So which load data do we use for plated bullets? Lead or jacketed? I assume lead, but inquiring minds...

Robert

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

I used same as jacketed. Don’t like them. They are softer than jacketed.

Mostly lead. If you check the websites of the various makers, you'll find suggestions along with velocity limits. The plated bullets won't lead, so, in many cases you can drive them faster than lead bullets. In some cases, like 9 mm, you can, use jacketed data, but you can slightly reduce charges and get the same velocities.

You didn't mention calibers, but I find a taper crimp sufficient with my plated revolver loads. You're not likely to get the recoil that will cause the bullets to move forward.

As I recall Berry's web site used to say used lead loading data. Don't know if it still says that or not.

Berry's Bullets advice on load data can be found at their website under Frequently Asked Questions.

George

One just needs to know that plated bullets were designed as a target bullet and not a hunting bullet.

You can use light JHP loads or up to Med. Hvy lead target loads with these bullets
and not have any problems.

So true. The plating is just for looks. Not thick enough to do any good. They will really lead up a barrel. They are soft.

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S&W Accumulator

I use them, 350gr, in my 500 using the same load data for the Hornady 350gr XTP bullet with about 12.2gr of TiteGroup. No problems so far....

I tried plated several years ago when manufacturers suggested lead bullet data, with an added "up to 1250 fps using mid range jacketed data" (whatever that means?). So, having cast an shot lead bullets for all my guns, I just used lead data and occasionally used data up to near max. I tried about 1,000 and found no benefit over my home cast. My bullets didn't lead the barrels, weren't messy to handle and were accurate. I recently purchases 250 plated for my 9mms, mainly because of the shortage, and have had quality problems (the plated 125 gr TC/FP bullets varied enough to make OAL/bullet seating hard to hold less than .008").

As mentioned, plated bullets are a "Almost" lead or JHP bullet.

They may or may not work out for you but I like them for target work , if not pushed too hard in my pistol & rifles.

One thing about the revolver and rifle bullets............
the "Can" is pretty light on most plated bullets but they do have one, if you look closely.

They are definitely not like the ones found on Winchester, Federal or Remington bullets.

I shoot plated 9mm and .45 for USPSA and have loaded them in the area between high lead loads and low jacketed loads and it seems to work OK.

Have shot plated for years, they do not lead in my firearms. Shoot super clean since there is no exposed lead. I have used both jacketed and cast data for loads. Just start low and work up as usual, if there are any issues, you will see them. Some even claim they shoot better than jacketed because they can obturate to seal up the bore when shooting whereas jacketed still allows gas to slip by.

I treat them as target loads and never push them hard since I use them for target exclusively.

Rosewood

I'll chime in with some of the others. I've never had plated bullets lead any of my barrels. I use them as an substitute for lead bullets in target loads. Never had any issues.

I tried plated in both .44 special and .357 mag yesterday.

No issues and I used jacketed load data.

I crimped them decently, no light, not heavy, but somewhere I felt was the middle, no issues. The berry’s 240 flat nose don’t have a crimp groove, so I had to feel for that one, the extreme 158 had a groove and I treated them the same way.

push them to fast and the plating will peel, the holes in paper look like a flower, also bullets with wings don't fly very straight. keep em slow and they are fine.

To clarify, I bought them in 9mm and 45 acp...not thinking to hot rod them, just medium loads for target and plinking.


Thanks for the input.

Robert

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

They work good for plinking and perforating paper. No issues at all when I go to the range to relieve stress. I use Accurate powders and Accurate/Western does have data for plated bullets.

I might test some bullets with the moly spray.

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Plant garlic in the fall

Plated bullets are to eliminate bore leading and airborne lead in indoor ranges. Most plated bullets have a thin plating that will strip when driven much over 1200 fps. For reloading, most plated bullet manufacturers recommend using data for hard cast lead. I have had good results with plated bullets in 9x19mm and 45 ACP, not so good results with reduced velocity 357 Magnum loads.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I ran into the same thing with my 686 and extreme 158 gr TMJ-HPs. I get a lot of unburned powder and velocities are taking a wild swing. There's not much of a crimp groove on the Extreme bullet. I've tried the Lee Collet crimp die and a taper crimp die but still get wide velocity swings, unburned powder and dismal accuracy. My velocities' were in the low 1000s range and about 1.4 grains below max for 2400 powder in Starline mag cases.

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Vietnam Vet 6/66-12/67

Plated actually fall pretty much between lead & jacketed. So using lead data is prudent.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

A plated bullet, properly loaded, wont lead a bbl. You get leading because the plating is broken or knicked on loading. Too much crimp or not enough flare or both.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I have always used and been advised to use , the data for lead bullets . But since I cast my own bullets I have a lot of data for lead .
As long as you stay below the fps the maker suggests for your bullet , you should be just fine ...1200 fps is 1200 fps .
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I like them for 38 Special, light target rounds. They are much more prolific than quality lead bullets over here (Netherlands). High lead/low FMJ load data.

One thing that has not been mentioned yet: make sure the inside of the case mouth is free of burrs and nicks (and always use enough flare).
I've started running my Lyman deburring tool into the mouth a few times prior to loading so there's absolutely no damage done during seating.
As others have said: if the plating is compromised, accuracy goes down the drain.

Anyone use extreme copper plated bullets?

I bought a bucket of 3750 Xtreme 124's for my 9mm 1911. I like them.

I bought 500 40 S&W and 500 380 acp and looking forward to loading some.

Berry's & Extreme are good bullets. They shoot & group well.
In my experience, plated is slower than lubed lead & coated lead. You will need a bit more powder than lubed lead loads to achieve similar fps.

Not a fan of value plated (thin plate) bullets due to poor accuracy. At the value price level I much prefer Hi-Tek coated offerings. I have my favs, but there are numerous good choices.
I still like jacketed for premium use.

These days, if you haven't stocked up already you should get what is available. See if you can find a load that works well for you with what you can get.

I like Berry’s plated bullets for plinking, which is mostly what I do with handguns. I’ve always treated them as the lead bullets they are and loaded accordingly. I have had great luck in my revolvers and lever action rifles. I use:

158 gr .38/357
240 gr .429
230 gr .452 - .45 Colt
350 gr .500

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213th FBINA