Reloading - The ultimate firearms accessory.

[mr surveyor]

Preacher Fred

So in your opinion the Berry's plated bullets would be good in .357 and 9mm. I know there are some limitations on velocity loading with cast lead bullets, but i'm not planning to go hyper velocity on any hand loads. I figure I'll make the .357 loads somewhere between 38 spl and 38 +p.

Also, does the plating leave any more residue in the barrel than jacketed bullets?

For range ammo, the Berry's bullets look pretty darned affordable.


surv

[pocketgun]

They had big bags of these at the gunshow on Sunday, but when I saw they were plated instead of jacketed it scared me off. I wonder if there is a downside for simple practice loads?

[magman454]

I have some plated bullets for the .45 ACP, but haven't gotten around to loading them yet. At .45 velocities, am not anticipating any problems.

According to the FAQ's page at Berry's web site:

Velocities depend on the caliber, but as a rule of thumb, we recommend you don't shoot our plated bullets over 1200 feet-per-second. Our 44's actually shoot best around 1150 fps. 45's are generally good at 850-900 fps. Our bullets are not recommended for magnum velocities.

Also:

Plated bullets occupy a position between cast bullets and jacketed bullets. They are soft lead, but have a hard outer shell on them. When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual. You must use data for a bullet that has the same weight and profile as the one you are loading. Do not exceed mid-range loads. Do not use magnum loads.

[mr surveyor]

that's what I read on Berrys Mfg web site. I don't plan to load any .357 mag rounds "hot" anyway... I figure 1050-1100 fps is enough for range shooting. Natchez SS has even small quantity packages of 250 of the Berrys 125 gr HP (38/357) boolits for $20.99. I'm looking to find 9mm and .357 bullets for under a dime apiece for range plinkers.

[pocketgun]

Velocities depend on the caliber, but as a rule of thumb, we recommend you don't shoot our plated bullets over 1200 feet-per-second. Our 44's actually shoot best around 1150 fps. 45's are generally good at 850-900 fps. Our bullets are not recommended for magnum velocities.

That is fine with me for things like .32ACP and .380ACP, maybe others.