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12-06-2010, 10:44 PM
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Different loads for lead and plated bullets?
I loaded some 148 gr lead HBWC and some 148 gr HBWC plated Berry bullets with identical loads of 3.1 gr of HP38 . I tried both tonight in my S&W 52. The lead performed flawlessly..the plated bullets almost all stovepiped. Another shooter suggested that there is less friction with the Berry bullets and that does not build enough pressure to operate the action effectively. MY conclusion is that I will need to load plated bullets slightly hotter. Is this a likely explanation and correct inference?
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12-06-2010, 10:52 PM
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Look at my post "model 52 cycling" just a little while ago, I think
we are talking the same thing. I loaded Ranier plated bullets and
the gun would not cycle. I'm guessing we need to put a crimp on
them. I'm hoping I can make some tonight and test them out tomorrow.
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12-07-2010, 12:26 AM
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I've been all over this tonight, what I've gathered is its best to stick with the hollow based lead, the plating is the problem and hotter is not really the answer. Crimping will probably help and if I can figure that out I would prefer plated because I don't like the smoke that I get with lead lube.
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12-07-2010, 12:31 AM
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My lead bullet takes a lower charge than my plated or fmj.
If you detest the dirty and smoke of lead try moly coated.
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12-07-2010, 08:32 AM
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Both bullet types were crimped
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12-07-2010, 10:09 AM
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Here is what I learned trying to make Berry's HBWCs work in a Model 52-1 and a 52-2. With Bullseye powder I had to go to 3.0 grains to get the guns to cycle reliably. With W231/HP38 I had to go to 3.6 grains to get the guns to cycle reliably. Both loads are under maximum published data for lead, but I'm still trying to convince myself to use them.
Others that have tried the plated HBWCs in Model 52s say they are not as accurate as the swaged lead HBWCs. I didn't test accuracy, so I have to take their word on that.
One gentleman suggested that the plated HBWCs would wear out the barrel much quicker than lead, and cautioned that replacement barrels can't be found. I'm having trouble getting my mind around that statement, as I would think it would take millions of plated bullets shot to wear out the barrel. But, I've been wrong before and I'll be wrong again.
I'm with you on the smoke, etc. from the lead lube.
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12-07-2010, 03:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by palooka
I loaded some 148 gr lead HBWC and some 148 gr HBWC plated Berry bullets with identical loads of 3.1 gr of HP38 . I tried both tonight in my S&W 52. The lead performed flawlessly..the plated bullets almost all stovepiped. Another shooter suggested that there is less friction with the Berry bullets and that does not build enough pressure to operate the action effectively. MY conclusion is that I will need to load plated bullets slightly hotter. Is this a likely explanation and correct inference?
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When I attempted to use the Berry's 148 gr. HBWC I found that the velocity was much lower than with the normal LHBWC. I finally used them up in revolver loads and went back to the Remington 148 gr. LHBWC. Every load I haveused with plated bullets provides lower velocity than the same weight and configuration lead bullet.
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12-07-2010, 05:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by palooka
I loaded some 148 gr lead HBWC and some 148 gr HBWC plated Berry bullets with identical loads of 3.1 gr of HP38 . I tried both tonight in my S&W 52. The lead performed flawlessly..the plated bullets almost all stovepiped. Another shooter suggested that there is less friction with the Berry bullets and that does not build enough pressure to operate the action effectively. MY conclusion is that I will need to load plated bullets slightly hotter. Is this a likely explanation and correct inference?
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I would think the opposite. Plated or FMJ for that matter would have more tension or friction than lead. Your 3.1 is below the starting load of 3.5 which is fine for lead but IMO it would need to be higher for the plated. Bump it up to 3.8 to 4.0 grs HP 38 or so and see if the plated perform better.
I have shot thousands of Berrys bullets (not your bullet) but every caliber and load them in the middle of the FMJ load data.If no FMJ data then I use the max lead data.
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12-07-2010, 07:09 PM
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Just what I do with these bullets. I usually load lead bullets for use in my revolvers but sometimes come across a good deal on plated bullets and buy them. When loading a 148gr LWC I charge 3.2gr W231/HP-38 but with the plated bullets I charge 3.5gr W231/HP-38. I get similar performance from each with those charges.
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12-10-2010, 03:00 PM
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I don't have any experience in pistols, but in my revolvers, I've always bumped up the charge on plated bullets using the theory that plated bullets, as do jacketed bullets, would create more friction.
Fortunately, some years ago, I cast sort of a lifetime's worth of gas-checked bullets in various calibers. Maybe it's just me, but I get good performance with low velocity loads, jacketed bullet velocity when needed, great accuracy, and not as much dirt as with softer non-gas check bullets.
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