I've just discovered Berry Bullets. I bought 500 and I'm making loads for my .357 Henry Rifle, which is another thread I'm going to start regarding the lack of load data for .357 rifle. I've spoken to their customer service and they explained that I can safely use ANY load data from LWC to plated XTP bullets so long as the bullet weight is the same and I don't over crimp or exceed 1,500 fps. So here's the question: Who else is using Berry Bullets, what load data are you using, and are you satisfied with the results?
Berry Bullets
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scattershot
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I use Berry’s bullets without issue. I just use any loding data for that weight bullet.
OP
I think they're quality bullets, SSBiggun. My question is are you using data for plated bullets, jacketed, or lead? Berry says it doesn't matter. I didn't see your reply, scattershot. Thanks for the info.
I’ve used tens of thousands of Berry’s bullets and I think they are great folks.
I would not choose to use them in a rifle at .357 Magnum speeds, I believe that goes beyond the scope of their design. I would use them at .38 Special pressure and velocity in a rifle.
If you are not aware, these are copper plated bullets, not to be confused with jacketed. The copper layer is electroplated and this copper is thinner than the thickness of a piece of paper. They will not tolerate much of a roll crimp for sure.
They are a fine, low cost alternative to a cast lead bullet.
I would not choose to use them in a rifle at .357 Magnum speeds, I believe that goes beyond the scope of their design. I would use them at .38 Special pressure and velocity in a rifle.
If you are not aware, these are copper plated bullets, not to be confused with jacketed. The copper layer is electroplated and this copper is thinner than the thickness of a piece of paper. They will not tolerate much of a roll crimp for sure.
They are a fine, low cost alternative to a cast lead bullet.
GypsmJim
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I bought some 9 mm bullets and found them to be very good. Then I bought some .38, .41 and .45. I was too impulsive.
The .41s and 45s were both undersized. Although the .45s worked ok in my 1911, they were dismal in my Long Colt Blackhawk. The performance in my model 57 was worse than dismal.
I called their customer service and told them that my bullets were 0.408-0.409. First he questioned if I measured them correctly. Then he said they were within their manufacturing tolerances.
I've used most of the others up, and I won't be re-ordering. The 0.409s were thrown in the trash.
The .41s and 45s were both undersized. Although the .45s worked ok in my 1911, they were dismal in my Long Colt Blackhawk. The performance in my model 57 was worse than dismal.
I called their customer service and told them that my bullets were 0.408-0.409. First he questioned if I measured them correctly. Then he said they were within their manufacturing tolerances.
I've used most of the others up, and I won't be re-ordering. The 0.409s were thrown in the trash.
OP
I sort of agree with you, Sevens. That said Berry's .357 bullets have a heavier coating of copper and are rated up to 1,500 fps. A minimum crimp is essential to ensure the plating doesn't separate when fired.
venomballistics
Member
I've used them as well as extreme when I started loading for something I didn't already cast for.
OP
I don't understand, Top Strap.
When they first came out with a low fps rating, I got the old Extreme 115gr ball up to 1350fps
without it sheading its plating on indoor targets at 30 feet.
The newer Berry bullets are now rated for 1500fps in the 9mm line of bullets.
without it sheading its plating on indoor targets at 30 feet.
The newer Berry bullets are now rated for 1500fps in the 9mm line of bullets.
I’ve been using them for quite some time. Moving away from plain lead wherever possible.
I mostly load for target shooting. I generally use the upper limit for similar weight lead bullets.
My chronograph tests indicate to me that you need a little boost to achieve the same velocity with the plated bullets.
For example: where I might use 2.8 grains to reach desired velocity with cast or swaged lead it may take 3.0-3.1 with plated.
I’ve noticed that for me accuracy suffers at the lighter loads. Probably due to the loss of velocity.
I’ve been very pleased overall. Accuracy has been very good once tweaked a bit and guns are much cleaner after a long range session.
Another small bonus for me is that I own two model 25’s (45ACP & 45 Colt) with the horribly oversized throats. Both pattern like shotguns with lead at .452 diameter. Groups tighten up remarkably with plated bullets at the same .452 diameter.
I mostly load for target shooting. I generally use the upper limit for similar weight lead bullets.
My chronograph tests indicate to me that you need a little boost to achieve the same velocity with the plated bullets.
For example: where I might use 2.8 grains to reach desired velocity with cast or swaged lead it may take 3.0-3.1 with plated.
I’ve noticed that for me accuracy suffers at the lighter loads. Probably due to the loss of velocity.
I’ve been very pleased overall. Accuracy has been very good once tweaked a bit and guns are much cleaner after a long range session.
Another small bonus for me is that I own two model 25’s (45ACP & 45 Colt) with the horribly oversized throats. Both pattern like shotguns with lead at .452 diameter. Groups tighten up remarkably with plated bullets at the same .452 diameter.
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GypsmJim
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When I first stated reloading it was for .38 Special. I used Speer wadcutters. The barrel leading problems is what motivated me to start casting. That was in 1975.
My home brew boolits are what one would call "hard cast". I cast for 26 different rifle and handgun calibers, and I can honestly say I have not seen leading in 50 years.
If leading isn't the issue, but going to plated because of potential lead environmental concerns, then that's a different story.
I also have a 25-5 with huge throats. My 0.452s provided poor accuracy, so I bought a trial quantity of commercial hard cast in 0.454. THAT solved the problem, so I bought a 0.454 mold and have been casting those ever since.
The Berry's were disappointing in my Ruger Blackhawk, so I didn't even try them in my 25-5. But then again the ones I received were 0.451.
I like em!
I use 158 38/357, 124 9mm, 230 45 plated at normal velocities.
I use 158 38/357, 124 9mm, 230 45 plated at normal velocities.
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I was on the wrong thread, Sorry.
I've used a lot of Berry's plated bullets in handguns and rifles - many in the 38 and 357.
Found that a 20" 357 mag lever action rifle picks up about 400 fps over the same load from a 6" revolver!
So, that's something to be aware of and it is awfully easy to exceed 1500 fps from the rifle, using a 158 grain 357 magnum.
Here's some 18" rifle data from Hodgdon's online data center:
OP
Thanks so much. for that info, Guy M. I assumed you'd get more fps with the rifle but since I don't. have a chrono, I couldn't verify it. I'll definitely keep that in mind when I'm using .357 pistol data for rifle loads.
sculbert1
Member
I have been using the Berry's 158gr Flat Point loaded to Subsonic to shoot through my suppressed 357 lever action. I didn't want the possibility of lead fouling in my suppressor, so I went with the plated bullets. The load I'm using is 4.7grs of W231 for right at 1050fps in my rifle. I'm loading them in 38 special cases. The accuracy at 75 yards has been as good as anything else I've shot through the rifle.
All of that being said, I have a ruger blackhawk in 357 that will not shoot these bullets for anything. Out of a 5 shot group, I'll always get 1 or 2 flyers that destroy the chance at any group. I've tried them at low velocity and even loaded some up pretty hot in 357 cases behind H110 with all loads having the same results.
All of that being said, I have a ruger blackhawk in 357 that will not shoot these bullets for anything. Out of a 5 shot group, I'll always get 1 or 2 flyers that destroy the chance at any group. I've tried them at low velocity and even loaded some up pretty hot in 357 cases behind H110 with all loads having the same results.
GypsmJim
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What was the bullet diameter?
It's fairly easy to exceed 1500 fps in a 357 rifle.
Rock185
US Veteran
I've used Berry's thick plate bullets, mostly .40 cal. I've loaded them to 1375 FPS in 10mm with no issues. I have .357 revolvers and rifles. I haven't loaded for them, but have done some chronographing with factory Federal 158 grain and Underwood 180 grain .357. Depending on which revolver or rifle, picking up 400 FPS in the rifle over the handgun is routine. Were I loading plated for the rifle, I'd sure be careful not to exceed Berry's recommended max for their bullets.
STORMINORMAN
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Berrys does, indeed, have CERTAIN bullets that are appropriate for velocities approaching 1500 fps: these are typically designated "TP", as in 9mm 124gr H(ollow)B(ase)R(ound)N(ose)-T(hick)P(late).
Not ALL their bullets are so designed. Be aware, please!
Cheers!
Not ALL their bullets are so designed. Be aware, please!
Cheers!
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I have used Berry's plated bullets for some number of years and have been very happy with the results and the price. I shoot almost no exposed lead bullets any more.
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Berry's Bullets was founded in Fontana, CA in the early 70's. I was a cop in a neighboring city and got to know Gil Berry when he took over the operation after his dad was blinded by an accident in the shop. I was captain of our dept pistol team (CCA) and we would buy Berry's 148 LWCs in bulk to push through my Star press. Gil was quite forward thinking and kept growing his business. The local APCD regulations in CA eventually forced him out of state to St. George, UT. His plated bullets have made a good name for themselves across a broad spectrum of calibers. I continued to use their products, including the various boxes and trays they branched out into, until I finally gave up loading as my shooting volumn has shrunk with age.
max503
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My friend wants to know what happens if you push them faster than 1500fps.
I'm guessing they skid and fail to engage the rifling properly and leave nasty fouling.
I'm guessing they skid and fail to engage the rifling properly and leave nasty fouling.
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My friend wants to know what happens if you push them faster than 1500fps.
I'm guessing they skid and fail to engage the rifling properly and leave nasty fouling.
I’m assuming the plating will be stripped off and you’ll end up with a big mess…..
fakahatchee
Member
My .357 target loads for my revolvers is 4.5 grains of hp38 and a Berry's 125 grain regular plate. I also shoot those in my '79 marlin 1894. Got to be pushing the 1200 fps limit for those , but they are very accurate and I'm shooting at 100 and 200 yards. After 2000 rounds the bore is nice and shiny with no signs of platting separation. Now in my Rossi 92 they are not very accurate, the Rossi likes 6 grains of hp 38 and a 158 grain jacketed bullet.
davek42_43130
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