .45acp length and rims thinned to .035.  I also have some HORNADY Mk II cases, but haven't loaded any yet.  My son has a box of FIOCCHI .450 CORTO, which is their name for .450 Adams, aka .450 Revolver.  The cases are shorter than Mk II cases, but otherwise the same as .455

A friend rented ZULU for her kids.  The 8 year old was facinated with Michael Cains' Mk VI.  I'll have to take him shooting.  This is the kid who shot 5 straight on trap at family Day at our range, and then lectured grown men on the finer points of the game!

A famous Sidearm, and great shooting.