Plated SWC vs. Lead SWC - what load data to use???

[Trekerjohn]

I have some 45ACP Xtreme copper plated 200 gr. SWC that I am ready to load with AutoComp. The Winchester data for 200 gr. SWC is 6.5 - 7.2 gr. of AutoComp. My Question: does the fact that the Xtreme SWC is plated rather than bare lead make a difference in the load? What do you recommend that I use for a load with Xtreme's 200 gr. plated SWC and AutoComp? Thanks for your help.

[TeirHawg]

I use the same data for both lead and plated bullets. Start low and work up, as always.

[Trekerjohn]

that sounds reasonable. how much difference can there really be, considering they are the same weight and shape. thanks for your help Mr. Hawg!

[Enfield47]

I use the same data for both lead and plated bullets. Start low and work up, as always.

+1 this is correct.

[pacrat]

Same data for LSWC or Plated SWC of same weight is GTG. Copper plating is only a .001" or so thick. Which imparts little or no increased resistance over lead when engraving to rifling in throat. Where as a thick copper "jacketed" bullet is much harder to engrave and results in higher pressure spikes.

Start low........work up slow......always.

JM2c

[David-K]

From Xtreme's load info page: http://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-...nfo-s/1952.htm

[mjmagee67]

I find plated bullets (Xtreme) load data falls between cast and jacketed bullets. I find plated need a few tenths more powder than cast and a few tenths less than jacketed to get the same velocity. This theory is based off chronographing many loads using different powders and calibers.

[J-cat]

The best way to deal with this is to go to a powder manufacturer who pressure tested lead vs plated vs jacketed and see what the charge weight difference is.

You can then make an educated guess. It still requires you to work up your load.

[bigedp51]

If you check a few of the plated bullet manufactures websites the max velocity is governed by the plating thickness.

X-Treme Bullets
Bullet/Load Info

Load Info

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.

http://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-Load-Info-s/1952.htm

The max load your looking at is just over 900 fps and 15,100 CUP "BUT" any time you change components you should work up a new load. What I look at is if you have any bulge in the case at the feed ramp and the unsupported section of the case. Meaning your limited to the strength of the cases you are using and your chamber pressure and not all cases are made the same.



So again to be safe always start low and work up your loads and test the components you are using.

[rm1911]

I use the same data for both lead and plated bullets. Start low and work up, as always.

This. Use lead data for plated. Don't over crimp.

[tigerfu]

Cast bullets usually go 5 to 10% faster.

-TL