Is a speer DCHP a plated or jacked bullet?

I've got some of the .44 cal DCHP 240gr bullets... but I am wondering if these should be loaded like they are JHP or like they are electroplated bullets.

I ask that because they describe it as "jacket is electro-chemically bonded to the core".

Is that just fancy jargon for 'plated-bullet'?

I believe they're plated.

But the plating may be thick enough to use jacketed data. I'd just start at the "start" load and work up as necessary.

I had plated bullets from Berrys before.
I used jacketed data. No problems there. I know your not asking about Berrys bullets and are asking about Speer bullets but if I am not mistaken the same idea applys to your specific bullets.

It sounds like they are bonded jacketed bullets.

All Speer bullets are plated.

All Speer bullets are plated.
Where did you learn/find that nugget?

"electro-chemically bonded" = plated. Unicore, Gold Dot, Deep Curl, and Total Metal Jacket are all plated. Hot Core and Grand Slam are not plated.

The data in the Speer Manuals since at least Volume 12 are based on the weakest or most friction prone bullets in the caliber / weight configuration (generally Gold Dots). If that group includes any of their plated line, then the data is safe for their plated bullets. There is only one other manufacturer that has stated you can use Speer data for their plated bullets that I know of. All others have their own recommendations from use lead data to mid range jacketed data as max. Those differences in recommendations are based on their swaged core hardness and plating thickness.

What irks me is that Speer has been charging premium prices for plated bullets for years and getting away with it. I can understand ROIC but puhleeze.

By strict definition the Speer GD bullets are plated but the plating is just as thick as most jacketed bullets.

If you're worried about what load data to use, use the data meant for jacketed bullets.

Apparently they are plated. But I've personally seen what they do after having expanded and after being put to a tourch, and whats left is a jacket of sort. They also use published data for jacketed bullets and handle full house 296 / H110 powder charges with no issues at all. I consider them a jacketed bullet, even though they are plated in a similar fashion as other plated bullets, just much, much thicker plating. When they expand you can clearly see the plating is about the same as a jacketed bullet and will even separate from the lead if the conditions are right.

GS

So would it be safe to use GDHP load data for them?

So would it be safe to use GDHP load data for them?
Speer Deep Curl bullets ARE Gold dot bullets renamed. Speer is calling them DCHP when they are used for hunting instead of GDHP which are SD bullets. Since they are the same bullets it is perfectly safe to use GD load data.

Check the Speer WEB site and you will see they tell you the DC bullets are GD bullets.
http://www.speer-bullets.com/products/handgun/hunting/default.aspx

Yeah, and now magically they appear on page 952 of the speer reloading manual too... they are listed right next to the GDHP.

I've been working too hard.

:banghead:

wait ... what was said above makes sense now.. because the part number is listed there... but they call it a GDHP 240gr 44 cal. I found it by looking up the load data for the GDHP, and then saw the part number is the same.

They renamed this bullet. Probably to make their manual #14 obsolete.

:cuss: you speer.

They are plated, but thick enough to use jacketed data.

From Speers Website...

http://www.speer-bullets.com/products/reloading_manual/default.aspx

Important Reloading Data
DeepCurl's unique construction process joins the jacket to the core at the molecular level for excellent performance and consistency. For this reason, conventional reloading data developed for standard jacketed bullets should not be used to load DeepCurl® rifle bullets. Only DeepCurl specific reloading data should be used. It can be found here at www.speer-bullets.com in the reloading data pages or by contacting Speer Technical Services at 866-286-7436. DeepCurl handgun bullets can use data from the Speer Reloading Manual #14.

Swampman

Swampman,
That's good information but the OP is asking about handgun bullets, not rifle bullets which are mentioned in the above data warning.

Please read the last sentence carefully.

"DeepCurl handgun bullets can use data from the Speer Reloading Manual #14"

Seems fairly definitive...

Swampman

Plated/Plastic = Reasonably inexpensive.

Electro-Chemically Bonded at the Molecular Level/Advanced High Tech Polymer = Hold on to your wallets boys!

Swampman

Please read the last sentence carefully.

"DeepCurl handgun bullets can use data from the Speer Reloading Manual #14"

Seems fairly definitive...

Swampman
And the load data in #14 on page 952 is for the 240 gr GDHP. So by that, the load for the DC would ipso facto, be the same, how ever the bullet is made.:)

TOUGH BULLETS FOR DEEP PENETRATION. For those who seek challenges, try taking your next trophy with a handgun and make sure to load DeepCurl™, the newest hunting bullet line from Speer® Bullets. Formerly known as Gold Dot® Handgun Hunting, we use the same bonding technology we always have in these outstanding handgun bullets. They give you an excellent product at an affordable price.

Speer Bullets electro-chemically bonds the jacket to the core to create a tough bullet for the harshest of conditions. These DeepCurl bullets give reliable performance every time. Preformed petals give you controlled expansion. And, get the retained weight for deep penetration and excellent accuracy you need when it matters most.

Why are you guys going on about this, without having read the whole thread?

I found the information in my load guide - they changed the name from GDHP to DCHP - but I found it listed as a DHCP with the exact same bullet number.

So it really comes down to Speer changing the name of a bullet. Go figure.

That is all. This topic is overdone.

That is all. This topic is overdone. Seems good to me.