dusty85 said:
looked in books and on line can't seem to get the right info
I try to get the information right from the source. IMO, how fast the plated bullets can be pushed (while maintaining accuracy) is based on the lead alloy core used and the thickness of the copper plating along with the bullet design (solid/dished base vs hollow base).
Here's Berry's MFG comments for their .0035"-.008" thick regular plated bullets rated to 1250 fps and .010"-.012" thicker plated bullets rated to 1500 fps -
http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q21-c1-Load_Data_for_Berrys_Preferred_Plated_Bullets.aspx
Berry's MFG said:
Currently published load data is limited to some calibers by Accurate, Western Powders and Hodgdon. We are working with these companies to get data published for all of our bullets.
We recommend using hard cast load data or start with mid-range jacketed data. Make sure data is below 1250 fps unless you are using a Thick-Plated bullet that we list a higher max velocity for like the 9mm 124gr HBRN-TP that can be shot to 1500 fps in open class guns like a .38 Super. Keep in mind that since our plated bullet has the same pressure curve as a hard cast bullet, the published cast data will be very close to what you will get with our plated bullets. If you use Jacketed data with our plated bullets you can get from 5% - 8% increase in velocity using that data.
Other than the data from Western and Accurate for the 9mm, .40S&W and Hodgdon .40S&W there is no printed data available.
For further questions you can email
[email protected]
Rainier Ballistics used to recommend that we use lead load data when plated specific load data listed for their bullets could not be found. Now, their website recommends that we use jacketed load data but still recommend keeping the velocity below 1250 fps and using lead load data in the
FAQ section -
http://www.rainierballistics.com/loaddata.php
MidwayUSA still shows .004" for the thickness of Rainier Ballistics' copper plating and interestingly shows 1500 fps rating. I think they need to get their facts straight as IMO 1500 fps rating is usually applicable to copper plating thickness of .010"-.012"+ (FYI, Speer TMJ plating is around .015" thick) -
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/10...ameter-115-grain-plated-round-nose?cm_vc=U112
MidwayUSA said:
While Rainier doesn't publish their own reloading information, they recommended using lead bullet load data when loading their bullets as well as a slight taper crimp. Rainier recommends a maximum velocity of 1,500 fps.
These bullets feature a lead core that is completely covered by copper plating. They are resized after being plated with approximately 0.004" of copper plating. This unique design makes them suitable for most indoor ranges, which often require the use of bullets with no exposed lead. The base is slightly concave to maximize the bullet to bore seal.
Rainier Ballistics said:
Q3. Do your bullets have ANY velocity restrictions?
A. In general, our bullets typically perform their best when shot at velocities no greater than 1,200 to 1,250 Feet per second (FPS).
Q6. What if I can't find load data for your bullets?
A. If you have a load for a cast lead bullet, that will transfer across the board as far as our bullets go. We recommend a starting powder charge directly between the listed minimum and maximum load.
We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using Jacketed bullet load data when loading our bullets. There is no need for adjustment when using Jacketed bullet load data. Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; Be sur to use ONLY load data that is published in a reputable reloading manual.
***If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend a starting powder charge directly between the listed minimum and maximum load, and you may use published load data found in reputable reloading manuals.
A slight roll or taper crimp may be used with our bullets;
Overcrimping plated bullets may result in decreased accuracy, and fragmentation of copper plating.
Be sur to use ONLY load data that is published in a reputable reloading manual.
So when loading Rainier plated bullets, ONLY use published load data in a "reputable" reloading manual ... even though they tell you to use jacketed load data and their bullets are rated to 1500 fps
What?! How's this going to help their customers?!
Any comments from .357Mag/.44Mag reloaders who pushed Rainier plated bullets to full jacketed velocities?
PowerBond plated bullets are now sold on Highborn Outdoors website as "Premium PowerBond" bullets and while I could not find the plating thickness, each caliber lists velocity rating which ranges from 1200 fps to 2000 fps.
.30 caliber 120 gr bullet rated to 2000 fps -
http://www.bms.highbornoutdoors.com/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=24
.30 caliber 200 gr bullet rated to 1200 fps -
http://www.bms.highbornoutdoors.com/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=25
Various pistol bullets rated to 1300 fps -
http://www.bms.highbornoutdoors.com/index.php?_a=category&cat_id=14
I could not find plating thickness information on X-Treme bullet's website but found this -
http://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-Load-Info-s/1952.htm
X-Treme Bullets said:
Our Copper Plated Bullets can be run at mid-range jacketed velocities or higher end lead velocities. We do not recommend velocities over 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and only a light taper crimp.
Any velocities over 1200 FPS we recommend either our Heavy Plate Concave Base or Hollow Point products for superior accuracy. We do not recommend velocities over 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and only a light taper crimp.
