So which load data do we use for plated bullets? Lead or jacketed? I assume lead, but inquiring minds...
Robert
Robert
Plated bullets
- Thread starter raljr1
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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.
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.
george_lehr
Member
Berry's Bullets advice on load data can be found at their website under Frequently Asked Questions.
George
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.
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.
roscoepc
Member
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").
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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
OP
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
Thanks for the input.
Robert
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psquarejr
Member
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.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I might test some bullets with the moly spray.
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.
GaCop
Member
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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