Berry's Bullets

[OkieGentleman]

I am looking for reload info on Berry's Bullets for the 230 gn plated round for 45 ACP. I am using AutoComp and TiteGroup for powder. Any information would be appreciated. OAL and powder weights would be nice to have.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

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.

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

 

[Walkalong]

Some plated data.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=6195350&postcount=11

I don't know about those two powders, but if you have some W-231, load em up at 1.260 to 1.265 OAL with 5.0 grs and go have fun.

 

[Hondo 60]

NeuseRvrRat hit it right on the head.
Use low to mid jacketed data for Berry's bullets.

Rainier on the other hand advises use of lead data.

 

[119er]

I use the load Walkalong descibed with W231/HP-38. Works great for me. I have never used the powders you are using.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

if you have some W-231, load em up at 1.260 to 1.265 OAL with 5.0 grs and go have fun.

exactly what i do. works for me.

 

[rfwobbly]

Check the powder manufacturer's web sites for loads with 230gr jacketed.

 

[OkieGentleman]

Thanks

Thanks for the input.

 

[SSN Vet]

Lee Auto-Disk will drop 5.1 gr of W231 without any disk mods or fiddling about.

I've loaded and shot ~ 1,000 Berry's 230 gr. RN, all with good results

 

[mcdonl]

Slightly off topic but I had terrific luck with the Berry 200gr HP's.... went through 500 with no misfires.

Used W231, Unique and Universal....

 

[Walkalong]

I like those as well. They will feed in most anything. If you have a gun that dislikes 200 Gr SWCs, the Berrys 200 Gr HP is worth a try.

 

[Coldfinger]

Using Berry's boolits 230gr RN jacketed over 4.8 gr accurate #2 with remington 21/2 primers. Never used your powder types.

 

[Taterhead]

As has been stated, up to mid-level loads for jacketed bullets is called for. Or data for lead bullets will work too. Lower velocities are typically better for plated bullets.

I have loaded a few thousand Berry's, but not in .45 cal. My experience has been with 10mm & .40 S&W. I, and others, have found that Berry's can be a bit temperamental if not handled with a little special care. The thing to keep in mind is that the plating is very thin. If it is compromised, then groups can get erratic. Barrel leading is also possible. A few things I have found that are helpful:

1) give a little more flare at the case mouth
2) seat to a longer COL, as your gun will permit
3) seat and crimp in separate steps
4) crimp just enough to remove the bell. You do not want the case mouth to engrave or "bite" the bullet at all.
5) keep to modest velocities (likely not an issue in .45 ACP).

When you exhaust your supply of Berry's, PowerBond bullets are typically priced better, and I have found them to be a superior bullet. The plating is much thicker so they behave more like a traditional jacketed bullet. I load them like any jacketed bullet without the special "handling" mentioned above. Buy direct at powerbondbullets.com.

Good luck.