un-stable bullets

[buskerpcr]

loading for a M&Pc 9mm and getting evidence of bullets entering the target (@ 10 yds) sideways. Not everytime but frequent enough to be noticed as a problem

loading TG 4.5 gr w/ 115 gr Berry copper plated bullets to
oal 1.135 -- I use this load for quite a few different 9mm
guns with no problems.

Wondering if anyone has had a stability problem with low end loads and relitivly short oal bullets in this gun

Suggestions welcome

Thanks for looking

 

[TSQUARED]

You did not mention at what velocity you were loading the 115 gr. Berry's. Recently I have only used 124 and 147 gr. bulets in my 9mm. At one time I purchased a 1000 115 gr. JHP's and as I remember they did not function well in my SA1911 but worked well in the S&W's - that was some time ago.
When I have seen bullets keyholing it's been due to one of the following factors:

Lead bullets being either undersized and or being pushed too fast - when I shot lead in the 9mm it was 147 gr. with W-231 for ca 900 fps.

Plated bullets where the crimping has cut through the plating.

Jacketed bullets being pushed too slow.

 

[OKFC05]

loading TG 4.5 gr w/ 115 gr Berry copper plated bullets

My experience with Berry bullets, you are way too hot. Surprised they work in anything.
Berry bullets are soft, swaged lead with a copper coat, not a JHP..
Suggest about 4.0gr Titegroup

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, 4.0gr TG will be a much better charge weight. The starting charge of 4.5gr on the Hodgdon site is for jacketed bullets, not plated ones.

 

[Hoptob]

Had same problem; you can either reduce TG charge or use slower powder. HS6 works well for 9mm/plated bullets combination for me.

MikeR

 

[roundgunner]

I had a problem with the plating coming off the first time I pushed plated bullets to hard. Once in a while I had a jagged hole in the target. (357 Mag)

My understanding is, with plated bullets treat them like they are cast lead. It is pretty close, I need just a touch more Titegroup for the same velocity to make power factor without the smoke of lead.

The only time I use plated is for shooting indoors. I hate to spend the extra money for shiny bullets.

 

[Titegroups]

If you are crimping them you may be cutting through the plating on the bullet and it may be coming apart during flight. Just another thought.