I need a 38 Spl + loading using HSM 125 gr plated bullets. I'm using HP38/231 or Unique.

Should I use jacketed data?

I was thinking of 5.5 grs HP38 or 6.0 grs Unique.

Any recommendations for a +P loading using this or comparable plated 125 gr bullet? Any velocity data?

Thank you

I don't know the bullet brand you have in hand, But generally if the plating is thick, you can use jacket data, Powerbond bullets advise not to push their plated stuff over 1200 fps, plenty fast and well into magnum territory. If the plating is thinner, I would say use the lead data , if you push that stuff too fast you may get jacket separation and maybe even leave some in the barrel causing a disaster with the next shot. I would think your best bet is to call or e-mail the company as to their recommendation, I find that they are all very helpful and usually spot on as they know their own product. I do usually choose powerbond as they have one of the thickest plating in the industry at a reasonable cost.

Plated bullet data = cast bullet data or middle jacketed bullet data. No special data needed, no mysterious formulas, just fun shooting...

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Off to the range - loaded 20 rds with 5.1 grs HP38 (ref WW reloading data 2003). Probably duplicates velocity of factory 125 gr SJHP Rem 38 Spl +P from actual revolvers, which is what I'm looking for to punch paper targets!

Regular plated = use lead data

Heavy plated = should be able to use jacketed data.

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I look at a plated bullet as a "lower class" JSP that was mainly
designed for cheap, low fps target work.

If I load +P ammo, I use Quality, top of the line, SD type bullets.

I can see a full house plated for the use of "Yotes", ground squirrel and other small vermin, though.

Plated are getting better every day.........
Good loading.

HSM is Hunting Shack and I've found their bullets equal to Berry's, Extreme, or Rainier. Meaning they are high quality plated bullets that can be driven to 1100 fps or bit more without any concern of the plating being stripped off.

As for data, I've found that data for jacketed bullets is a more accurate predictor of the produced velocity of a particular load. Just keep your expected velocity to 1100 fps or less.

Looking at the data on Hodgdons website, their data for jacketed maxes out at .1 of a grain more than their max lead data. The only issue you might have is going too low with start data. The plated have more friction than cast and too low a start load could stick a bullet in the barrel. I saw a model 10 with a barrel full of plated bullets. Forcing cone to muzzle.

The real quandary is when there is a 1 grain gap between max lead and start jacketed. That is not the case here.