Berry's 158gr Rn and Unique

[CPD19721994]

Can anyone give me info on a good accurate / safe load for Unique and Berry's 158 gr rn plated bullet? I will be shooting this round for target practice out of a 36 and 642. Not looking for a +P load. Thanks

[semperfi71]

You can find reloading data online at the Hodgdon's, IMR, Alliant, Accurate, sites.

I don't have my reloading manuals handy to my computer at this time.

Good luck.

[Skip Sackett]

Originally Posted by CPD19721994

Can anyone give me info on a good accurate / safe load for Unique and Berry's 158 gr rn plated bullet? I will be shooting this round for target practice out of a 36 and 642. Not looking for a +P load. Thanks

Welcome to the forum.

On the Berry website, I think it does anyway, it says to use lead bullet data for their plated bullets. I know Ranier does for theirs. If you use it and stay below 1200fps you will be OK!

(1200fps is definitely a +P load though! )

[Steve C]

Try 4.5 grs of Unique or any typical lead bullet load. Check out Alliants data for standard velocity .38 spl at Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

[whelenshooter]

I use 4.7 grains of HP-38 or WW231 with the Berrys or Rainier 158 gr. round nose/flat point for the .38 Special with a taper crimp. It works very well. It seems to be a mild load, but not a weenie load.

I don't care what Berrys and Rainier say, do NOT use lead bullet data for their bullets! Instead, use low end jacketed bullet data. Because they are plated they have a much higher coefficient of friction than a lubricated cast bullet. I know because in cold weather I found I could stick a bullet AT WILL in my 5" S&W 627 using cast bullet data. I was using 4.1 grains of HP-38 with the 158 grain Rainier. From what I can figure, on the draw the powder was being thrown to the front of the case and wasn't igniting properly, although it sounded OK, the recoil was funny. The load worked fine in warm weather, but when the weather was in the teens/low 20s F, the bullet would stick in the 5" 627 EVERY TIME on the draw, but NOT if I elevated the muzzle before firing. Remember DON'T USE THE 4.1 GR LOAD, THE BULLETS WERE STICKING IN THE BARREL WITH THIS LOAD!

Whelenshooter

[Skip Sackett]

I know because in cold weather

Point well taken. Since we don't live where you do, Alaska, can you put "cold" into perspective for us? I mean, cold to me here in Northern Indiana is 32*F and below. For you that may be balmy summer weather!

p.s. The lead loads I was thinking of were the kind from the Speer #8 though! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL Just kidding!

[tbury]

Berry's FAQ recommends low end of jacketed ammo data be used with their bullets.

[nightshade2x]

Good results with 4.9 gr. Unique under 148 gr. or 158 gr. hardcast bullets of any profile over a CCI 500 primer.

Cheap and easy shooting albiet a bit dirty.

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

[zainyD]

For a lighter load try 4.2grns of Unique with the previously mentioned bullets. I use this load with 158grn LSWC and a CCI #500 primer in my 638 with good results and it's cleaner than heavier loads of Unique.

[BugEater]

I use 4.3gr Win 231 with the 158gr plated Berry.