Reloading data search...

[QT Hush]

Hello, this is my 1st post. I did alot of sniffing around here but came up empty. I bought some "Xtreme" plated 115gn bullets for my lil ol' 915 a few months ago not knowing the difference between plated and jacketed bullets. I need to find reloading data for plated bullets. I was told not to push them at jacketed velocities. But I can't find any data for 115 lead bullets, just 120's and 90's. I tried the website for Xtreme but their site was geared more for selling than information. My Hornady, Speer, Sierra, and Lyman manuals didn't offer much of anything useful. I suppose I could drill a small hole down the center of them and use them for fishing weights. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bruce51]

There is plenty of data available for 115 grain bullets. It is advised to use lead bullet data with plated bullets. However jacketed bullet data works as well.
What powder do you want to use with your bullets?
I tend to favor Bullseye with a charge of 4.2 grains for general plinking and target work.
Lead bullets can use as little as 3.5 grains of Bullseye if the gun will function.
Check the online sources for reload data such as Alliant's website.

Bruce

 

[Jellybean]

I would go to the Lyman manual, find the 120 grain bullet that looks more like your 115 gr. and use the data for it, working up slowly from the starting load.

 

[Engineer1911]

Internet answer

We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using lead bullet load data when loading our bullets. There is no need for adjustment when using lead bullet load data. Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; hence the recommendation to use lead bullet load data. If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend reducing maximum charge by 10%. A roll or taper crimp may be used with our bullets; do not over crimp.

 

[Rule3]

Berrys plated bullets advise to use the mid range for FMJ bullets. So load a few with the beginning load for what ever powder you have and you can work up to mid-range. Use a light taper crimp as you do not want to crimp through the plating.

What powder(s) do you you have? It would help in answering your question.

 

[jepp2]

9mm?

If you are talking about 9mm loads, the Hodgdon website lists 14 different 115 gr. lead bullet loads for Hodgdon, IMR, and Winchester powders.

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com

 

[whelenshooter]

We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using lead bullet load data when loading our bullets. There is no need for adjustment when using lead bullet load data. Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; hence the recommendation to use lead bullet load data. If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend reducing maximum charge by 10%. A roll or taper crimp may be used with our bullets; do not over crimp.

I think this is really interesting. Rainier says to use lead bullet data, the Berry's 2010 Master Catalog says to use low level jacketed bullet data that will not exceed 1,200 fps. In my experience, Berry's is right! Plated bullets may be soft, but they have a higher coefficient of friction than a lubricated lead bullet. I had problems with bullets sticking in the barrel of my S&W 627 using what was supposed to be medium to high end lead bullet data and Rainier 158 grain plated flat point bullets. Low level jacketed bullet data made the problem go away. Accuracy improved also. In 9mm with 115 grain plated bullets I'd look in the the jacketed bullet data for a load that would push the bullet at about 1000 fps.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I've shot a lot of both Berry's and Ranier's and used high end lead to medium range jacketed data with both. The Berry's have much thicker plating than do the Ranier's. Right now my Glock 22 is loaded with 180gr Berry PHP over a full charge of SR4756. The data I used for this load was the top end of the jacketed data and it performs very well. Accurate and will pack a punch. 180gr @ 1000fps should do the trick for most social work and the Berry's hollow point bullet isn't going to open up too soon. Makes it real good for heavy coat wearing winters, like the ones we get up here in Indiana! Lots of leather gets worn from November to February.

That puts it right on par with Winchester USA brand, Remington Golden Sabre and Hornady's 180gr XTP ammo.
FWIW

 

[billybob44]

One Caliber load book..

Hello, this is my 1st post. I did alot of sniffing around here but came up empty. I bought some "Xtreme" plated 115gn bullets for my lil ol' 915 a few months ago not knowing the difference between plated and jacketed bullets. I need to find reloading data for plated bullets. I was told not to push them at jacketed velocities. But I can't find any data for 115 lead bullets, just 120's and 90's. I tried the website for Xtreme but their site was geared more for selling than information. My Hornady, Speer, Sierra, and Lyman manuals didn't offer much of anything useful. I suppose I could drill a small hole down the center of them and use them for fishing weights. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I use the One Caliber Load Book, in 9MM=Lots of 115 Cast bullet data.
Can be bought on E-Bay for $6-7.00.

 

[max]

I have been loading 124 gr Berrys over 4.2 of 231.