I have a SW PC Light Hunter 44 magnum that I use for deer hunting and also use it for range work with 44 special loads. I have a bunch of 44 special brass I'm looking to reload. Currently all reloading supplies are scarce to include bullets. I have a chance to purchase some Berry's plated 220 grain flat point bullets. Checking to see if anyone has used these? I checked online and observed that many places list them as discontinued however there is still some out there. It seems like they would be an ok target/plinking load.
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Berry's 44 220 Grain FP
- Thread starter cladd1
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I have used many thousands of Berry’s over the last decade and they have served me well. I am not familiar with those bullets but I will guess they have no cannelure.
If that is the case, I’ll suggest that they are best loaded mid-range and no more, with a faster or medium powder. I say this because without a cannelure, you need to roll crimp VERY lightly as the plating is razor thin.
With only a light crimp, you won’t get a quality burn from any magnum powder and the other cartridges in the cylinder will probably lurch forward under recoil and jump crimp.
So sure, for plinking at 800-850 fps, I’ll bet they are fine. Try to get 1000-1200 and it will probably be a lousy experience.
If that is the case, I’ll suggest that they are best loaded mid-range and no more, with a faster or medium powder. I say this because without a cannelure, you need to roll crimp VERY lightly as the plating is razor thin.
With only a light crimp, you won’t get a quality burn from any magnum powder and the other cartridges in the cylinder will probably lurch forward under recoil and jump crimp.
So sure, for plinking at 800-850 fps, I’ll bet they are fine. Try to get 1000-1200 and it will probably be a lousy experience.
I don't buy Berry's bullets anymore
Personally if I couldn't inspect them in person & check their diameter with a micrometer I wouldn't buy them.
Years ago I got some horribly under-sized, & dimensionally deficient, 240gr .44 bullets from Berry's.
I sent a sample of them to Berry's, at their request, & they said they were normal & did nothing.
The bullets were junked & used for ballast.
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Personally if I couldn't inspect them in person & check their diameter with a micrometer I wouldn't buy them.
Years ago I got some horribly under-sized, & dimensionally deficient, 240gr .44 bullets from Berry's.
I sent a sample of them to Berry's, at their request, & they said they were normal & did nothing.
The bullets were junked & used for ballast.
.
.
STORMINORMAN
Member
Hodgdons lists no less than 17 loads (!) in 44 Special for this specific bullet, all with MAX velocites under 960fps...
Use just enough expansion to not shave any copper off: neck tension and a little light taper crimp will go a long way. Sure, cannelures are always nice, but...
IMHO this is an almost (?) ideal bullet for the OP's stated purpose. I, too have loaded many hundreds of plated bullets in both 44 calibers and never have experienced any bullet movement except out the barrel into the target...
Cheers!
P.S. This is where the LEE CARBIDE crimp die OR their collet-style die in 44 caliber can really come in handy.
Use just enough expansion to not shave any copper off: neck tension and a little light taper crimp will go a long way. Sure, cannelures are always nice, but...
IMHO this is an almost (?) ideal bullet for the OP's stated purpose. I, too have loaded many hundreds of plated bullets in both 44 calibers and never have experienced any bullet movement except out the barrel into the target...
Cheers!
P.S. This is where the LEE CARBIDE crimp die OR their collet-style die in 44 caliber can really come in handy.
Buckeye shooter
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I have used the exact bullet you are referring to. I shoot it over a light load of W231 with a taper crimp, around 800fps. They shoot well at the speed, as others have mentioned it doesn’t do well if you try to hot rod it.
fredj338
Member
Why not shoot coated lead?? I have never been a plated bullet fan.
