.45 ACP Reloading Question

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

Greetings,

I am in the process of ordering more components for reloading and was wondering if anyone has experience with either of the following manufacturers and their products. Specifically: Berry's Preferred Plated Bullets - 230 GR RN; and Rainier LeadSafe Total Copper Jacketed Bullets - 230 GR RN TCJ.

The price difference is minimal so I am looking for differences in quality and performance.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

 

[Exposure]

I have had excellent luck with the Rainier 230 RN TCJ in my 1911 and Glocks of both the 21 and 36 flavor.

They do have a different profile than the standard Winchester White Box rounds that I am used to but in those three pistols they functioned flawlessly.

In fact I have found that for reduced power target loads the Rainier 230 GR over 4.9 GR of W231 is just about perfect. Especially in the Glock 36 which has a very sharp recoil with full power loads. My reduced loads are very accurate and still have more than enough power to cycle the slide as well as save your hands and wrists from that sharp recoil!

Good luck!

 

[xsquidgator]

I've used Rainer for 357 magnum (125 HP) and really liked them, no problems. I have some berry's 45 (185 HBRN) that I'm still figuring up a load for, but my initial experience with them has been good. IIRC Berry's prices include shipping on bullets (if you buy ONLY bullets). I liked Berry's prices on range brass and bought some but then I had to pay shipping along with their bullets I bought.

 

[Walkalong]

I really like the Berry's 230 Gr. RN. It does much better for me than the Ranier 230 RN.

The Berry's 185 Gr. HBRN also does very well and loads just like the 230 RN.

 

[dtalley]

I've used the Berry's in both 9mm and 45acp and like them in both.

 

[Steve C]

I use them both, don't see much difference between them. I buy the one on sale.

 

[Prof. A. Wickwire]

OK then. The consensus seems to be that if I have a choice between Berry's and Rainier bullets, either would make a good choice. With, perhaps, a slight edge towards Berry's. (Thanks Walkalong)

Since I would be starting off with a small purchase of 500 and the price difference is less than five dollars, I might as well flip a coin. Unless anyone can offer more reasons to go with one over the other.

Thanks for your input.

Sincerely,

Prof. A. Wickwire

 

[Anotherguy]

I have had excellent luck with the Rainier 230 RN TCJ in my 1911 and Glocks of both the 21 and 36 flavor.

They do have a different profile than the standard Winchester White Box rounds that I am used to but in those three pistols they functioned flawlessly.

Actually they used to have a different profile, but I think Rainier has recently changed the 230 Gr. TCJ so it has very nearly if not the exact same profile as the Winchester 230 Gr. FMJ. At least my last batch of 1000 were the new style. It's probable that some distributors may still have the old style but they're both excellent bullets as are all of the Rainier copper plated bullets I've used.