Berry's hollow point vs. hollow base

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1sailor

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I started out trying Berry's 115gr RN in my 9mm M&P. Later I tried their 124gr RN and found they raised the POI to match my POA almost exactly. Recently I was at Cabelas's and thought I'd try some of the 124gr HP's which theoreticaly at least should be more accurate than the RN's because of more contact with the rifling. Whether that's true or not, they did close up my groups noticably. Now finally to my question. On the Berry's site they say that their hollow base bullets are more accurate for the same reason I stated regarding the HP's. Has anyone tried their hollow base bullets in a 9mm and what were your results. I'm about due to order another thousand but not sure if I should stick with the HP's that worked so well or order the hollow base bullets. I suppose I could buy 250 of each but I really prefer to buy 1000 at a time.
 
I've used both the 124 and 115 grain Berry hollow base bullets and prefer them in both my 9mm's. You may find this an iteresting read.
New Bullet: Berry's 124gr Hollow Base RN for 9mm - THR

One would think the hollow points would be more accurate, but others, including myself are finding the 124 grain HBFP a more accurate round. They also have a 124 grain HBRN thick plate (TP) variety that you may like even more.
 
Hey, thanks for the link. I was especially interested in the linked posting in regards to OAL. One of the problems I have with the HP's is that my loading source says 1.120 as the max OAL. At 1.121 I am just barely, barely, clearing the rifling in my barrel. Having to mic each round and test it in my breech really slows down the process. I'll try some of the HBRN's and also maybe some of the 124gr non hollow base FP's.
 
Last edited:
Anybody know if the Berry's hollowpointsmexpand, or are they just to increase ballistic coefficient?
 
I've tried both the flat base and the hollow base in 9mm and in 38 Spl and I like the HB better. I did notice a bit tighter groups too. I just got 500 of the thick plate only because that is all that Dillons had on the shelf when I was there, but I don't plan on driving them any faster than the regular ones but they do cost a couple bucks more.

BTW does anyone know if you now use full jacketed load data for the Thick Plate or does one stay with the reduced mid-range? Seems to me if they are rated for higher velocity then you would need more powder to achieve it, putting you into the upper end of regular jacketed load ranges.
 
125JHP said:
I've tried both the flat base and the hollow base in 9mm and in 38 Spl and I like the HB better. I did notice a bit tighter groups too. I just got 500 of the thick plate only because that is all that Dillons had on the shelf when I was there, but I don't plan on driving them any faster than the regular ones but they do cost a couple bucks more.

BTW does anyone know if you now use full jacketed load data for the Thick Plate or does one stay with the reduced mid-range? Seems to me if they are rated for higher velocity then you would need more powder to achieve it, putting you into the upper end of regular jacketed load ranges.
Click to expand...

The specs on Berry's web site say you can push them up to 1450 fps.

Here's the link to Berry's:
Berry's Manufacturing

And to the bullet in question:
9mm plated pistol bullets
 
The hollow-base should have the edge in accuracy for the same reason the 148 gr. LHBWC is so accurate. The hollow base expands out to fill the rifling and takes advantage of the full gas pressure with no blow by, and should lead/foul less also.
 
Personally, I'd buy both; 500 each. A reloader can never have too many bullets. Will the hollow pointed 9mm open at under 1200 fps.? (Berrys recommended max.) I'm going to try the 124 HB in my FMK next purchase...
 
Thanks HR, I guess it was on my list of lookups to do... from their description...

"These bullets are a thick plate and the hollow base adds length to the bullet profile giving more bearing surface. Added bearing surface helps with accuracy in pistol barrels. Thicker plating lets you push these bullets to 1450fps in open guns in calibers like .38 Super"

This does generate a couple questions, but they don't mention modifying current load data recommendations to achieve the new normal, but the velocity does imply more powder, as does the increased bearing surface. I notice some books list Gold Dot with different loads than other same weight jacketed bullets and then again some books lump the TMC Gold Dots the same as std Jacket load data. So is a thick plate TMJ loaded the same as jacketed or not? Some say yes, others no. I sometimes wonder if they publish different data just to have more listings in their book.
Is Berry's moving into that category with these?
 
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