Differences in loading plated .40 vs jacketed?

[griffgil1]

Have quite a lot of FMJ and plated 180 gr. Bullets. Working up a load for the FMJ first. If switching to the plated, how do they run in general.....faster slower, etc? Never used plated before so don't know how they shoot or what to change in my loading. Thanks

 

[dhagerty40]

only warning ever seen on plated bullets is to keep the velocity under 1500 Fps.

 

[D-4297]

I shoot a lot of plated .40 Cal , and I run them on avg. at 1230 - 1250 fps. Haven't had any problems with them to date . Bullets are Berry's 124gr. THP , and they are accurate to 100 yards with my load .

 

[wagonman]

all plated bullets are not equal some state 1250 max vel some much faster depending on thickness of plating

 

[griffgil1]

Thanks for the input. Really, my question is how plated bullets shoot in comparison to jacketed.
Specifically, if I have my load dialed in with jacketed, should I just start using plated with the same powder charge, crimp, etc.? Will velocities and pressure go up/down?

 

[AICS308]

When I was reloading 38 Super for USPSA I did limited testing comparing Berrys Plated bullets to same weight jacketed bullets. Quickly found that I could use the same load for both type bullets and saw little change on the chrono and none that I could determine on the target.

 

[Mikemci]

My reloading manuals show a smaller powder charge is recommended.

 

[divingin]

Thanks for the input. Really, my question is how plated bullets shoot in comparison to jacketed.
Specifically, if I have my load dialed in with jacketed, should I just start using plated with the same powder charge, crimp, etc.? Will velocities and pressure go up/down?

Depends on how you load now. As has been mentioned, velocity should be kept lower than what is possible with jacketed. In addition, you typically don't want a lot of crimp, lest you crimp through the plating. I wouldn't think you'd see significant velocity changes between jacketed and plated. I would expect plated to be a tad slower, as the bullets will be more oversized (same as going from jacketed to cast, without the lead-to-barrel drag added in.)

 

[Uncle Ed]

The Speer TMJ bullets are plated and your velocity depends on how thick the plating is.

Look at the website for your bullets for velocity restrictions.

I use light loads with plated bullets in my Glock .40.

Make Right With a ".40 Lite"​

https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/ammunition_40lite_091806/138689

 

[dhagerty40]

well, I am going to find out tomorrow. I have a bunch of Raineer 300 Blkout bullets I will be trying tomorrow.