Berry Plated Bullets

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stodd

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Hello everyone...

I've been thinking about using some 9MM Berry Plated bullets when i start reloading my new Smith and Wesson M&P 9MM toy that i just got this week.

How are they to reload with the 9MM plated bullets? Are they pretty good to shoot? What is the load data for them, just like lead bullets right?

Lastly, how is there packaging and shipping from Berry's?

Thanks..
Stodd
 
According to Berry's website FAQ:

Plated bullets occupy a position between cast bullets and jacketed bullets. They are soft lead, but have a hard outer shell on them. When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual. You must use data for a bullet that has the same weight and profile as the one you are loading. Do not exceed mid-range loads. Do not use magnum loads.
Click to expand...

http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q9-c1-How_do_I_load_Berrys_Preferred_Plated_Bullets.aspx

I would not recommend using very light lead bullet starting loads, or going below any starting load data.

Plated copper jackets have a little more bore friction then greased lead bullets, and you could perhaps stick one in the barrel.
I have had good luck with them in .38 Spl & 9mm loads for the last few years.

I buy them locally, so can't answer your question about Berry's shipping.
With that said, I haven't heard anything bad about it either.

rc
 
I buy mine 500 at a time from Grafs. I have never had a problem with broken boxes or loose bullets in the packing container. I do use load data for lead bullets when loading Berrys.

Historian
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"A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely undo the liberties of American than the whole force of a common enemy."
Samuel Adams
 
I have had excellent results with Berrys bullets in .32 ACP, .32 L, .38 Spl, .40, & .45 ACP

I have had enough 9MM bullets that I have not tried them yet, but I would expect good results.

I load the Ranier 115 Gr RN nearly the same as jacketed with good results. The Hornady 11 Gr RN "encapsulated" bullet gives almost identical velocities with the same loads.

As rc noted, very light loads that may be OK with lead would be more likely to stick a plated bullet.

Start with midrange jacketed data and work up as you feel comfortable and the chrono agrees.

No free lunch. If they are too fast, they are running too much pressure.

Mine have always been packaged well and arrived in great shape.
 
I think the difference in whether to use jacketed or lead data may comes from the diameter of the plated bullets:

Rainier - 0.355"
Powerbond - 0.3555"
Berry's - 0.356"

The larger diameter 0.356" Berry's bullets may require less powder charge to reach the same velocity of smaller diameter jacketed bullets, hence the using the lead load data.

Like Walkalong, I have used all three brand bullets in 9mm and 40S&W with excellent results. Rainier bullets have been my reference standard for plated bullets, but in recent years, plating on Berry's bullets have been much improved and consistent.

For 9mm, I would recommend the heavier 124 gr over the 115 gr as I find myself pushing 115 gr near max charge load to reliably cycle the stiff recoil springs in my Glock subcompact. With the 124/125 gr bullets, I can reliably cycle the slides even with the starting loads.
 
Thanks guys... I think ill order 250 or so plated 124gr RN bullets from Berry and try them out. If i like them i may switch my 38 special revolver loads over to berry bullets.

Walkalong,
What are you going use for powder in the 9MM your going to try and what charge?
 
You asked about packaging - I get from Cabela's & they come in a plastic box
2.75 x 5.5 x 2.75 Very durable - I reuse 'em for all kinds of stuff around the reloading bench.

I've never ordered directly from Berry's so I don't know if they still come that way factory direct.

I just wish they had a cannelure like the HSM bullets from MidwayUSA.
 
I buy direct from Berry's and they pay shipping on $50 orders, hard to beat that. Packaging has been excellent on every order I've received from them, and the quality of the bullets is excellent. I shoot 9mm 115 gr a lot for plinking with a Beretta M9, and in a SMG.
 
The 124 grain 9mm hollowpoints won't feed reliably in my BHP. They hang at the bottom of the feed ramp because the nose is too wide. The 125 grain HP's just like them but .001" bigger are amazingly accurate in .38 Special.
 
For 9mm, I would recommend the heavier 124 gr over the 115 gr
Click to expand...
After years of shooting the cheapest 9MM bullets (cause I'm [strike]cheap[/strike] frugal), which happen to be 115 gr, I have gravitated to really liking 124/5 Gr bullets in 9MM.

Powders? Good news is that many powders work well. IIRC, you have some WSF. That is excellent in 9MM, as is HS-6, AA #5, N320/330/340, SR-4756, True Blue, etc. My favorites? Sure, I have em.

Here is some plated bullet data.
 
Has anyone orders direct from Berry's within the past few months? If so how long did it take to get your order?
 
I ordered some last winter while I was in Az. The order arrived in a couple of days. I shoot a lot of their bullets in various calibers. Xtreme bullets are good too and priced competitively.
 
Has anyone orders direct from Berry's within the past few months? If so how long did it take to get your order?
Click to expand...

2-3 days for me but they're in my home state. Be sure and order a few plastic cases each time you order.
 
Thanks for the great info you guys have posted in regards to our bullets. We have doubled our capacity over the last 12 months and are usually able to get product out same day if the order is in before 10:00.
 
As long as we have your ear Mr Phillips, bring back the 90 Gr .32 bullet....please.......... :)

and a 200 Gr .44......... :D
 
Yes, where are my manners. (Too busy dreaming of more 90 Gr .32's ;))

Welcome to THR
 
Welcome to THR Jay!!
Had a question for you about Berry's. Do you guys offer a military discount? Or THR forum members discount?

Can anyone help me out on this question.. I'm reviewing load data from my lymans 49th ed manual and found that lyman's says to use a taper crimp not roll crimp for 9MM. I was looking at buying the RCBS 9MM Carbide die set. Does anyone know what kind of crimp comes with RCBS die set 9MM?

Thanks guys and gals..
Stodd
 
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