Plated pistol bullets

[itchyTF]

Don’t shoot pistol much. I have some old data books that have loads for lead and jacketed. Would plated lead be the same as lead or somewhere in between?

 

[GLShooter]

Same as lead.

 

[GuitarmanNick]

That really may depend upon the specific bullet. For example, Berry's plated for 9x18 Makarov can be loaded for the same pressures as jacketed because of the thicker plating.
Not all plated bullets are created equal but checking with the manufacturer should provide the information.

 

[johnfred1965]

I have always heard(right or wrong) that cast lead was loaded lower just to prevent leading in the barrel. With plating, that prevents leading, so I have loaded higher, but still not up to true jacket bullet levels. This isn't gospel, so take it with a a grain of salt, I have been wrong before.

 

[Jester560]

I have loaded Berry's 124gr to over 1400fps for major power factor in USPSA competition. I had zero issues doing so. You're fine using jacketed load data.

 

[markm87]

Yeah. I too always use Jacketed data.

 

[watercam]

Plus, for what it's worth, Berry's plated bullets (specifically the .45/200 gr.) shoots more accurately than Nosler .45/185 HP bullets I use for Bullseye competition. Granted not by much but still.

 

[Timberyote]

I've used the jacketed data but to the mid range.

I've used Berry's, Xtreme, Rainier and Speer and found that the xtreme's were more accurate.

Stopped using Xtreme's when they started charging for shipping for all quantities.

 

[jds holler]

My fave load for Berry's 125 gr. in my 357 is pretty snappy with 7 grains of Bullseye. Great accuracy, great trajectory, and about 1400 fps. Never a smidge of leading. This is an old load from the ancient Hercules manual, and listed for 125 gr. jacketed. Work it up for yourself, and your own gun. jd

 

[BCR1]

Why buy plated when FMJ are cheaper? https://www.rmrbullets.com/product-category/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/

Bill

 

[The German]

Unless there is thick plating, I use lead bullet data. With thick plating (according to manufacturer), I use FMJ, but start at or slightly below published minimums.

 

[Zero333]

I use Jacketed bullet data for plated bullets. Never a problem.
Most of the handgun bullets I use are plated.

 

[justinp61]

Why buy plated when FMJ are cheaper? https://www.rmrbullets.com/product-category/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/

Bill

They have 180gr .40's for $155 per 1000. Natchez has Berrys plated 180gr 40's for $133 per 1000.

Natchez

www.natchezss.com

 

[boltman13]

I use Berry's 125 gr plated FP loaded to 38 SPL+P pressure in my 357 Mag. revolver for practice using TightGroup with no sign of leading or problems. Just get a good hard crimp.

 

[Erud]

Why buy plated when FMJ are cheaper? https://www.rmrbullets.com/product-category/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/

Bill

Those aren’t cheaper.

 

[BCR1]

They have 180gr .40's for $155 per 1000. Natchez has Berrys plated 180gr 40's for $133 per 1000.

Natchez

www.natchezss.com

The link i provided was for 9mm ONLY, not .40 S&W

Bill

 

[BCR1]

Those aren’t cheaper.

If you buy from berrys, 115 & 124 round nose plated ARE more expensive than the same from RMR. https://www.berrysmfg.com/category/preferred-plated-bullets/plated-pistol/9mm

Bill

 

[jds holler]

I just bought 500 of the 125 gr plated FP's from Berrys a week ago. Price was $189 shipped. I thought that was pretty high compared to the last batch, but I love em. My 686 has printed a few 1" fifty yard groups with them, and I'm still bragging about it.

I'd kinda like to try the HP version, but I need someone to tell me they shoot as well. jd

 

[justinp61]

They have 180gr .40's for $155 per 1000. Natchez has Berrys plated 180gr 40's for $133 per 1000.

Natchez

www.natchezss.com

Saw that, I didn't see where itchyTF stated he was shooting 9mm

 

[Rsadams]

Just my 2c... I use lead data for berry's bullets... Loaded tens of thousands of the 124gr RN.