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Old 02-14-2010, 03:03 PM
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Default Reloading plated bullets

I've posted much of this info in another thread, but since I've never seen it anywhere else, I'm using it in a new post. If this is improper, I apologize, and have no problem with the mods deleting it.

I've reloaded hundreds of .357 caliber Berry Bullets, both 125 grain flat point and 158 HP. I also use Rainers, and anything I say here may apply to both brands.

In my opinion- and this is strictly an opinion - the 158 grain hollow point Berry Bullet going 900 - 1,100 fps could be a devastating self defense load. The small hollow point even has a little "pin" in the center, similar to that on Federal's Hydra-Shok. I assume this "pin" could increase expansion.

And since plated bullets are very soft, and there is no jacket to shed, it seems bullet deformation/expansion is ensured - but that's just an opinion.

The 125 grain is my wife's favorite practice load. Since I do all the gun cleaning, the cleanliness is what I like.

I push these plated bullets (both 125 and 158 grains) at about 1,000 - 1,100 fps (Using a F-1 Shooting Chrony) with 7.3 gr. of Herco using .38 special cases in 4" .357 magnum revolvers. I use standard small pistol primers - NOT magnum primers.

I also use a loading of 7.3 grains of Herco in strong revolvers, specifically my modified Ruger Service Six and the wife's S&W Model 13, again using .38 special brass.

Ruger Service Six w/3" barrel, bobbed hammer, trigger job, etc.

The report and recoil is similar to a light .357 magnum, and I've noticed no damage to the cases. I've actually gone as high as 8.5 grains of Herco with no ill effects.

For a .38 special revolver, I reduce the load to 6.8 grains of Herco which chronys around 930 fps. I believe such a load would be very effective when fired from a .38 special. The pressures do not seem high, and I don't believe it would damage a well made .38.

I like this load because it is extremely clean. I used Unique for many years (like everyone else), but I switched to Herco because it is so much cleaner.

Here's the rub: I use a Lee turret press. If I do not use a 4 die set when reloading plated bullets, I have trouble unloading the fired cases. The use of the fourth die, the optional crimping die, eliminated the problem of hard to eject empties. Plated bullets are very soft, and the crimping die sizes them just right.

Be careful when sizing plated bullets. The plating is thin, and easily damaged.

One more thing about Berry Bullets: I've noticed a huge variation in FPS with plated bullets, up to 100 fps difference between rounds. I don't see this much variation with jacketed or lead bullets I reload.

Sorry for the long post, but like I said, there does not seem to be a lot of info out there from those who actually used plated bullets.
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Old 02-14-2010, 05:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WVfishguy View Post
I like this load because it is extremely clean. I used Unique for many years (like everyone else), but I switched to Herco because it is so much cleaner.

Here's the rub: I use a Lee turret press. If I do not use a 4 die set when reloading plated bullets, I have trouble unloading the fired cases. The use of the fourth die, the optional crimping die, eliminated the problem of hard to eject empties. Plated bullets are very soft, and the crimping die sizes them just right.

Be careful when sizing plated bullets. The plating is thin, and easily damaged.

One more thing about Berry Bullets: I've noticed a huge variation in FPS with plated bullets, up to 100 fps difference between rounds. I don't see this much variation with jacketed or lead bullets I reload.

Sorry for the long post, but like I said, there does not seem to be a lot of info out there from those who actually used plated bullets.
One of the things that can contribute to high ES is difference in bullet pull. If I am going to do load testing, I use all new brass, all the same length, all checked for defects.

For my everyday shooting, I mix my used brass and just load away .
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Old 02-14-2010, 09:04 PM
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Interesting info, thanks for sharing that. I use Berry's bullets all the time but don't have a chrono. I made an inquiry to Berry's about load data on their plated bullets, and this is a copy of the response I received:

Thank You for asking - and let me clear it up for you, since we do not have our own tested load data.

All of our standard caliber copper plated pistol bullets share only two limitations - which are:

NO velocities over 1200 FPS and for revolver bullets NO heavy roll crimps.

45 Acp data for FMJ bullets works very well with our bullets and Recent Speer Manuals have good data for their copper plated ( TMJ & GD-HP ) bullets and in many cases that data will apply to our bullets - following the above limitations.

Good Shooting,

Bud Watson
Berrys Mfg Inc


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Old 07-12-2013, 01:24 AM
rmorris3006 rmorris3006 is offline
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I could sure use your help. I purchased HSM 38/357 cal 158gr Hollow point bullets for reloading. I am using IMR SR 7625 powder. My revolver is a SW mod 28-2. I am having a problem finding a load. The only info I can find is 3.7 to 4.2 grains. I loaded a few rounds at 4.0 gr and would up with a bullet stuck in my barrel. I pulled the rounds and loaded with 4.2 gr and stuck another round. Can you suggest a powder charge? I have been reloading for over 40 years and never had this problem. Thank you for your time



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Old 07-12-2013, 01:25 AM
rmorris3006 rmorris3006 is offline
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Default reloading with imr 7625

I could sure use your help. I purchased HSM 38/357 cal 158gr Hollow point bullets for reloading. I am using IMR SR 7625 powder. My revolver is a SW mod 28-2. I am having a problem finding a load. The only info I can find is 3.7 to 4.2 grains. I loaded a few rounds at 4.0 gr and would up with a bullet stuck in my barrel. I pulled the rounds and loaded with 4.2 gr and stuck another round. Can you suggest a powder charge? I have been reloading for over 40 years and never had this problem. Thank you for your time



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Old 07-12-2013, 02:59 AM
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Default SR7625

Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorris3006 View Post
I could sure use your help. I purchased HSM 38/357 cal 158gr Hollow point bullets for reloading. I am using IMR SR 7625 powder. My revolver is a SW mod 28-2. I am having a problem finding a load. The only info I can find is 3.7 to 4.2 grains. I loaded a few rounds at 4.0 gr and would up with a bullet stuck in my barrel. I pulled the rounds and loaded with 4.2 gr and stuck another round. Can you suggest a powder charge? I have been reloading for over 40 years and never had this problem. Thank you for your time
Riley
Are you loading in 357 or 38 Spcl. cases? What type of bullet is your "HSM 158gr Hollow point"; cast, plated, or jacketed?
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Old 07-12-2013, 05:34 AM
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Have never found the need to use a plated bullet. Cast my own and run as close to pure lead as I can and still get good bullets, and have never had any leading issues with my own, only when purchasing commercially cast. I never use anything with copper except bullets for my 6BR benchrest rifle, as copper can be a bear to remove from the bore.
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Old 07-12-2013, 05:51 AM
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HSM plated, right? I shoot a lot of Berry's plated bullets and there's no reason HSM shouldn't load similarly.

According to Hodgdon/IMR Load data, the data you show for IMR7625 and a 158 grain projectile (4.0 and 4.2) should be spot-on as long as you're using .38 spl cases.

If you're using .357 mag cases you need to bump it up significantly.

The load range for 7625 and jacketed XTP is shown as 4.3 - 5.8 corresponding velocities of 812 - 1075. (Pressure 16,700 to 29,600).

Myself, I would start with 5.0 grains (mid-range jacketed data) and adjust from there.

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com

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Old 07-12-2013, 07:07 AM
scooter123 scooter123 is offline
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My Lee 49th is showing a charge of 4.0 to 4.5 grains of SR 7625 for a 158 grain 38 spl. BTW, prior experience with using SR-7625 indicates that with most calibers the data for Lead and Jacketed bullets will be identical or near identical. My impression is that this particular powder is very much less sensitive to the increase in pressure produced when using jacketed bullets. Don't quite understand why but the good news is that with this particular powder you are perfectly safe using the lower 4/5 of the loading range for either type of bullet provided the weight matches what you are loading with. BTW, the 357 Magnum data for this powder and bullet weight is showing a charge weight up to 6.1 grains, so for your model 28 you can go a good bit heavier on your charge weight. However, when loading 38 spl. cases to Magnum data you must be exceedingly careful to NOT EVER use this ammo in a 38 spl. revolver.

About your stuck bullets, since SR 7625 is a powder that meters particularly well I suspect that one possibility is that you either have a contaminated or bad bottle of powder. Another possibility is that you simply undercharged a couple of cartridges rather severely. I know it can be hard to admit a mistake but we all run the risk of "dropping the ball" at some point. It's one reason why I still don't have a progressive press. By single staging I can line up all of my charged cases and look into each and every one before I stuff in a bullet.

PS; I've done a direct comparison between Berry's and HSM Plated bullets using 5.2 grains of SR 7625 behind a 180 grain 40 caliber bullet. Both bullets produced IDENTICAL average velocities of 960 fps.

Last edited by scooter123; 07-12-2013 at 07:12 AM.
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Old 07-12-2013, 01:20 PM
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fishguy,

You are very close to duplicating the old 38/44 load in terms of velocity, although traditionally 38/44s are most often loaded with 2400. I get 1150 fps from my 5" 1937 vintage Heavy Duty with 158g Berry's FP over 11.7g 2400. Despite hand loading for over 40 years I've never tried Herco, and with the current powder shortages I'm not likely to do much experimenting. (smile)

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Old 07-12-2013, 08:03 PM
rmorris3006 rmorris3006 is offline
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Thank You for all the information. I've been reloading for many years and never had this problem. 7625 is new to me, there is not much on the market these days so you kinda have to get what you can get. I am loading a 38cal to shoot in my 357.
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Old 03-29-2014, 11:10 PM
rmorris3006 rmorris3006 is offline
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I want to thank you for your reply. A lot of good information. I tried some new loads today. Went to the range and caught a recherché. Peeled a lot of bark off my shin. I know it happens some time but my target was 75 feet and shooting my 357 against a dirt bank. Must of found the only rock in the stack
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Old 03-30-2014, 12:39 PM
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I have read where that powder is position sensitive.......
and that the starting loads do cause bullets to get stuck in barrels.

I have not used this powder but have used SR 4756 in my 38, 357 and 9mm loads.

I take Hodgdon's loading data with a grain of salt.............
Good luck with that powder.
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