Berry's .45 Colt bullet load data question

[TTv2]

This is my first time using a Berry's bullet in a revolver and not using Trail Boss as the powder. Berry's states that we can use cast or jacketed load data for loading their plated bullets, but when I was looking at the data in my 20th edition Lyman manual between a 250 gr jacketed bullet and lead bullet, the jacketed bullet had a max charge of 8.5 grs Unique while the lead bullet was 8.2 and this didn't make much sense to me.

Don't jacketed bullets cause higher pressures because the jacket is harder than lead? Shouldn't it be that the lead bullet has a higher powder charge? The only thing that I can think of to explain it is the lead bullet is seated to an OAL of 1.57" while the jacketed bullet is seated at 1.59".

I ended up using the jacketed load data because with the bullet being plated and no crimp groove or cannelure, I figured the 1.59" OAL would be fine.

BTW, I'm planning to shoot this load in a Taurus Judge because lead bullets and Judge's don't mix.

 

[PWC]

Plated/coated bullets use lead data.

 

[DocRock]

So. Lead.offers less resistance (and, as you correctly note, lower pressure), therefore, the same charge behind similar lead and jacketed bullets may yield a higher velocity in the lead bullet. As you know, at higher velocities, more factors need be taken into account with lead bullets to avoid them stripping, etc. So, a lower charge for lead makes sense.

As to Barry's plated 250 grs bullets which I also use in 45Colt over 10 grs HS-6, provided you adhere to data for SAAMI spec standard 45 Colt, you will be just fine. I find a bit below max better.

 

[TTv2]

So. Lead.offers less resistance (and, as you correctly note, lower pressure), therefore, the same charge behind similar lead and jacketed bullets may yield a higher velocity in the lead bullet. As you know, at higher velocities, more factors need be taken into account with lead bullets to avoid them stripping, etc. So, a lower charge for lead makes sense.

As to Barry's plated 250 grs bullets which I also use in 45Colt over 10 grs HS-6, provided you adhere to data for SAAMI spec standard 45 Colt, you will be just fine. I find a bit below max better.

The question I have is what is max for these bullets? The fastest velocity I saw was with the jacketed bullets and they were going between 900 and 1000 fps and Berry's plated bullets are rated for max velocity of 1250 fps, so I have no worries about the plating, it's the pressure I think about.

I have read that SAAMI keeps .45 Colt at 14k PSI because of older, weaker revolvers. I have no idea what the Judge is capable of withstanding and I am by no means trying to figure out how hot a load I can shoot .45 Colt in Judges, I'm just wondering if it's safe to shoot loads that may be slightly in excess of 14K PSI.

Because I have no idea what pressures I'm going to have with these Berry's loads. Whether it's jacketed or lead, I did not exceed any of the max charges for either with Unique.

 

[DocRock]

You cannot exceed SAAMI max pressure using either jacketed or lead data for standard Colt 250 grs bullets. You will have better results with lead data than with jackets data.

 

[TTv2]

You cannot exceed SAAMI max pressure using either jacketed or lead data for standard Colt 250 grs bullets. You will have better results with lead data than with jackets data.

Like I said, 8 grains was near the low charge for jacketed data, but near the max for lead data. I didn't seat the bullet as deep as the lead data specified, so if I bumped it up to the max charge for lead, it should still be under the 14k PSI pressure, yes?

 

[DocRock]

Like I said, 8 grains was near the low charge for jacketed data, but near the max for lead data. I didn't seat the bullet as deep as the lead data specified, so if I bumped it up to the max charge for lead, it should still be under the 14k PSI pressure, yes?

Yes.

 

[Walkalong]

Plated/coated bullets use lead data.

None of the plated bullet makers say that any more.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/crimping-rmr-plated-bullets.779419/#post-9897359

That said, sometimes lead data is too light and sometimes jacketed is too much. The good news is we have a lot of tested data for plated bullets these days.

Trail Boss loves lead, plated not so much. I shoot coated bullets in .45 Colt now, but plated works just fine at upper lead or middle to upper jacketed data in .45 Colt with a nice taper crimp (Your .45 ACP die will do that) or a Lee taper crimp die is inexpensive.

 

[TTv2]

One of my favorite loads is Trail Boss and the 71 grain Berry's in .32 and .327 Mag. Haven't tried it with .45 Colt, but thinking I may load up a few this week and try them on the weekend.

 

[DocRock]

One of my favorite loads is Trail Boss and the 71 grain Berry's in .32 and .327 Mag. Haven't tried it with .45 Colt, but thinking I may load up a few this week and try them on the weekend.

Straight wall pistol cartridges is where TB shines. Enjoy!

 

[TTv2]

Shot them yesterday and boy, that Public Defender lets you know when you're shooting it. I'm glad I didn't get the polymer model.

I was shooting steel at 7 to 15 yards and so long as I was taking my time to get the best aim I was hitting the plates and I didn't see any leading in the bore, so I'll assume the crimp I used was not too much to cause separation of the lead core and plating. They were certainly warm loads as they had noticeable recoil in the Ruger I also shot. Bottom line it seems like it was a success, but I think I'm going to use a max charge of Trail Boss next time to see how the difference is in recoil.

 

[FROGO207]

FWIW I use 700X when reloading my 45 ACP ammo and use the exact same charge for lead/plated/FMJ.

For 45 Colt if you look at the Ruger only loads that cartridge can be loaded into 44 MAG teritory if your firearm can safely take it. A minimal amount of higher pressure will not be a big deal unless you are trying to protect an origional Colt. I usually start a bit below min jacketed data and work up to mid way when using plated bullets when I lack published data.