9mm Bullet Choice

[ATLDave]

Some kind of plated I shot, don't remember which, but they all tend to do this.
View attachment 813816

I've only ever seen about one billion of those!

 

[mjsdwash]

I have considered plated bullets because they cause less wear on barrels, which can matter if you shoot a lot, especially if you get it hot, and because they reduced lead exposure, and one of the two ranges within 100 miles of me require TMJ/hollowpoints.

 

[slowr1der]

I've never had luck getting any sort of respectable accuracy out of Berry's bullets. So for me, RMR would be the clear choice. I've also had great luck with Prevision Delta fmj bullets. I just wish they were more comparable cost wise to RMR.

 

[kcofohio]

I've never had luck getting any sort of respectable accuracy out of Berry's bullets. So for me, RMR would be the clear choice. I've also had great luck with Prevision Delta fmj bullets. I just wish they were more comparable cost wise to RMR.

When you order 2k or more, that'll drop the price about $30 per 1k.

 

[thomas15]

Not sure I understand the reason for this thread.

That makes two of us.

I appreciate that RMR supports the shooting sports by sponsoring events and practiscore.

I also appreciate the discount they offer to members of this forum.

I don't know if it's just because I'm a sourpuss or what but I find the constant gushing over of some companies by members of this forum to be quite off-putting and at times nauseating. Sometimes I think posters here are displaced NASCAR drivers, trying to see how many times can you say a company name in 1 paragraph.

 

[1KPerDay]

That makes two of us.

I appreciate that RMR supports the shooting sports by sponsoring events and practiscore.

I also appreciate the discount they offer to members of this forum.

I don't know if it's just because I'm a sourpuss or what but I find the constant gushing over of some companies by members of this forum to be quite off-putting and at times nauseating. Sometimes I think posters here are displaced NASCAR drivers, trying to see how many times can you say a company name in 1 paragraph.

It's because you're a sourpuss.
Companies who are involved and who care and who interact with and support forum members are relatively rare and create "fans". And what we often do on forums is talk about stuff we like. I personally think that if a company goes out of its way to consistently provide good products or services then it deserves whatever accolades it can get.

You're not paying anything to use this forum and you are free to ignore whatever posts you find nauseating. Like this one.

 

[kcofohio]

That makes two of us.

I appreciate that RMR supports the shooting sports by sponsoring events and practiscore.

I also appreciate the discount they offer to members of this forum.

I don't know if it's just because I'm a sourpuss or what but I find the constant gushing over of some companies by members of this forum to be quite off-putting and at times nauseating. Sometimes I think posters here are displaced NASCAR drivers, trying to see how many times can you say a company name in 1 paragraph.

That's because nobody mentioned the name Glock.

 

[Skgreen]

While I'm better than 'a beginner', I'm not what true shooters would consider as 'an accurate pistol shooter' by any stretch of the imagination. My pistol targets are rarely over 7 yds away,,,
Still like to shoot and reload. Thousands of 'em,,,,
No real sense in me spending 'extra' for anything as long as what I'm using doesn't cause problems during reloading or firing,,,
Just spent 5.7 cents per / delivered for coated 124 RN (3k) and 9.2 cents per /delivered for coated 230 RN. (2k)
Can't say I've ever seen jacketed within 10% or perhaps even 20% of that, but again, for my usage, it wouldn't really matter anyway as 'the shooter' is the weak link here, not the bullet.

 

[1KPerDay]

Just spent 5.7 cents per / delivered for coated 124 RN (3k) and 9.2 cents per /delivered for coated 230 RN. (2k)

Source please?

 

[Skgreen]

Black Friday deal @ Blue Bullets

 

[Bat Rastard]

I tried coated. I was not pleased with them. They had debris yucking up my dies and press.
Is that typical ?

 

[Toprudder]

I tried coated. I was not pleased with them. They had debris yucking up my dies and press.
Is that typical ?

May depend on the type of coating. The only coated I've tried was but Hi-Tek and did not have much problem with them.

 

[thomas15]

I tried coated. I was not pleased with them. They had debris yucking up my dies and press.
Is that typical ?

No

 

[Lee Q. Loader]

OK...I'm the OP on the this thread and I see the price comparison I did in the OP isn't fair. I was just trying to make a clear point to get a clear answer.
To be fair:
1000 Berry's 124 Hollow base flat point thick plate bullets are $103.54 on their website. That's 10.4 cents per
1000 RMR 124 MPR Hollow point jacketed bullets are $99.00 on their website. That's 9.9 cents per.
I really like both these bullets and I have good accurate loads for both.

I question I wanted to raise has already been well answered, but here's a different way to ask: Regardless of price, is there any scenario where you would prefer plated bullets over jacketed? Like I stated above it's already been well answered, but I'm hoping to clear things up for those who were wondering, what's the point of the thread?

 

[thomas15]

You're not paying anything to use this forum and you are free to ignore whatever posts you find nauseating. Like this one.

I don't disagree with you and yes I can just as easy ignore posts that I find a bit excessive in professional endorsement department. I simply wanted to point out that some posters try a little too hard to advertise their favorite product and find something to knock against another. It is possible but I doubt that I'm the only one that feels this way.

Some suppliers here seem to have protected status, you cannot say anything negative without being called names. Call me names I don't care. Thing is it's a little overdone and for me at least kicks in a blowback effect. I literally will not buy certain items because of this. And if someone asks me my opinion on something, while I'm not going to lie, I'm not going to help seal the deal either.

On the other hand it's open season, any time, any day on other suppliers that don't have this protected status. Another poster mentioned Glocks, I think in jest, but it makes a point. I personally have taken a trip to a prize table and picked up a Glock pistol. Free handgun, donated by the supplier. I have had the chance of winning Dillon and Hornady progressive presses, Berrys and Bayou Bullets to name a few. I somehow must be doing something right even while depriving myself of this particular brand of bullet. And I have never seen anyone in any match I have participated in pick up any of the protected status suppliers donated stuff. Not saying it doesn't happen but I haven't seen it.

I guess if I had never won anything like a handgun or progressive reloading press I might be somewhat excited about a 5 percent discount on a 75 dollar order. I say this to be fair. But you are correct 1KPerDay I can ignore this stuff.

 

[k4swb]

I'm just glad no one has used the term boolitts yet.

When used, I know what the poster means but I just don't care for the term.
Probably shouldn't have posted this so whoever blips posts, blip it if you want to.

 

[TheDomFather]

When I started reloading 9mm about a year ago, I started using Berry's 124 gr HBFPTP. I liked everything about these bullets and they got me off to a good start.
Since then, I learned about RMR bullets here on THR. I've been buying and using the MPR 124 grain and I like these bullets very much.

When I was at Sportsman Warehouse the other day I saw they had the 124 gr Berry's bullets and I thought to myself, I always liked those, I think I'll pick up a box of 250. I put them back on the shelf when I saw that they had gone way up in price and are now considerably more per bullet than the RMR jacketed HP. I pay about 9 cents per bullet for the RMR's and the Berry's were about 12.5 cents.

This leads me to ask the question: Why would I ever use plated bullets over jacketed now that very good jacketed bullets are lower in cost. Can anyone give me a scenario where they would pay more to use plated bullets? I always understood that lower cost is the advantage of plated.

great question and I found myself in the same position. I was initially using Ranier plated bullets now I am using RMR 115gr FMJ which when on sale are 7 cents each delivered to my door. these are my go to.

 

[Walkalong]

I question I wanted to raise has already been well answered, but here's a different way to ask: Regardless of price, is there any scenario where you would prefer plated bullets over jacketed?

In place of open base like FMJ, yes.

 

[Skgreen]

I tried coated. I was not pleased with them. They had debris yucking up my dies and press.
Is that typical ?

I've heard of 'smurf poop' before, but didn't have the problem with the 500 or so I loaded previously (Blue Bullets)

Tried some 'Hi-Tech' coated bullets from Acme before... Something 'wasn't quite copasetic with the product and / or the Reloader' as I ran into some leading as well as occasional bullets that would not feed through my bullet feeder. (Assumed dia was not 100% consistent, but cannot prove it)
I did notice ACME indicates on their website that the weights I tried in both calibers previously now have new profiles. Quite certain the 'profile' has nothing to do with my past experience, but,,,,,,,, molds do not last forever and eventually need to be replaced.

 

[Walkalong]

I tried coated. I was not pleased with them. They had debris yucking up my dies and press.
Is that typical ?

Not the ones I have loaded and shot. A little smell from the coating when fired, a little bit of smoke compared to plated or jacketed. No mess in dies.

 

[kcofohio]

OK...I'm the OP on the this thread and I see the price comparison I did in the OP isn't fair. I was just trying to make a clear point to get a clear answer.
To be fair:
1000 Berry's 124 Hollow base flat point thick plate bullets are $103.54 on their website. That's 10.4 cents per
1000 RMR 124 MPR Hollow point jacketed bullets are $99.00 on their website. That's 9.9 cents per.
I really like both these bullets and I have good accurate loads for both.

I question I wanted to raise has already been well answered, but here's a different way to ask: Regardless of price, is there any scenario where you would prefer plated bullets over jacketed? Like I stated above it's already been well answered, but I'm hoping to clear things up for those who were wondering, what's the point of the thread?

Pricing still matters to me. As I suspect it does with many here, as there is still an active sticky for reloading components, that was started for back when supplies became scarce.
That said, my 1st reloading experience was with what the LGS had on the shelves. Berry's and Missouri Bullet Co. Sure there were Hornady's, Sierra's, etc., available. But it didn't take much math to see the price difference. Remember, I got into reloading to save money.
Then, when I couldn't get Berry's, scouring the internet, I found a source of JHP at a competing price. And of good quality. And now there are a few more quality FMJ/JHP makers available to compare with. But there are a couple Berry's that I haven't seen a comparable replacement for.
But I'm just a guy that tries to find the time and climate for range time.

 

[Dudedog]

People like what they like, if it works for them they like to tell others, be it powder, presses, bullets, guns etc.
I happen to like dealing with RMR and feel they offer a great product. I am never going to win a Dillon or a Glock or XYZ bullets at the prize table so I appreciate a discount offered to all members here by companies like RMR and MBC.
If you think about that 5% discount to us it is a 5% profit loss to the vendor, I appreciate that. Both these companies are fairly small, not giant companies but the owners there have decided to give us that 5%.
I don't see any gun companies or reloading press companies offering THR members a 5% discount, however maybe there are and I missed their names.
For some reason people seem to like these companies, if others see people here recommend them and they purchase bullets from them and like them great we did a good thing for the company and the person who bought the bullets from them. If the bullets don't work out well for them that is unfortunate.
I don't recall anyone here going on all the time bashing ABC bullet company's bullets like some people (some of who have never used it) bash Lee equipment, I don't recall seeing pay more buy DEF Blue pistol bullets, all the others are junk.
Lots of good bullets out there, to me customer service is a big factor in who I order from. I for one don't mind paying a little bit more for good customer service, it seems to be a somewhat antiquated thing now days.
If I can get great customer service and a great price and a great product IMO that is a win, so yes I like to tell others about it, if it upsets people who read it I apologize.

The only thing I recall reading here I find nauseating is quotes of all the antigun bleep.


I would imagine you could take a top USPSA/IDPA shooter with bullets from a company that lots of people like that nauseates others, load them on a "hated Lee Turret press with "junk" Lee equipment and they would still be a top shooter.
I imagine they could do it with lead bullets, coated lead bullets, plated bullets, or jacketed bullets.
I would be willing to bet the top guys do it with free bullets, wonder if them being free/or at very reduced prices makes them their favorite.
They sure seem like to advertise all kinds of stuff on their shirts, but that does not bother me I guess I just have a strong stomach.

OP I apologize for sidetracking you thread with the above and to address your question
The main advantage to me of plated bullets over lead or lead coated bullets and some jacketed bullets would be possibly less lead exposure.
There used to be a large price advantage vs jacketed as well but not so much any more, in 9mm I prefer the RMR JHP MPRs which shoot well for me and are a good price.
Jacketed bullets with no exposed lead at the base are a big + to me, to others this is not a concern. I have had blood lead level issues in the past due to the indoor range I shot at. (I don't shoot there anymore, problem solved),
but I like to do what I can to avoid going down that road again it was not fun.
Does that mean I don't like lead bullets,or jacketed bullets with exposed lead bases no, does it mean they are bad bullets and dangerous to use, no, but in general I just choose not to use them for my "everyday" needs.

It's still sort of a free country, read what you want, buy what you want, if it makes you happy great!

Happiness can be fleeting at times so I like to grab a hold of it when I can.

 

[Toprudder]

I tried RMR because of what I have read here, and to some extent the fact that they support us with a 5% discount, and frequent the forum often and listen to our desires/feedback.

Do I use them exclusively? No. Do I still try other products? Yes.

I am sold on several RMR products now due to how well they work for me. Period.

To the OP's last question, I think @Dudedog answered that. For most semi-auto handgun loads, I prefer plated for the reason he mentioned - lead exposure. I am not as concerned about that when I shoot outdoors with rifles, and honestly I am not too concerned about it at the indoor range where I shoot, they have excellent ventilation (back to front). Even though it has an exposed base, the only bullet I use for my 16" 9mm AR is the RMR 115 FMJ because it feeds reliably and is the most accurate bullet I have tried. I would use a JHP but they don't feed reliably (my gun is picky) and don't offer any improvement in accuracy. And plated bullets did not work at the velocity I am getting out of that gun.

And I can relate to @thomas15 point about "blowback effect". That is the reason I don't own any Glocks.

 

[thomas15]

I am never going to win a Dillon or a Glock or XYZ bullets at the prize table so I appreciate a discount offered to all members here by companies like RMR and MBC.

I had the same mindset then I made up my mind to do something about it. If I can do it anyone can.

In Sept. of this year I won a Springfield Armory XDM 4.5 and 4 weeks later a Glock 34. That is roughly $1000.00 worth of donated firearms.

 

[thomas15]

BTW I did mention that this preferred supplier with protected status, does in fact support the shooting sports of which I appreciate. They support practiscore and offer a 5% discount to those who use practiscore which is probably 90% or more of those who compete. A lot of these shooters consume 5-10k or more bullets a year, most of them handload their ammo. I've personally sent 11k rounds handgun ammo down range so far this year, this is nothing compared to some but at 7 cents/bullet that is $770.00 worth of bullets. This is why I use coated bullets. For those who shoot steel challenge it is not unusual to get hit by a fragment from jacketed ammo, just part of the game, so another reason for coated. My point being that there is nothing wrong with jacketed but there are compelling reason not to use jacketed bullets either and there is, contrary to information posted by some, no negative effects from using them (accuracy or maintenance).

As I mentioned and this is of course subject to debate, those who compete in organized events consume vast amounts of ammo. Theses are the shooters that buy components by the case lot, theses are the shooters that put multiple progressive presses on their benches. Not to say that there aren't handloaders that don't compete but have impressive benches and big ammo budgets, but the consumer demographic that does the bulk of the buying are those that compete in matches. They are also the shooters that have gun safes full of competition worthy firearms with all of the aftermarket do-dads that sometimes cost more than the firearm they are attached to. Just look at the list of sponsors at the Nationals and other large sanctioned events and notice that missing are the names of those suppliers with protected status. These suppliers are not dumb, they put their advertising money where their customers will see it and that isn't the participants of theses kinds of events.