Berry’s 125 gr plated HPs tests

[38SPL HV]

I just tested 6.0 grs Unique using Berrys 125 gr plated HP in 38 Spl +P cases (Starline) and Rem 1 1/2 primers, using my S&W J frame 1 7/8" J frame. This load is based on Alliant Cowboy reloading data where Alliant used 125 gr cast Meister cast bullet, 6.0 grs Unique and Rem 1 1/2 primers.

Ten shot avg 861 FPS in the J frame. Good velocity duplicate of factory 38 Spl +P JHPs.

I also used a half turn on my Redding taper crimp die and checked fourth and fifth unfired cartridges, and preceding fired rounds did not make the unfired rounds jump crimp line.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Sweet...............

my M49 with the Winchester SJHP and light crimp with almost that amount of powder gave me 880fps, with good accuracy.

Great that the bullets did not jump any.

I got good target loads with Red Dot or w231, if you want to drop down in fps.

Have fun.

 

[stansdds]

Well done! Bullet jump has always been the big issue with plated bullets in revolvers.

 

[gwpercle]

How was accuracy with developed load ?
861 fps with 2" barrel , Velocity sounds very good.
Gary

 

[WR Moore]

These velocities will be out of a 4 inch, but will give you other options. One item: plated bullets tend to be a bit fat. I don't happen to have any Berry HHPs on hand, but their THP in .357 mikes around 0.3575. Gold Dots, produced by a similar process, also tend to show slight oversize. In .357 I've found the Gold Dots show flattened primers with the same under maximum (but stiff) Unique powder charges that produce normal primers with cup & core bullets.

5.9 gr BE86, 125 gr Sierra JHP, WWSP, 943 f/s avg. Flash suppressed. Very close to +P Max.

6.4 gr Power Pistol, Remington 125 gr SJHP, WWSP, 1013 avg. Bright muzzle/barrel cyllinder gap flash. Below +P max.

 

[38SPL HV]

How was accuracy with developed load ?
861 fps with 2" barrel , Velocity sounds very good.
Gary

Gary, didn't test for accuracy... Didn't have my base and targets this time since I was more interested in testing the load. They'll probably shoot low compared to the 158 gr lead loads. I'll report back when I test for accuracy at the range.

 

[WR Moore]

BTW, the THP will not expand. No how, no way-except on a steel plate.

 

[38SPL HV]

BTW, the THP will not expand. No how, no way-except on a steel plate.

Yes, I know that. I didn't purchase them for that purpose,

 

[38SPL HV]

...guys, I had used my Redding Profile Crimp die, not the taper die, my mistake! I did load up some more but with 5.7 grs BE-86 and this time used the taper crimp. I'll check for bullet movement.