Copper Plated vs Hi-Tek

[Donny1]

Prices have really gone up a lot on copper plated bullets.

Xtreme 230gn CPRN are now $85 for 500 on their website now, Phillips had them for $62 last time they were in stock, I imagine his price will be going up when he gets more. Hi-Tek can be found for around 9 cents per bullet.

I have never loaded the coated bullets but I have a massive order coming. I like the Xtreme bullets but the price is going up more every time I look at them while the coated bullets are pretty much the same.

They both are supposed to prevent lead fouling so what are the major differences in loading and shooting the two, and are copper plated worth the extra $$?

[longrange99]

Prices have really gone up a lot on copper plated bullets.

Xtreme 230gn CPRN are now $85 for 500 on their website now, Phillips had them for $62 last time they were in stock, I imagine his price will be going up when he gets more. Hi-Tek can be found for around 9 cents per bullet.

I have never loaded the coated bullets but I have a massive order coming. I like the Xtreme bullets but the price is going up more every time I look at them while the coated bullets are pretty much the same.

They both are supposed to prevent lead fouling so what are the major differences in loading and shooting the two, and are copper plated worth the extra $$?

[harleygsb]

I really like coated bullets for .357. I tried them in 9mm and had mixed success. My M&P really liked them but they caused massive lead build up in my CZ 75 barrel. Just to avoid having to load separate bullets for 9mm, I switched to FMJ and now have zero issues. I am still using coated for .357, as pricing is far better.

[9mmepiphany]

Prices have really gone up a lot on copper plated bullets.

Xtreme 230gn CPRN are now $85 for 500 on their website now

At that price you should get plated bullets from RMR. They sell 500 for $70...and that includes shipping

They both are supposed to prevent lead fouling so what are the major differences in loading and shooting the two, and are copper plated worth the extra $$?

The big difference is that Hi-Tek bullets will be larger in diameter, so you'll have to expand your case mouths a bit more to prevent shaving. You'll likely get a bit more velocity from the same load

If you use it, I'd avoid hot powders like Titegroup. It tends to melt the coating

[tabascoz28]

I went coated because they were cheaper than extreme and berry's. Watch out for 9mm bullet profile. The rounder it is the harder it is to chamber and the closer you have to be to minimum OAL (for me).

[Bastard]

I switched to cast for cost savings... I switched to Hi-Tek because of the ease of cleaning & I have never felt the need to use plated. I load Hi-Tek in all my pistol calibers and have played with it in some of my rifles as well.

as for the shaving of bullets, if you load to cast & have actually read the Lyman cast reloading book or read any of my posts where I seem to tell anyone/everyone the joys of the Lyman M die or the newer Redding die, I haven't used it and don't remember the actual name, but it's basically a copy of the M die... yeah use either of those expander dies and you won't have to worry about shaving again.

for the coated I use Missouri and have used Bayou in the past... I have heard great things about acme but I haven't ordered any yet

[oddjob]

I use Bayou & Brazos Bullets. I have found zero issues with either one. I did use plated, but coated works just fine. FYI I shoot it in 9mm, 124/125 grn. The plated seems to be less accurate for me.

[Calif Hunter]

I use coated bullets from Missouri Bullet Co. I haven't noticed any melting issues and I use Titegroup quite a bit. They ship right to my door.

[newbie1234]

....
If you use it, I'd avoid hot powders like Titegroup. It tends to melt the coating

What powder are you using to avoid the melting coating ? Low burning powder ?

....
I use Bayou & Brazos Bullets. I have found zero issues with either one. I did use plated, but coated works just fine. FYI I shoot it in 9mm, 124/125 grn....

I used (the biggest size of) Brazos bullets with Titegroup I got lead fouling barrel on 9 mm, 38 SPL, 45 ACP (on all kinds of pistols & revolvers)
What powder are you using ?

[bohoki]

i am not familiar with hi tech coating but i can say i find the powder coating extremely good

[ysr_racer]

I use Bayou & Brazos Bullets. I have found zero issues with either one. I did use plated, but coated works just fine. FYI I shoot it in 9mm, 124/125 grn. The plated seems to be less accurate for me.

I use Bayou 160gr bullets in my .38 special and .38 short colt. I love them.

They actually chrono faster than Berry's plated 158gr. No leading issues.

I've recovered bullets down range, and they still have their coating on them.

[newbie1234]

I use Bayou 160gr bullets in my .38 special and .38 short colt. I love them.

They actually chrono faster than Berry's plated 158gr. No leading issues.

I've recovered bullets down range, and they still have their coating on them.

What powder are you using ? Slow rate burning powder ?

[tawadc95]

I use WW231 or HP38 with coated bullets for .45, 9mm and .38, no problems and no copper fouling.

[hermosabeach]

This forum has some thoughts on powder coated pills

https://forums.brianenos.com/topic/235802-hi-tekhitek-bullets/

[ysr_racer]

What powder are you using ? Slow rate burning powder ?

AA#2 for .38 Special, Titegroup for .38 Short Colt