Anyone shooting plated bullets in an M&P 9mm?

[prickett]

I've tried shooting lead bullets in my M&P Pro 9mm and due to the large barrel inner diameter (.357"), they aren't accurate.

I'm thinking I have to switch to either plated or jacketed. But, I've heard stories about plated not being accurate. I assume that is because they are being shot in large inner diameter barrels. Before I buy some, can anyone attest to their accuracy or lack there of?

 

[Saudade]

Have a look

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...670-lead-bullets.html?highlight=plated+bullet

 

[Jboutfishn]

All I use is X-TREME plated. Have had excellent results with 9MM and 45ACP.

 

[Bkreutz]

I've been using plated bullets for years, I have accuracy problems with certain bullets but not going to name them because they are all reputable companies and it could be because of my particular load. (I don't know which, but I shoot RMR Match bullets when I shoot 9 major, which is pretty much all the time now)

 

[MMT]

I have had accuracy issues with plated bullets and I know many others have as well. I would just use jacketed bullets, but if you want to use lead or coated lead bullets I know many manufacturers sell 9mm bullets in .355, .356, .357, and .358 so you can get a bullet that will seal well in your barrel.

 

[metricmonkeywrench]

I shoot both 124g X-Treme and Berrys plated loaded to about NATO spec with no issues out of a stock M&P9FS.

They hit exactly where I am pointing the pistol...now I could just get better with my aim and trigger control part<

 

[Jefro]

I use plated bullets in my M&P 9mm... 9mm 124 RN FCP - CamPro

No issues with accuracy at all.

 

[martybee]

I use plated bullets in my M&P 9mm... 9mm 124 RN FCP - CamPro

No issues with accuracy at all.

Likewise, in my Shield9 and my FS9. I use the X-Treme Bullets
from Freedom Munitions, 115gr. and 124gr. No issues with accuracy.

mb

 

[MMT]

I think the plated bullet accuracy issues are mostly noted at longer ranges, if you look at some competition forums you will read about plated not holding as tight of groups as jacketed or lead/coated. If you don't shoot much past 15 yards you won't see much of an issue, if you regularly shoot 25-100 yards it may not provide as much training value as a more accurate bullet. I have never been able to get plated bullets to shoot much better than 5-6" at 25 yards, so if you are shooting at 50 yards that kind of accuracy can hinder your training as you don't get the same feedback you would with a more accurate load. A lot of people seem to have good luck with plated bullets, but for me the cost difference between jacketed hasn't been worth it, plus coated bullets are cheaper than plated if you can put up with loading lead bullets.

 

[Jefro]

If you don't shoot much past 15 yards you won't see much of an issue, if you regularly shoot 25-100 yards it may not provide as much training value as a more accurate bullet.

Off the bench @ 25yds I've got 1'' groups with my PC M&P. On the IPSC course I regularly hit steel & targets @ 50 yards without issues. Same goes for the .40's I use in my 1911. No issues with accuracy out to 50 yards. I will admit I've never tried them @ 100 though.

 

[Magload]

Oh no. No wonder my groups suck I have been using X-treme and Berry's plated bullets for some time now. No really I have used coated and also and can't tell much difference except no one says whats that smell when I use plated. Our indoor range only goes to 20yds but I get tight groups out that far.

 

[pushpullpete]

No matter which one you choose, for the best accuracy in your particular weapon, the true & accurate diameter of your barrel must be known. You mentioned that yours is .357. As MMT stated, his supplier does multiple diameters. Not all do. That said, Berrys has served me well. I do not shoot lead due to others talking about the cleaning afterward. I don't mind spending a little more on the front end to be able to spend more time with my family afterwards.

I should have added that I use multiple (4) calibers from Berrys.

 

[prickett]

Thanks everyone. Looks like plated bullets are in my future.

 

[rwsmith]

Or coated.....

Or coated bullets are in your future. I think they're great.

 

[federali]

I've used Rainier plated bullets in four 9mms without issues of any kind.

 

[msjdgman]

I've never slugged any of my barrels, but Berrys .356 9mm work excellent for me. I had used Rainier .355 before, and while accuracy was "ok", I've been happier with the Berrys.

 

[Tom Beavert]

All I use is X-TREME plated. Have had excellent results with 9MM and 45ACP.

I shoot a lot of these ^^^ and Berrys Moly coated, no problems.

TB

 

[Wee Hooker]

I've found that 130 gr 38 super bullets (Round Nose,.357 D) give me the best accuracy out of my 9mm M&P's (and my 9mm 1911s as well). I'm thinking it's a combination of the larger diameter and heavier weight that makes the difference.

Be careful though, Round Nosed work well but some other profiles will not.