Plated bullets, which data do you use

Detritus

Detritus

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getting ready to load 9mm again after i'm not sure now long, and while I can obviously find plenty of data for the JHPs I have on hand. The rest of my existing stash is a coffee can full of 115gr plated RN, I can't remember whether you're supposed to use FMJ or LRN data when working up a load for those.

I can find data for LRN, FMJs/JHPs, and coated (Blue Bullets/Acme), but none of my current load manuals on hand nor my internet searches so far has turned up the info I remember finding back when I last fooled with 9mm. nor can I remember what sub-set of data I worked up my last batch of plated .45 loads from.

Heck even the fact that I know that my current 45acp load (using Blues) worked well and safely with Berry's Plated doesn't help, because all the 9mm "Coated" loads i've found so far as for powders i don't have.

anyway, TIA
 
Published load data varies widely and has changed over time. For me it is just a starting point to work up my own load. It gives me a ballpark to work from. With plated bullets, just beware not to exceed ~1200fps as this might exceed the plating capability to remain intact and beware of pipsqueak loads (<800fps )because the plating will get stuck in the bore and the lead will strip out of it.


Here is Berry's recommendations:

FAQ: Load Data for Berry's Preferred Plated Bullets:
http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q21-c1-Load_Data_for_Berrys_Preferred_Plated_Bullets.aspx
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We recommend using hard cast load data or start with mid-range jacketed data. Make sure data is below 1250fps unless you are using a Thick-Plated bullet that we list a higher max velocity for like the 9mm 124gr HBRN-TP that can be shot to 1500fps in open class guns like a .38 Super. Keep in mind that since our plated bullet has the same pressure curve as a hard cast bullet, the published cast data will be very close to what you will get with our plated bullets. If you use Jacketed data with our plated bullets you can get from 5% - 8% increase in velocity using that data.
 
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depends on the size, some plated bullets are .001 oversized, so typically follow cast bullet data in the same size. Some plated bullets are the same diameter as jacketed, so jacketed data is good here. Plated bullets do have velocity limitations, which should be listed on their website or packaging.
 
I've heard that if you contact Xtreme bullets, they recommend using the Speer data for their TMJ bullets (which are thick plated). I have found their data to be fairly accurate, as my resulting velocity usually comes close to theirs.

As far as max velocity goes, it depends on the bullets and the gun. Most plated bullets are officially rated at 1200fps, but there are some thicker plated bullets rated for velocity higher than that. And you can possibly push them a little higher in a smooth polygonal rifled barrel, compared to a rough conventional barrel.

Regardless, always start low and work up.
 
Due to the varying desires by many people to run their ammo either mild to wild, the normal way that the smart folks load plated bullets is to use hard cast load data & work from there.

Plating is NOT the same as a jacketed material. It doesn't react the same as a jacketed bullet.
You can load them too hot & strip the plating off.
Some brands have thicker plating than other brands.

I have shot thousands & thousands of plated bullets in USPSA competition, as have many others. We strive for a certain power factor & accuracy. And it's never a "hot" loading unless you are trying to use 9mm in a Major PF load.

The best advice is to select a loading, that duplicates a hard cast load, and work with your gun to see where the "sweet spot" for accuracy is. However, with plated, you can also go a little above the hard cast data safely where plating doesn't strip off.
 
Wolffy said:
View attachment 333786Just fill it up? 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
Is that H110? So, how many ft/lbs do you set your bullet seater to? Cause you've got to really compress it until it's almost solid.







Disclaimer: The above remarks were intended a humor and should not be taken as actual loading advice.
 
georgel said:
Is that H110? So, how many ft/lbs do you set your bullet seater to? Cause you've got to really compress it until it's almost solid.







Disclaimer: The above remarks were intended a humor and should not be taken as actual loading advice.
Click to expand...
Major Pistol. It’s just shy of a compressed load
 
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