plated bullet loads....

[SSN Vet]

I found this off an old post on the reloaders bench site....

http://www.rainierballistics.com/old_pages/accuratearms.htm

note the info. in the opening text....

Plated bullets have a jacket consisting of thin plating on their exterior but, because their core is swaged, they lack the harder alloy of the traditional cast lead projectile. Because of this unique construction, loaders should no interpolated from data developed using either of these other bullet types. They should be treated as a separate class of projectile because they require their own load data.

I thought this was interesting.

any one know what powders load similarly to AANo.2 Imp or AANo.7?

 

[JDGray]

Rainier also states, you can load as lead.

 

[Walkalong]

Ranier has changed their stance from that "old" page. They now say "load as you would lead". That is about right, although in reality they act a bit different than lead.

I don't worry about exceeding lead data with them as much lead data stops short of full pressure often times. I like to try to stay just under max jacketed data with them, but that won't get you the velocity sometimes.

The plated Raniers seem to need a lot of bearing surface to work well. The Ranier 200 SWC shoots great whereas the 200 FP & HP do not shoot well. They take more powder to get the velocity, don't burn as clean, and are not nearly as accurate.
The Berry's that shoot well for me also have a lot of bearing surface. The Berry's 200 HP shoots quite well with the right load, although it's picky, and outshoots the Berry's 200 RFN. I have not tried the Berry's 200 SWC as I have a bunch of Raniers and Hornady's in that style, but their 185 SWC shoots real well with the right load and shoots pretty well at distance also.

I agree with Raniers old stance that they should be treated as a seperate class of bullet.

 

[Whirlwind06]

I don't worry about exceeding lead data with them as much lead data stops short of full pressure often times. I like to try to stay just under max jacketed data with them,

Just so I understand what you are saying. If a max load for a FMJ bullet is say 6.0 grains you have no problems loading a copper plated bullet 5.8 grains?

 

[joneb]

Just so I understand what you are saying. If a max load for a FMJ bullet is say 6.0 grains you have no problems loading a copper plated bullet 5.8 grains?

I think this varies with the cartridge you are loading for, as the type of bullet. I do think the plated bullets should be considered as a third group of bullet type, and loadings should be approached as such.

 

[Walkalong]

Just so I understand what you are saying. If a max load for a FMJ bullet is say 6.0 grains you have no problems loading a copper plated bullet 5.8 grains?

Yes. I have had good luck with that ( and a bit more with select bullets). Like jibjab says, it varies.

I never start there. I work up to it.

 

[SSN Vet]

I've seen good data for lead pistol loads and then the Rainier tables for plated pistol loads I linked above.

Rifle seems to be another subject do to the higher velocities.

So far the best source I've found comes from the second edition of Modern Reloading, which has new tables for "down loading" rifle cartridges.

Apparently, only Hodgdon would go on the record for reduced loads. And they only published for what they believe are the most popular rifle calibers (.30-30,.308 and .30-06).

I ordered Berry's 150 gr.308 round nose for my .30-30 so here's what I pulled off the .30-30 tables....

for a 150 gr cast bullet, 28 Gr of BL-C(2) gives 1,670 fps
for a 170 gr cast bullet, 24 Gr of BL-C(2) gives 1,670 fps
for a 170 gr cast bullet, 24 Gr of VARGET gives 1,700 fps

I already bought W748 so I'm comparing it to the Hodges powders...

IMR has a Relative Burn Rate Chart that puts W748 one step above BL-C(2)(slightly faster) & one step below VARGET (slightly slower).

So for a 170 gr. bullet I'd assume 24 gr. of W748 would do the trick.

The plated Berry bullet is 150 Gr so I'm thinking that I'll start just below 28 gr and work up.

The pressures are low, so I believe I'll be safe.....I simply want to get the fastest load I can with the plated bullets, without crapping up my barrel.

Any one see any faults to this approach?

Anyone other good sources out there for rifle loads for lead or plated bullets?

 

[Walkalong]

any one know what powders load similarly to AANo.2 Imp or AANo.7?

Never addressed this. I would pick something out similar in placement on the burn rate charts put out by the powder companies and others. These charts are only a guide and powders act different under different pressures and in different cartridges. N 320 acts a lot like AA # 2 in the .45, but pricey. I have not fooled with AA # 7, but have shot plenty of AA # 5 and Universal Clays is pretty similar to it and shoots well. I really like it in the .40 with 165 Gr. jacketed bullets. I would also try HS6 in place of AA # 7.



http://www.hodgdon.com/data/general/burnratechart.php

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I bought 1000 rounds of 180 grain Rainier bullets in 40 S&W. I unknowingly loaded them according to jacketed data, 6 grains of Unique. I have had no problems, no pressure signs, the rounds are very accurate and they give a decent thump. However, in my future batches, I will probably reduce this load another 5%.

 

[jr81452]

i also have loaded rain 180gr hp in 40s&w with jacket data. 6.2gr of aa#5 and not one problem in 3000 rounds. even looked at recovered slugs and saw no signs of melting. i don't think you need to worry much about the fact that they are not jacketed unless your going for max vl's, but thats just my opinion

 

[Scooter72]

I have also loaded Rainer 165gr and 180gr plated bullets at jacketed data levels without any problems. As long as you don't get near max pressure you should be fine. You usually lose accuracy the faster you push them anyways.

I've used Power Pistol, Bullseye and Titegroup but lately I've just been using Clays.

 

[Zippy06]

ssnvet.
I'm with the guys above. Rainier and Berry's. I have loaded them at -10% max. or a little above.
I even, run some down, the tube after some lead. Helps clean out the lead.
Been doing that for years.
Berry's doesn't charge for shipping.
At Cabela's store. Berry's come 250 ct. black plastic boxes. Nice boxes, too.