455 Webley

This classic handgun round is known by a number of name but regardless of the one used, it fires a heavy for calibre bullet at a modest velocity.

The 455 Webley is also known as the 455 Colt, 455 Mk I, 455 Mk II and a few other names. In fact the 450 Adams is actually a predecessor that is slightly shorter and less potent. The photograph shows the 450 Adams on the left, followed by a commercial and military load for the 455 Mk II, and on the right, a 455 Mk I military round. The brass that Bertram makes is the 455 Colt / 455 Mk I variant, which is nominally 0.886″ long versus the 0.770″ for the Mk II and 0.690″ for the 450 Adams. While it is still possible to find CIL 455 Colt ammo, given its age and rarity, it is more a collector’s item than for shooting.

Webley revolvers, as well as S&W ones are fairly common in this calibre, although care needs to be take to ensure that they have not been converted to some other chambering. In the past, when the government trusted voters to own firearms, conversions to more readily available ammunition was a practical way to keep shooting at a modest cost. For those lucky enough to have antique status Webley’s, this is a great round for plinking.

Bertram brass is ideal for reloading as it keeps with the original Mk I specifications, which provides ample room for even the slowest powders. Best results can usually be obtained by using relatively soft hollow base bullets. This will ensure a good case seal and prevent leading of the barrel. While the original bullet weight was in the 260 – 265 gr range, even ones up to 290 gr will work well.

While the 455 can be loaded hotter, values like these from a 6″ barrel are nothing to dismiss. A heavy slow moving bullet served the Empire well for decades.