Charge weights Lead versus Plated

[KLYDE]

Hello folks,
Been reloading for many years but have never ventured into the arena of lead or plated. The current shortage has forced me to break into a stock pile of 9mm Xtreme plated 124's that I squirreled. I have many loading manuals including the Lyman Cast Manual. However no data is listed for the plated bullets.

Been using only Power Pistol for my jacketed 9mm loads with great results. I was contemplating using BE for the plated but decided not to reinvent the wheel, so I'll stick with the Power Pistol. The Lyman Cast book lists Power Pistol data for many its cast loads.

My question is where should I start for the plated bullets load weight. Middle of cast data? Upper 1/3 of cast data? Not looking for barn burners. Main objective is an efficient load. I fully understand about working up a load but I'd like to start somewhere in the ball park.

Thank you for any help.
Klyde

 

[mtgianni]

For 9mm I would consider plated to be somewhere in the top third to top as far as max. Therefore as with any component start lower than the top and work for accuracy and power mix you want. Plated is differnt than powder coated but with either and using lead data you should be in the upper 60% starting loads easily without any trouble.

 

[jjfitch]

You have stated that you have years of reloading experience. If you have ever used burn rate charts as a guide you may find it helpful to look at Universal Powder load data. Follow recommended protocols for start loads and ladder up in .2 grains to find the sweet spot without exceeding maximum pressures.

Smiles,

 

[mikld]

K.I.S.S. When I tried plated bullets, the source said lead data and another said max of mid-jacketed data (?). I stuck with lead data for the 3 calibers I tried (approx 1,000 rounds). But that was 5 years ago and I have seen plated data starting to appear in some manuals (meh), but plated bullets gave me no reason to go beyond an initial experiment stage; my cast bullets don't lead the barrels and are more accurate than plated and if I need higher velocity, my choice of jacketed bullets are much, much better...

 

[Rocket3]

Reloading Manual

 

[Nevada Ed]

Most company's say to keep the plated bullet at 1250fps or slower, as the case with my Xtreme 115 and 124gr plated bullets.
Bullseye, w231 and HS-6 gave me high fps with a short 1.10" OAL
W231, CFE pistol, BE86 and green Dot at 1.12" gave me target to standard 9mm loads.
Unique gave the 115gr "Ball" 1263fps in my C9 3.5" and the 115gr Gold Dot reached 1208fps.
4" standard load is around 1180fps.............

The Xtreme 124gr RN plated was loaded with a 1.12" to 1.165" OAL, with the 1.14" length putting out the highest fps and the best accuracy with eleven powders that I loaded.
W231 worked at 944fps and Unique reached 1140fps for target use.
The Speer 124 Gold Dot JHP pushed by Blue Dot reached 1229fps in my 3.5" barrel.
4" standard load is around 1150fps.................

Have fun.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

K.I.S.S. When I tried plated bullets, the source said lead data and another said max of mid-jacketed data (?). I stuck with lead data for the 3 calibers I tried (approx 1,000 rounds). But that was 5 years ago and I have seen plated data starting to appear in some manuals (meh), but plated bullets gave me no reason to go beyond an initial experiment stage; my cast bullets don't lead the barrels and are more accurate than plated and if I need higher velocity, my choice of jacketed bullets are much, much better...

X2...........Me Too!

 

[Rule3]

You can use any published data for plated bullets for the same weight and profile bullet, be it lead or FMJ.


Just start in the middle of such data, velocity will vary.


Here is what Berrys says (most plated are pretty much the same) Hi Tec coated bullets the same and they are less money and better than plated IMHO


FAQ - Berry's Manufacturing





Where can I find load data for your bullets?
Load data from any load manual or website can be used. Full-metal jacketed, lead bullet, or plated bullet load data can be used as long as the following standards are adhered to:

• The data contains the correct grain weight of bullet.
• Berry's max recommended velocity is not exceeded. (This info is displayed on bullet boxes and product webpages.)
  • Standard Plate Bullets Max Velocity: 1,250 fps.
  • Thick-Plate Bullets (TP) Max Velocity: 1,500 fps.
• Do not over-crimp the bullet. Crimping so tight that bullet deformation occurs, or plating is separated causing visible exposure of the lead core will cause tumbling, key-holing, and reduced accuracy.

Load data containing bullet descriptions such as Plated (P,) Berry's Bullet (BERB,) Total Metal Jacket (TMJ,) Copper Plated (CP,) or CPJ (Copper Plated Jacket,) refers to plated bullet data.
Cartridge Overall Lengths (COL) are found in the load data being used. DO NOT EXCEED SAAMI MAX COL SPECS.
For SAAMI MAX COL specs please click HERE.
Here are websites with load data information:
Hodgdon Reloading | Home
Load Data << Accurate Powders
Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide
Buyers and users assume all risk, responsibility and liability whatsoever for any and all injuries (including death), losses or damages to persons or property (including consequential damages), arising from the use of any product or data, whether or not occasioned by seller's negligence or based on strict liability or principles of indemnity or contribution. It is the buyer's responsibility to educate themselves in safety standards associated with handloading ammunition.

 

[KLYDE]

Reloading Manual

Rocket3....you are the man. I was on the Extreme site awhile back and didn't see this. Just what the doctor ordered.

Just ordered it up. $4.95 and they send it to you in PDF form. Got it already. Covers every plated bullet that Xtreme makes. Has CUP pressure...load weight ....and COL.

After perusing the manual I see that max charge weight can vary up to .8 grains for a bullet of the same weight but different design. Significant...especially with the high pressure 9mm round. Anything less than using this hard data is nothing but guess work.

Klyde

 

[Funflyer]

I use lead data for both plated and coated. Lyman lists 125gn lead @ 4.8min to 5.4max grains of Power Pistol.