Are plated bullets of any value??

[rwsmith]

The plated bullets for pistols that I have seen say to use cast load data. They don't seem to offer any advantage in not leading at velocities over around 1250 fps. Isn't the plating just an unnecessary cost with very little advantage? Jacketed bullets are expensive but at least I know that I can shoot them as fast as I want. Some of Berry's RIFLE bullets are at least plated enough that I can shoot my most reduced rounds at around 1700 fps. And Berry's seems to be some of the best plated bullets out there.

 

[Titegroups]

Stop using common sense and buy some, Barry really needs the money.

 

[jag22]

How about no leading and no smoke. That's worth it to me right there. Most of what they sell are pistol bullets and most pistol bullets travel at less than 1250 fps so what exactly are you wanting them to do? If most of what you want to do is make fairly warm pistol loads then yes you should stick to FMJ.

 

[Skunkhome]

Though not as hard as #2 cast they are more resistant to leading than common swaged bullets.

 

[Rule3]

Berrys actual says to use the mid range of jacketed, So does that make it any better? There is no lead and lube build up to clean so with a lot of shooting that is worth it. They are pretty well plated almost a FMJ.

When I used them for non magnums I ran them at almost max FMJ loads as they did not exceed 1200 fps.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Some of Berry's RIFLE bullets are at least plated enough that I can shoot my most reduced rounds at around 1700 fps.

I shoot plain base lead bullets with a BHN of 18 in a 30-30 rifle and I can push them up to 1800 fps without leasing so they won't lead at 1700 fps either. I usually keep them around 1600 fps because that's the accurate load I found but lead will shoot just as well as plated bullets and at the same pressures.

 

[Cdog]

In todays' market, any bullet has value. I can't see using the plated swaged for my use.

In normal times I can buy common jacketed 9's and 45's for about the same or less than Berry's.

I use much less expensive hard cast in my target pistols.

I've found that like spirits, you're fine as long as you don't mix your light's and dark's.

Copper and lead will tend to cling to each other in your bore. Clean you tube well between switching bullet types and you shouldn't have significant fouling with cast bullets.

I have 1911's that have never seen a jacketed round. I have carry weapons that have never seen cast.

My revolvers see quite a lot of both. "Clean Between" works for me.

 

[blujax01]

My local indoor range will not allow lead bullets. And since the cost of plated bullets is ~ 40% of jacketed it's a no brainer.

 

[Cdog]

My local indoor range will not allow lead bullets. And since the cost of plated bullets is ~ 40% of jacketed it's a no brainer.

Just curious, what brand/price/caliber are you buying for 40% the cost of bulk fmj's? I ain't askin' where, that'd kinda be like askin' bout where your fishin' hole is!

 

[blujax01]

Just curious, what brand/price/caliber are you buying for 40% the cost of bulk fmj's? I ain't askin' where, that'd kinda be like askin' bout where your fishin' hole is!

Sorry, not enough coffee and a fat thumb - 50%. The best price I can find (including delivery) on 9mm 124 grain is $180/thousand. Plated runs me $89 through Berry's.

 

[Cdog]

These folks and I'm sure others sites are usually about the same as the plated stuff. Precision Delta I can highly recommend.

Precision Delta - Competition Ammunition

Handgun Bullets | Bulk Handgun Bullets | Cheap Handgun Bullets

Roze Distribution: 9MM (.355) Diameter) - 124 GR FMJ

 

[Titegroups]

For me its fmj or lead but I shoot outdoors, I prefer fmj in my autos and lead in the wheelguns. No use for plated bullets.

 

[Maximumbob54]

If you run a bullet feeder and shoot in bulk then plated would be the way to go.

 

[Comrad]

Yes, Tonto

I want a silver bullet to be a symbol of justice.

"Hi-ho, Silver, away!"

 

[dickttx]

From their respective web sites as of now:
Precision Delta 124gn FMJ $88 per K shipped
Berrys 124gn RN Plated $88.67 per K shipped
MBC 124gn RN Lead $59.50 per K plus shipping

Don't see the price advantage of plated.

 

[blujax01]

Good to know - thanks!

 

[venomballistics]

plated is good for a few things.
if you don't want the smoke of cast bullet lube .. plated solves this.
If your feeding a polygonal rifled gun like a Glock or HK USP again, its a good answer.
The lions share of my shooting is with cast, though a fair portion is plated. Its the traditionally jacketed stuff thats honestly kinda rare in the ammo locker.

 

[rwsmith]

I have a .357

How about no leading and no smoke. That's worth it to me right there. Most of what they sell are pistol bullets and most pistol bullets travel at less than 1250 fps so what exactly are you wanting them to do? If most of what you want to do is make fairly warm pistol loads then yes you should stick to FMJ.

I have a .357 so lighter, full power bullets are over the top. Oh yeah, I was curious about reduced 30-06 loads, too.

Everyone has given me lots of fodder for thinking..... thanks!

 

[Stainless44]

How about no leading and no smoke. That's worth it to me right there. Most of what they sell are pistol bullets and most pistol bullets travel at less than 1250 fps so what exactly are you wanting them to do? If most of what you want to do is make fairly warm pistol loads then yes you should stick to FMJ.

That's it right there. I shoot Berry's in 41 mag and .380 all the time and love them. Cheap...and NO SMOKE. I shoot at the indoor range sometimes and I loathe shooting lead in there...way too much smoke.