Hollow Base Bullet Question

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racerngr1

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I normally reload with FP or RS bullet but was at the store and picked up some HBRS-DS ammo on accident but didn't realize it until I got home and opened them up.

My question is:

1) What's the purpose of the hollow base

and

2) How does that effect the reloading, do I just reload it as if it's the same bullet as a RS or FP?

http://www.berrysmfg.com/products.aspx?c=14
 
The hollow base expands to seal the bore and to engage the rifling better (not sure if that works with plated bullets.) It also makes the bullet longer, so it has more bearing surface.

You load them the same as plain-based bullets, the hollow base does not affect the load data at all. Just don't try to hotrod them because the thin metal at the skirt could blow out and leave a little ring of metal partially obstructing the bore and/or cause terrible accuracy from the damage it does to the bullet.
 
I've used many many of these bullets. They work great.

One advantage is that the round nose is similar to the standard 230 grain loads.
If you load it to the same OAL, then it is a light bullet that should feed in a 45 that runs the standard standard 230 grain ammo.
Of course, you need to be sure your loads have enough velocity to cycle you action.

Be Safe and have fun.

-steve
 
Hollow Base Lead bulllets have always been loaded to very light target loads. Never to velocity/pressure of Flat base lead bullets. As far as plated, you should start low on the powder charge and work up for safety anytime you change a component. I have never used plated. I would wait till Walkalong or Rc comment.
 
You said "ammo", but linked to Berrys bullets.

Did you mean Berrys .40 HBRN-DS bullets, as in this bullet? I do not see a HBRS-DS.

I have not seen that bullet, but I have loaded their .45 185 HBRN-DS bullet.

The hollow is not as pronounced as the lead HBWC's commonly used in .38 Spl for target work. The walls where the hollow is are much thicker, plus being plated.

They can be safely shot to at least 80% of jacketed data. 800 to 900 FPS with the .45 bullet is a pleasant accurate load.

There is no reason not to shoot that 155 Gr .40 HBRN-DS at up to 1000 to 1100 FPS with a medium burn rate powder.

It should make a nice dependable feeding plinking load.
 
These are a great bullet for the .40 S&W. I finally ran out of them and will have to include them in my next order from Berry's.

Load, shoot and enjoy.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
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