Plated Bullets - Regular vs Heavy Plate

[ElDub1950]

I've only been loading lead but want to change to plated for .40 180 gr

I see on the Xtreme site they have 180 RNFP and 180 RNFP HPCB (Heavy Plate Concave Base). And for Berry's Bullets they don't have a heavy plate in 180 gr, but some of my load charts include Berry's but not Xtreme. So my first big assumption is that I can use the Berry's data for the regular plate Xtreme.

I'm trying to make sure I'm reaching the right conclusions, consolidating the data I have, and whether I should consider the Heavy Plate and pay the couple pennies extra.

I currently have Autocomp and Titegroup powders.

I want to work up a load for about 1010 fps which is pretty much mid range for the Autocomp load data I have, and well below the max 1200 FPS recommendation I see for plated. BUT 1010 exceeds all the Max loads for Titegroup, so I'll stick with Autocomp for now.

Nothing I have references any Heavy Plate data.

So it seems that I'd be fine using Autocomp with either Xtreme or Berry's 180 gr regular plate and working it up to 1010 fps.

Am I understanding my data?

Sources I have are: "Reloading for Handgunners" book; Hodgdon web site for both Autocomp and Titegroup; Lee's load chart that came with my dies; and info from Berry's web site.

[Bumslie]

From the site

- Our Copper Plated Bullets can be run at mid-range jacketed velocities or higher end lead velocities. We do not recommend velocities over 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and only a light taper crimp.

Any velocities over 1200 FPS we recommend either our Heavy Plate Concave Base or Hollow Point products for superior accuracy. We do not recommend velocities over 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and only a light taper crimp.

You can push the heavies a little faster than the regular ones.

[robert101]

I shoot Rainier plated bullets. Cheap and no exposed lead. I don't worry about plating thickness as long as its plated and doesn't tumble. You should have no problems shooting up to 1,100 fps with any plated bullet. Load em and shoot for fun.

['ol shooter]

I like the Xtreme's better than the Berry's, the plating wrinkles easily on the Berry's, needing a bigger expansion of the case mouth to seat smoothly. It also bulges if not lightly crimped. They both shoot OK for me.

[ElDub1950]

Thanks guys. Been reloading for only 6 months so it's good to get feedback before starting a new load. I'll add Ranier to the list. I guess now it just depends on price and shipping costs. Xtreme looks good today but I see there's confusion on their price and shipping charge changes.

[JBoutfishn]

Thanks guys. Been reloading for only 6 months so it's good to get feedback before starting a new load. I'll add Ranier to the list. I guess now it just depends on price and shipping costs. Xtreme looks good today but I see there's confusion on their price and shipping charge changes.

No confusion. They dropped the price but now we get to pay for shipping that almost makes things a push until the 9th, then the shipping will go up. Who ever wrote that email should be working for some politician writing "talking points".

[stilly]

Just do it... Go Xtreme or go home...

[ElDub1950]

Just do it... Go Xtreme or go home...

Looks like that's the ticket .. at least until their shipping goes up, then I'll price compare again I'll try 1000

[Jasonaspears]

Xtremes are about all I use anymore due to quality and cost. Watch for group buys if shipping is too much. The prices really are quite good and it doesn't look like their shipping is going to be too bad...especially with the specials they run and everyday low prices.

[the86d]

I have never really had a problem with Berry's or X-Treme's plated bullets in 9mm(, or .380 in a 9mm for testing, and when 115+gr was in short supply).