FMJ vs Plated?

My opinion: Plated can be just as accurate as FMJ or TMJ with the correct recipe.

However, the plated must be loaded slower and treated like lead bullets from my knowledge.
OH! and you can't crimp them nearly as much because they will deform slightly (the plating can be pushed up and the nose slightly marked by the seating plug if crimped too much).

Do a search for FMJ vs Plated and there's a lot of info already stated.

I'm 15k into an 18k order of 124gr Berry's FP. They run very well. I push them with Unique. Definately worth it saving $25/k if you can. Berry's loads between LRN and FMJ and you can push them pretty fast. I've pushed these Berry's to 1250+fps and they performed well.

I have used and do use Berry and they work well even in USPSA compitition. However, as stated above they should be loaded to cast bullet type loads which in my opinion is not a problem. If you can save money I'd go with them.

As stated the plated will be just as accurate as FMJ and loading them at high lead/low FMJ data will save propellant at the same time I use a butt-load of X-Treme plated 230 GR bullets with small loads of 700X for a super accurate 45 ACP load that works in all my 45's. The only thing that is different is that the bullets will be closer in function to lead bullets. If you want FMJ penetration the plated will mushroom and not penetrate as far. If you are just punching paper there should be no difference noted. I have used Berries and Rainer plated in the past with excellent results also, you just have to take the time to figure out what charge your firearms like with them first----as you should be doing anyway with each component change you make. I would get in on the buy but already have 8K to use up first and funds are not there today.

i have used them and have found that they are accurate with the correct load. i found that i can push them a little faster than cast lead. with the money saved i would use it to get a chronograph.

Berry's new heavy plate can be loaded as FMJ's

9mm 124gr HBRN-TP

I normally shoot PD also. I shot a sample of 2k 147gr Berrys (edit: don't recall whether it was out of the Glock or M&P). For me, I changed nothing about my load (was using HS-6 to make 9 minor loads at the time, so I was nowhere near the top of the FMJ data), and the only difference was that I picked up 20fps over the chrono with the Berrys. I read that Berrys load more like FMJ than lead, and that seemed to be true for me.

If I ever buy more, which I would for the right price, I might back off and work back up now, since I have switched over to Titegroup, which is faster and I'm a lot closer to the top of the data.

In terms of accuracy, I couldn't tell any difference vs. PD for purposes of competitive action shooting. If you are doing some kind of bullseye competition, there is no telling how they might work.

Berry's website says to load their plated bullets to mid-range levels of jacketed bullets of the same size and shape, but limited to 1250 fps. If you don't want to invest in 1K yet, just go to their website and order 250 (smallest quantity I think) for less than $30.00 for 9mm or less than $40.00 for 45...

My opinion: Plated can be just as accurate as FMJ or TMJ with the correct recipe.

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As stated the plated will be just as accurate as FMJ and loading them at high lead/low FMJ data will save propellant ..

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i have used them and have found that they are accurate with the correct load.

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Dream on ... you will not find plated on a 50 yard line at a Bullseye match - there's a reason. Ever tried them in a ransom rest?
If your idea of accurate is an IPSC torso at 10 - 25 yards, they're fine.

/Bryan

I cant find a reason why plated bullets should be less accurate than Jacketed ammo... After some really extensive load development I found that Plated are at least as accurate as Jacketed If The copper plating its decent (I think that 0.005" and above should be good) one of the most accurate bullets that I tried was the Speer TMJ which is plated,
the bad thing about plated bullets its that you dont know the type and thinckness of the plating so to get an Idea you just need to buy them and try

You need to bell a little more the cases and check the expander to have the right dimension to get good neck tension but no too much to under size the bullet because most manufacturers use dead soft lead, but the most important thing to take care is powder selection

YOU MUST USE SLOW BURNING POWDERS TO GET THE MOST ACCURACY

here is a note from a guy from Hipowerandhandguns.com that speak about this

http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5984

Hope this helps

There's no reason why properly sized, gas checked CAST bullets should be less accurate than jacketed. The plating makes 'em shoot cleaner, not more accurately. The plated bullet has an advantage of a covered base, so maybe they can be more accurate than an open base FMJ, even.

However, the plated must be loaded slower

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You might have to load 'em just a little LIGHTER than jacketed, but that does not necessarily mean slower. At the same charge weights, the Berry's tend to be a little faster and produce higher pressure than jacketed out of a locked breech pistol. It's cuz they're half a mike larger in diameter than jacketed bullets and seal the bore better. You don't sacrifice any max velocity for most locked breech pistol calibers, unless you're going much beyond 1200fps, where you can start to see the plating fail.

"YOU MUST USE SLOW BURNING POWDERS TO GET THE MOST ACCURACY

here is a note from a guy from Hipowerandhandguns.com that speak about this

http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=5984"

Never heard that before. The late Mr. Camp was/is worth listening to, though. Any other opinions about needing slow powders with plated bullets? I'm currently using Win. 231, btw.

Chuck

AS larryflew said: the NEWER Berrys 124 HBRN-TP and 115gr HBRN-TP .356 bullets can be loaded for 9 super speeds. MAX jacketed load data for 9mm luger will run fine.

If you go to that bullet on their website, they say 1400 fps.

For those who use them do you like them? How do they compare to FMJ's? Are they generally as accurate?

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I load and shoot for minor PF comp. I'm not real partial to Berry's standard RN or HP bullets. I have used the PD 124 FMJ.
The Berry's 124 HBRN TP shoots more accurately than the PDs out of my 4.72" CZ bbl.. The Berry's bullet weight, length and nose shape is more consistant. This is a long bullet with a lot of rifling contact and can be loaded long, even in a tight-chambered gun. This is a good bullet. If you can get THIS bullet, you won't be sorry.
(I haven't shot the 115gr HBRN-TP, so I can't vouch for it, but others like it.)

Berry probably makes more bullet styles in each of their calibers than anyone else. If you are unclear about which bullet style to order, give them a call and they will gladly make you up an "assortment pack". This is not shown on their web page, but they will do this for their customers with a phone call.