.357 plated bullets just dont work for me

[DR296]

Trying to get my 38 loads right. I have a box of Berrys plated RN .357 diam and some copper base lead bullets with a .357 diam. I cant get any of my brass to hold these even when I do not bell the case.
I use a factory crimp die as well and no go.

[Fordtrucks]

Is ur full length sizing die adjusted properly?

IE does the shell plate touch the bottom of the die when the ram is ALL the way up?

What's happeneing? The bullets fall in? Or can u push them in by hand after crimping?
We need some more info, why exactly are they not working?

[hambam105]

Plated bullets of any kind do not work for me either. Cast bullets and real jacked bullets have been working just fine for years, plated bullets? Pass.

Your case...the bullets may not be the problem. Tell us a little more about what is happening.

Can you try cast or jacketed bullets of the same weight and see if there is a difference?

[llazyjs]

I'm currently loading Barrys plated FP .357 bullets and initially I had a problem with the bullets creeping. While laddering loads I marked the bullets 1-6 with a sharpie and measured the COL and recorded it. Then I shot the first two and re-measured the rest then shot the remaining four one at a time stopping and re-measuring the COL and saw that the bullets were creeping out under recoil. Cranked in another total of 3/4 of a turn on the Lee factory crimp die with a couple more trips to the range in-between before I stopped them from creeping. Looking at the cartridges they appear to have a pretty healthy roll crimp but I'm not damaging the plating and they shoot good. I was shooting them out of two different GP100 .357's a 4" and a 6" and my wife's S&W .38 Special. So far I'm happy with them.

[DR296]

Is ur full length sizing die adjusted properly?

IE does the shell plate touch the bottom of the die when the ram is ALL the way up?

What's happeneing? The bullets fall in? Or can u push them in by hand after crimping?
We need some more info, why exactly are they not working?

Yes, my shell plate and die are correct.
The bullets press in even after a good heavy crimp sometimes when I just put the caliper on to measure length.
.358 seem to set just fine

[XxWoodsHunterxX]

I'm currently loading Barrys plated FP .357 bullets and initially I had a problem with the bullets creeping. While laddering loads I marked the bullets 1-6 with a sharpie and measured the COL and recorded it. Then I shot the first two and re-measured the rest then shot the remaining four one at a time stopping and re-measuring the COL and saw that the bullets were creeping out under recoil. Cranked in another total of 3/4 of a turn on the Lee factory crimp die with a couple more trips to the range in-between before I stopped them from creeping. Looking at the cartridges they appear to have a pretty healthy roll crimp but I'm not damaging the plating and they shoot good. I was shooting them out of two different GP100 .357's a 4" and a 6" and my wife's S&W .38 Special. So far I'm happy with them.

Just chiming in here. Was reading another similar topic but with .380acp. Using lee factory crimp die also. Maybe the die is the problem? Also could be a oversized sizing die not bringing it to spec when sizing. Just my opinion

[Glockrocks]

You probably need a heavier crimp if your bullets are creeping forward. I seat and crimp in seperate stages and it works for me and I also use a Lee factory crimp die on all my pistol calibers.

[Rwnielsen]

357

Make sure you didn't get a box of 9mm by mistake (not yours), they're. 356 and will do just what you're saying

[J-cat]

Call Lee and get a "U" die. It will size your brass a hair smaller and your bullets won't move.

[llazyjs]

Just chiming in here. Was reading another similar topic but with .380acp. Using lee factory crimp die also. Maybe the die is the problem? Also could be a oversized sizing die not bringing it to spec when sizing. Just my opinion

It's good to go now. Just had to add more a little more crimp. 1 1/2 turns past where die contacts ram at the top of the stroke is what it took. Using a Powderfunnels.com bushing to expand the case mouth instead of the Lee expanding die. It flares differently. I have it adjusted so the bullet just sits on the case mouth. Too much and it'll flare the case mouth like a trumpet. Plating not being damaged by the crimp so I'm happy with it.

[DR296]

Well I found the problem. These bullets actually measure .356 and taper to .355 meaning I have a bad batch of bullets. At 158 grns they are too heavy and too long for 9mm loads. So what does 1 do with these? That likely explains the lack of accuracy. Bouncing around in the barrel as they come out.
I just sent Berrys MFG an email. Curious to see their response

[llazyjs]

Bummer. I've loaded about 5K of these Barrys .357 flat point 158 Grain bullets and never had a problem with them. I get mine from the Bass Pro Shop in Rancho. My wife shoots them faster then I can load them. I'll measure a couple of hundred of mine just to see the OD out of curiosity.

[Rwnielsen]

Well I found the problem. These bullets actually measure .356 and taper to .355 meaning I have a bad batch of bullets. At 158 grns they are too heavy and too long for 9mm loads. So what does 1 do with these? That likely explains the lack of accuracy. Bouncing around in the barrel as they come out.
I just sent Berrys MFG an email. Curious to see their response

It happens. Someone on the production line misreads or confuses 9mm for 38/357. Berry's will probably make it right and not want them back and, if so,....trade them off to someone who loads for 9mm

[sargenv]

158 isn't really too heavy for 9mm since there are people loading for that heavy a load.. in a revolver... see if you can get them sold to someone looking for then sized that small for loading revolver.. these would be great for heavy bullet 929 loads..

[DR296]

Berrys customer service responded quickly. They want me to mail them 10 so they can evaluate. We will see how this works