Jacketed vs. plated?
- Thread starter Leo_B
- Start date
There isn't perfect answer to that question. Different lead/plated bullets can be made of different alloy lead and it's also the same general shape bullets aren't always the same shape. In general I think it best to use lead bullet data with plated bullets. If I must use FMJ data for plated I stay a few tenths less.
Some reloading manuals will give different loads between lead, plated, and jacketed bullets.
Mostly you see this from powder manufacturer manuals.
The Lee manual does list different loads for plated bullets.
But they seem to have put together their manual from different powder manufacturer manuals.
But if say, Vihtavouri published plated data, then those are the ones that will be listed. Nothing from any of the other manufacturers.
Plated loads will also be on the instructions that comes with Lee dies.
Mostly you see this from powder manufacturer manuals.
The Lee manual does list different loads for plated bullets.
But they seem to have put together their manual from different powder manufacturer manuals.
But if say, Vihtavouri published plated data, then those are the ones that will be listed. Nothing from any of the other manufacturers.
Plated loads will also be on the instructions that comes with Lee dies.
I shoot plated in my pistols as jacketed. In a revolver, i treat them as lead bullets. I do this because of deformation at higher pressures in the forcing cone. Ive never had an issue working plated bullets in this way. An extreme example might be that hornady uses thicker jackets on their magnum bullets for the 454 because at its pressures it could deform a standard jacket and cause higher pressures
This is from Berry's
"Comparison:
Jacketed Bullets: Generally are most expensive but can be shot at magnum velocities and require less cleaning than Cast bullets.
Plated Bullets: Not as expensive as Jacketed and cleaner than lead but you’ll want to stay away from magnum velocities when loading plated bullets.
Cast Bullets: Usually cost the least, but are very “dirty” and often cannot be used in indoor ranges"
I used to use the plated bullets but for the actual cost you can buy jacketed bullets.
But I generally only use jacketed bullets in semiautomatic pistols, for revolvers I use the coated cast bullets.
"Comparison:
Jacketed Bullets: Generally are most expensive but can be shot at magnum velocities and require less cleaning than Cast bullets.
Plated Bullets: Not as expensive as Jacketed and cleaner than lead but you’ll want to stay away from magnum velocities when loading plated bullets.
Cast Bullets: Usually cost the least, but are very “dirty” and often cannot be used in indoor ranges"
I used to use the plated bullets but for the actual cost you can buy jacketed bullets.
But I generally only use jacketed bullets in semiautomatic pistols, for revolvers I use the coated cast bullets.
charlie b
Gold $$ Contributor
Lee's manual is simply a collection of all the other published data. They did not have a test program.
There are some folks who have measured pressures and velocities of jacketed, plated and cast bullets. Sometimes the cast bullets generated more vel and pressure, sometimes the jacketed did (same loads). For pistols I used jacketed load data with many of my cast loads. I did adjust seat depth to make sure the case volume was ok. Start low and work up.
Plated bullets have a velocity limit. Check the individual mfgs for their recommended max.
Cast bullets require a good fit to the bore of the gun, about 0.001" or 0.002" larger than the groove dia at the throat. Undersize bullets are the main cause of leading in barrels. Plain base cast bullets are good to around 1500fps. Above that they need a gas check. I usually applied gas checks for any load over 1200fps. If you purchase cast bullets make sure they are large enough (diameter) for your firearm, especially if it is an older one with a worn throat.
Powder coated (or Hitek coated) cast bullets can be fired at fairly high velocities without leading. If done properly they show the same accuracy as lead alloy bullets.
Rifles have another issue related to twist rate. Cast bullets do no like to be spun fast. At certain rates they will become unstable (they do not fly apart, except in very extreme cases). For example, in my .308 with a 10 twist the upper vel limit was around 2300fps (for any weight cast bullet).
There are some folks who have measured pressures and velocities of jacketed, plated and cast bullets. Sometimes the cast bullets generated more vel and pressure, sometimes the jacketed did (same loads). For pistols I used jacketed load data with many of my cast loads. I did adjust seat depth to make sure the case volume was ok. Start low and work up.
Plated bullets have a velocity limit. Check the individual mfgs for their recommended max.
Cast bullets require a good fit to the bore of the gun, about 0.001" or 0.002" larger than the groove dia at the throat. Undersize bullets are the main cause of leading in barrels. Plain base cast bullets are good to around 1500fps. Above that they need a gas check. I usually applied gas checks for any load over 1200fps. If you purchase cast bullets make sure they are large enough (diameter) for your firearm, especially if it is an older one with a worn throat.
Powder coated (or Hitek coated) cast bullets can be fired at fairly high velocities without leading. If done properly they show the same accuracy as lead alloy bullets.
Rifles have another issue related to twist rate. Cast bullets do no like to be spun fast. At certain rates they will become unstable (they do not fly apart, except in very extreme cases). For example, in my .308 with a 10 twist the upper vel limit was around 2300fps (for any weight cast bullet).
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
You need to test crimping pressure on plated bullets, too much and plating starts to flake off during firing.
The plated bullets generally are not loaded as hot as jackrted bullets
On some of the plated bullet containers they have a maximum FPS.
On some of the plated bullet containers they have a maximum FPS.
Depends on who plated it and how thick the plating is.
Speer gold dots are technically plated but the jackets are thick and generally treated as jacketed.
These bullets are X-treme. https://freedommunitions.com/products/xc41-210fp-b0500
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