I am new to reloading (have not received my press yet) and I have picked up some components.

I was able to get 500 Berry 9MM 115 Preferred Plated RN they are .356 not .355.

First question any issue using these .356 plated in an M&P 9 FS?

also any advice on load?


I have WSF powder and Federal Small pistol primers.

Nay advise on should I buy .355 or .356?

Thanks

Hodgdon lists 9MM 115gr FMJ with WSF at 4.9gr @ 1060 and 5.7 gr @1195. you can go to their web site and find the data @ Hodgdon - The Gun Powder People I would start low and work up looking for a good grouping and stop there. I am not into shooting Max loads (anymore). I "aim" for mildest best grouping for plinking and target shooting. IMO shooting .356 vs .355 should not matter as long as you are starting low and working up. Almost all the hard cast and plated bullets manufactures seem to offer .356 or even .357 for 9mm. If you are still concerned you could size your barrel by tapping a bullet through it with a wood dowel and hammer and mic'ing it for size. I shoot .355 in my 380 not 9mm.

Yes, don't use the top half of FMJ data for plated. About halfway up from start should work the M&P OK. Plated bullets are too soft for full-power FMJ data.

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Science plus Art

First, don't be concerned about that extra 0.001 inch in diameter. Berry's plated bullets have always run a tick larger than most plated bullets. In the 40 caliber I've done a direct comparison between Berry's at 0.401 inch and HSM at 0.400 inch and there wasn't any measurable difference in velocity. Both bullets clocked an average of 960 fps, both bullets features SD that were a basic match, and both bullets shot to the same point of aim at 15 yards. IMO the most likely reason for the lack of any measured difference in performance is likely due to Berry's using a slightly softer lead alloy for their bullets.

Now for determining load data. The normal recommendation for starting loads for plated bullets is to start at the typical starting point for a hard cast lead bullet of the same weight. If you don't have data for your particular powder choice you can then use the starting point for a jacketed bullet. However, with plated bullets you need to pay attention to your potential velocity and do your best to not exceed the recommended maximum velocity. I think it was on Berry's where I saw the maximum recommended velocities by caliber but I'm not absolutely sure of that. What I do remember is that 40 caliber was limited to 1000 fps. and the recommended maximum velocity for the 45 ACP was 850 fps. It's a total guess but I suspect that for your 9mm you'll want to limit your velocity to 1100 fps or less. Note, if you experience severe leading with any load using a plated bullet it's almost ALWAYS caused by pushing the bullet too fast.

Finally, there is a method based on rather simple math that can allow you to estimate your velocity for a particular charge weight. Just keep in mind that in the real world you'll likely see some amount of deviation from this estimate but I've found it usually less than 40 fps. Take the data for the starting load and divide the velocity by the charge weight. Write down the product of this calculation. Next take the velocity for the never exceed data and divide this velocity by the never exceed charge weight. Write this number down. Now average the two products and multiply that result by your actual charge weight. That rudimentary result is your estimated velocity for your specific charge. BTW, if you want to get really exacting you can build a mathematical equation with a floating average that will get you closer but I am not going to take the time on how to do that, you really don't need to get this exact.

I have used Berry's plated in 9mm. My understanding is they are .356 because they are cast, not jacketed. Yes, they have a copper plating to minimize leading, but they are still cast bullets. .356 is the normal sizing for cast in 9mm.

I've had good luck with them using cast data.

Looks like I am a dollar short and a day late..........
everything has been covered............
but the light plated coating is so thin that it will not have
a bearing on loading data, just use a very light crimp if you have to and all will be good to go.

Usually .355 jacket and .356 lead is the "Standard" diameter from most companies............for standard barrels, not all are perfect.

BUy the 0.356". Plated load between a jacketed & lead. They are dead soft lead w/ a thin plating so act more like a lead bullet, hence 0.356" for best reults in most guns. Use Lead data or upto midrange jacketed.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I have had good Luck with the berry 115gr RN


I started with 4.2gr and 4.6gr of Tightgroup.... the 4.2gr was perfect.... and is where I ended up.... 4.6 was fine but maybe a Bit hot at over 1200fps...

Nice Bullets... i now have about 750 of em

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--Stav--

Shot over 750 of the Berry Plated 9mm 115gr with TG 4.1gr in my Sig 938. Great round and 100% in the 938.

Berry plated .357 fp have a max velocity 1250fps. I would guess you have something near that but you can check the box they come in and it will tell you. Have fun.

My M&P 9's seem to like them so far. I am still experimenting with different charge levels and different powders to see which ones work best but so far I like my results.

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M&P15 Sport,9Pro,9c,Shield9,45

I use Berry's and X-treme. 0 issues.

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Matt H.