.455 Hand Ejector

[Professor Marvel]

Greetings My Good Netizens

I have recently acquired a bucketlist pistol, namely a rather nice British Smith &Wesson 2nd Model Hand Ejector, originally in .455 , but modified (nicely ) to .45 AutoRim, and so marked on the barrel.

Yes, the cylinder has been "shaved" but it was well done, and the finish is reLly quite good for a revolver from 190x

I do not intend to shoot .45 ACP in it, even tho that was clearly the intent for WW1 ,
especially since the S&W experts have established that S&W did not heat treat their cylinders until the model 1917 .

Has anyone had any good results reloading for these grand old Revólveres?

the consensus of the web is that these .455 S&W revolvers do not perform well with .451 bullets.

Thus I am considering loading to ~12k psi using lead bullets designed for the ROA at .456 - either  the Lee 90384 or the Kaido flat nose , using .45 AR cases (since they are available and the cylinder is already reamed for them).

Comments, thoughts, whatever?

With my workshop completely contained in boxes atl the moment Making and measuring the chambers and bore are a bit of a challenge....


Yhs
Prof mUmbles

[Abilene]

...Comments, thoughts, whatever?...

pictures!   

[Major 2]

I load with Titegroup for my 1917. and use both Auto Rim and ACP brass with moon clips.
Missouri Bullet Company Cast Lead Bullets 45 ACP (452 Diameter) 230 Grain Hi-Tek Coated Round Nose.
and/or Missouri Bullet Company Cast Lead Bullets 45 ACP (452 Diameter) 230 Grain Round Nose

I've used Red Dot, get better results with Titegroup.

Here are the pix, Abilene.    looking forward to the good Prof's revolver photo too !

[Major 2]

as an aside option... I also load a Bear Creek 262 gr, .454 bullet w/ 3.5 grain Trailboss for my Webley.

Note; I do have some remaining Springfield Slim bullets, but he no longer casts bullets.

8 yds through my chronograph. Av. of FPS

[Dave T]

Prof,

Were I you I would use the .456" bullet you mentioned, if you can find them, or at a minimum the .454" bullets as recommended by Major 2.  A hollow base design of a soft alloy would probably shoot best and lead the least.  Keeping the pressure down is an excellent plan.

Best of luck,
Dave

[Professor Marvel]

Thanks Gentlemen

I am working on getting etchings ... tintypes ... sketches .... Photos taken and uploaded as we speak.
My new industrial grade brick flipphone works a trick as a phone but not so hot at close up photos.
I am recharging my old smartphone from hell since it is awesome at photos and as a barby sized computer (but lousy at making or taking or hearing phonecalls)

Yhs
Prof i hate touchscreens

[Tascosa Joe]

Prof:
If you are experimenting with loads, I would be happy to send you 15 or 20 of the Missouri Bullet Co 230 gr lead round nose with blue lube.
T-Joe

[Professor Marvel]

Thank you Joe for your kind offer, but I had better wait until I can find my relaoding equipment....
Due to the dec 20 move EVERYTHING except kitchen supplies is/still in boxes .... Most either unmarked or misnarked.

some kitchen stuff was labeled Living Room
Some kitchen stuff was labled books
Some electronics was labled mis
Most boxes unlabled at all.
Some small glass shade lamps were thrown unwrapped and unpadded on top of an old but still servicable apple iMac... and the glass shades broke

It appears I hired Incompetent little wretches...

[Baltimore Ed]

Professor Marvel's Minions? Hope you didn't let them near your shootin' irons.