Seems hard to find load data for plated bullets

[smsdba]

Anyone have any data for .38 special, 147 gr RN Plated?

Here's what I've worked up so far:

3.8 Titegroup, 147 gr RN Plated, Fed Brass & Fed SP, 1.46" OAL:
Hi - 772 fps, Lo - 723 fps, Ave - 742 fps, Ave PF - 109,100, StdDev - 15.

3.8 Titegroup, 158 gr RNFP Plated, Fed Brass & Fed SP, 1.40" OAL:
Hi - 813 fps, Lo - 730 fps, Ave - 784 fps, Ave PF - 123,800, StdDev - 22.

4.0 Titegroup, 147 gr RN Plated, Fed Nickel Case & Fed SP, 1.46" OAL:
Hi - 807 fps, Lo - 774 fps, Ave - 792 fps, Ave PF - 116,500, StdDev - 11.

All shot from a S&W M13-2 4". I'm putting a firm crimp on.

I'm trying to work up to a average PF of 125,00, but it appears I'm getting close to the maximum recommended charges for Titegroup. The nickel cases seem to provide a more consistent velocity (lower StdDev). All the cases look pretty clean with no unburned powder and no evidence of extreme pressure yet, so I'm thinking I could go up to 4.2 gr.

I could go to the .357 case with this revolver, but prefer the shorter .38 cases for faster/easier reloads in IDPA shooting. The chambers can handle the pressure, it's the .38 cases that would be the limitation.

Any one with data or loads to share would be appreciated.

smsdba

 

[Thirties]

"it appears I'm getting close to the maximum recommended charges for Titegroup"

Where did you see this info on the maximum? What plated bullets are you using? What type of bullet was the data for, exactly?

There are two different types of plated bullets. The copper washed type (National Bullet Company), and the thick plated type (Berry, Rainier).

For copper washed use data similar to lead; for thicker plated bullets use data similar to jacketed bullets.

Call the bullet company to be sure. I got into some trouble assuming that Berry's plated bullets were to be loaded like lead. I got a bullet stuck in my .38 2" snub. Then I called Berry and they straightened me out.

 

[eldon519]

It's not exactly what you need, but maybe it'll give you an idea of how some plated bullets react compared to lead or copper. This is the load data from Rainier's webpage(it's the first link button on the top left):
http://www.rainierballistics.com/mainframe.htm