Plated bullets

[smle-man]

So, when using plated lead bullets do you use loads that are for lead or for jacketed bullets?

[savasyn]

Generally, you start with loads for lead bullets.

[chim-chim7]

Berry's and X-Treme start at the lower jacketed loads. I run my plated at the same loads as my FMJ in my pistols. 9mm,40, 45acp. They are really tough compared to what people think. I run Berry's plated in my 500 Magnum at low rifle velocitys and they work great. Work up as normal.

[Bert Gamble]

I also use low FMJ data on my plated bullets.

[ireload]

You can load plated bullets at mid-level jacketed powder charge. But as others have stated start at lead level charge. I have pushed a 9mm Berrys and Rainer at +P+ (1,310 fps avg) level and the bullet remained in tack. Keep in mind I've done that to see if the bullet itself would come apart past the 1,200 fps maximum threshold that both manufacturers recommend. You cannot go wrong with both brands for plinking and paper punching.

[bruceflinch]

You can load plated bullets at mid-level jacketed powder charge. But as others have stated start at lead level charge. I have pushed a 9mm Berrys and Rainer at +P+ (1,310 fps avg) level and the bullet remained in tack. Keep in mind I've done that to see if the bullet itself would come apart past the 1,200 fps maximum threshold that both manufacturers recommend. You cannot go wrong with both brands for plinking and paper punching.

If you compare the same wt, loads for lead vs jacketed, there is an overlap in charges.

[gigante]

Low to mid jacketed

[John Browning]

Remember, you need to keep velocities above 800fps with jacketed bullets. If you start with the low lead loads, you risk sticking a bullet in the barrel.

[Na-vah-duh]

I use fmj data. Extreme Bullets handle 1400fps just fine in .44 mag.

[iareConfusE]

Depends on caliber. If I know I'll be loading them pretty hot, or for a caliber that can get up to supersonic speeds, then I'll load using lead data, but when I load for .45ACP (my most common) I just use jacketed data.

[ireload]

If you compare the same wt, loads for lead vs jacketed, there is an overlap in charges.

Not to hijack OP's original question but Bruce have you any experience with other brand plated bullets besides Rainer or Berrys that's been shot faster velocity wise and did not experience coming apart or eratic point of impact?

[bruceflinch]

Not to hijack OP's original question but Bruce have you any experience with other brand plated bullets besides Rainer or Berrys that's been shot faster velocity wise and did not experience coming apart or eratic point of impact?

About 14 years ago I shot some Berry's that were absolutely crap. Uneven weights, Uneven length & diameter. Real erratic results. My Buddies .38 Supers keyholed to beat the band. I think they since resolved the issue. Had good luck w/ Rainier's. Been loading Bear Creek moly lubed in handguns & haven't looked back. I load to 165 pf for competition & the BC work great.

[ireload]

Oh yes Bear Creek. I remember buying them for my .38 wheelgun at $15 per 500. I liked Bear Creek. The fact that moly coating did not smoke and I did not have to contend with hard lube. I have not used them since I switched over to plated many moons ago. I did not know that Berrys had isssue with their bullets back then.