Plated bullet loading question

[Fyathyrio]

Very new to reloading, I was just wondering how to treat plated bullets when reloading. I understand how to work up a load, I was just wondering are they more like lead bullets or more like FMJ ones when determining start and max load data? This will be for both .45 and .38/.357 loads.

ABC's of reloading doesn't really cover the difference that I saw, and Hornady doesn't make these so they don't either in their manual. Got a Speer and the One Caliber reload books on the way from Midway...hopefully they'll have more info.

Thanks,
Mark

[Bug Splat]

Bad information. Deleted.

[TMC]

Plated bullets vary a bit on hardness. Your 38/257 load will need to be crimped like a non-jacketed lead bullet or they will walk out during recoil. Like non-jacked lead bullets, for any given load, plated bullets will need less powder to achieve the same velocity as an equal weight jacketed bullet.

I would recommend using non-jacketed load data and work up.

[bcrich]

Treat them like FMJ loads. They are somewhere between the two but for safety reasons just go with FMJ data. Its better to error on the side of caution.

I think you got it backwards, lead bullets are loaded lighter and plated bullets should use data for lead bullets

[Bug Splat]

I think you got it backwards, lead bullets are loaded lighter and plated bullets should use data for lead bullets

Holy crap you are right! Oops

Not sure what I was thinking there. My bad. Yes use lead data not FMJ

Thats what I get for posting during a meeting.

[Fyathyrio]

OK, kinda what I thought, treat more like lead. Are these more prone to leaving deposits in the barrel then FMJ?

[TMC]

Are these more prone to leaving deposits in the barrel then FMJ?

Because of the plating they are less likley to lead the barrel. I have a 627 with about 10,000 Rainier bullets through it. I have never cleaned the barrel and from prone it will shoot all 8 into a 3" circle at 50 yards from prone. It might do better from a rest.

[anyracoon]

Also be sure not to over crimp as the copper plating can be cut rather easy.

[robert101]

Anyracoon makes a good point regarding not to crimp plated bullets to heavy. This is especially true on the 45 ACP as this round will head space from the case mouth. The case mouth needs to be clear and not heavily crimped into the soft plated bullet. Just taper crimpt enough to remove the flare. I use a Lee Factory Crimping Die to assist, but your RCBS or other dies can do an adequate job of this.

I too shoot may rounds of the Rainer plated bullets in my 10MM and find them great shooting with minimal wear and tear. No excessive residue. I do keep velocities down to under 1,100 fps.