OAL for Berry bullet

[steve896]

I want to put together a plinking load for a 220 SIG. Bullet is a plated Berry 200g swc using either Win 231 or AA#5. My issue is what OAL to use as I've seen loads with lengths from 1.20 out to 1.275 with a 200g swc but not the Berry specifically.

thanks, Steve

 

[chrisf8657]

I typically use OAL data for FMJ loads when using Berrys bullets since I wasnt able to find that data either.

 

[Steve C]

One needs to seat SWC's so the shoulder is just a bit off the case mouth. Any longer and it can engage the barrel rifling and prevent the case from cambering fully. If you really want that OAL then measure it, otherwise its a bit of useless information.

The example below shows a lead SWC but any SWC should be seated the same. Remove your pistols barrel and drop in your reload, compare against a factory round to make sure it allows proper chambering.

 

[Walkalong]

I seat the Ranier and Hornady 200 Gr SWC's at 1.260 to 1.265 O.A.L., but I have not tried any Berrys yet.

 

[rfwobbly]

One needs to seat SWC's so the shoulder is just a bit off the case mouth.

Excellent advice. And then remember the max speed of a plated bullet is somewhere between the true jacketed SWC and lead SWC. When / if your close up targets end up with pin holes in them, understand that's the copper coming off the Berry plated bullet.

I would also suggest trying the Precision 200gr SWC "black bullet" at slightly under the Berry price. http://www.precisionbullets.com/

 

[Walkalong]

When / if your close up targets end up with pin holes in them, understand that's the copper coming off the Berry plated bullet.

I have not had that problem, and I shoot a lot of plated bullets. If you are having this problem, I would look more carefully at your belling/seating operation, and of course, don't roll crimp them, or get carried away with a taper crimp on them.

 

[ants]

close up targets end up with pin holes in them, understand that's the copper coming off the Berry plated bullet

Well, I've had that with plated 44mag bullets when I shot them real fast, but not 45acp.

 

[Walkalong]

I've had that with plated 44mag bullets when I shot them real fast

I'll bet.

 

[steve896]

Thanks all. I loaded some up using Steve C's reply as a guide. All the rounds chambered and cycled ok. FWIW they measured out at 1.225 oal with 5.4g of WIN 231. These were loaded up to only around 775 fps using A Midway load map book as a guide but not chrono'd. From what I've read about the plated bullets I wouldn't think the copper would come off at this speed. I'll play with the load up/dn a bit but otherwise a good start.
Thanks.