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Old 08-01-2012, 06:18 PM
TheTinMan TheTinMan is offline
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Plated/FMJ Bullets for .38 Special & .357 Magnum Plated/FMJ Bullets for .38 Special & .357 Magnum Plated/FMJ Bullets for .38 Special & .357 Magnum Plated/FMJ Bullets for .38 Special & .357 Magnum Plated/FMJ Bullets for .38 Special & .357 Magnum  
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Default Plated/FMJ Bullets for .38 Special & .357 Magnum

I've been happily using Penn Bullets' 158 grain TCBB bullets for target loads in both cartridges. However, there's a nice, new indoor range close by that requires fully jacketed or plated bullets. Worth the range fee when it's 95 degrees in the shade. I'd like to stick with a 158 grain bullet, probably a flat point.

Are Berry's or Rainier plated bullets reasonable alternatives? Any other brands I should look at?

Any reason FMJ bullets would be worth the added expense?

FWIW these bullets would be leaving a S&W J frame or one of several pre-1960 revolvers made by that other American company.
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Old 08-01-2012, 07:40 PM
wyo-man wyo-man is offline
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I have used Berry's for years in several calibers. They have several bullet styles and weights available.
Plated gives you a reasonable price lower than commercial full metal jacketed bullets.

wyo-man
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Old 08-01-2012, 07:48 PM
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I have been using Rainier 158 gr RN and 9mm 115 gr RN and have been very pleased.
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Old 08-01-2012, 09:30 PM
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David LaPell David LaPell is offline
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I have got a box of 170 grain Sierra FMJ's that would probably put a dent in something. Have not tried them yet, I tried selling them but no one was interested so I guess I will load them someday.
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Old 08-01-2012, 11:26 PM
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Thumbs up plated

A big plus is Berrys has free shipping when you buy more than just a few.

Clean to load and not smokey when fired indoors like lubed lead bullets.

Check for Rainiers when Midway has a coupon code or a discounted price as they do charge shipping.

I have used both brands depending on price and availability.

Bruce
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Old 08-02-2012, 06:51 PM
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Most plated bullet manufacturers recommend against using their bullets at magnum velocities because the heavy crimp, required to prevent bullet pull, can, and often will, cut the plating. This permits the back portion of the plating to slip off of the bullet and lodge in the barrel throat. Repeated deposits can build up causing a restriction in the barrel throat.

Check each manufacturer’s brochure or call them. Generally, I would not use a heavy roll crimp on any plated bullet with no cannelure.
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Old 08-02-2012, 09:58 PM
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Berry's is pretty open about the limits of their plated rounds. I use them for 9mm, .38 SPL. and .45 acp. At about $80 per thousand and free shipping, they're perfect for the indoor range.
I suppose you could make some pretty interesting .357 loads and still keep the velocity semi sub-sonic. 1200 fps is nothing to sneeze at.

"Velocities depend on the caliber, but as a rule of thumb, we recommend you don't shoot our plated bullets over 1250 feet-per-second. Our 44's actually shoot best around 1150 fps. 45's are generally good at 850-900 fps. Our bullets are not recommended for magnum velocities over 1250fps unless the bullet description denotes a thick plated bullet with a higher listed maximum for velocity."
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