Thinking of changing bullets. Thoughts?

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SC_Dave

SC_Dave

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I'm currently using Precision Delta. I want to try something different as it's time to reorder.

9MM 115gn

I'm looking at two that I think may be better projectiles than PD.

Berry's 115gn FMJ RN or Hornady's 115gn XTP

For those that have used either or both what is your thoughts please?\
Thanks SCD
 
I have used both. Hornady are more uniform in mass and shape compared to Berry's in my experience. As far as I know, Berry's only makes plated 9mm 115gr round nose. The Hornady is a true copper jacketed bullet. For just about any use I personally prefer 124 or 147gr over 115gr. Competitive shooting I maintain tighter groups and faster recovery with 147gr.

It would be helpful to know what your use is.
 
horsey300 said:
What's your intended purpose?
Click to expand...

Yes, it would help to know wouldn't it. I posted this in a hurry. Didn't mean to leave it out.

It will be used for training and practice only. As I mentioned I'm using a 115gn RN FMJ over 4.5 grns of Win 231.

My reason for considering changing is I am working more on accuracy from 15-25 yds and I want something with a little more consistency.
SCD
 
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SC_Dave said:
115 gn RN FMJ over 6.5 grns of Win 231.
Click to expand...
Wow! 6.5 gr of W231 is way over pressure for 115 gr FMJ!

Winchester load data lists 4.9 gr as max charge for 115 gr FMJ - http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=159609&stc=1&d=1329800605

115 gr FMJ W231 Start 4.4 gr (1045 fps) 25,900 PSI - Max 4.9 gr (1135 fps) 32,600 PSI
SC_Dave said:
I'm currently using Precision Delta. I want to try something different as it's time to reorder. I'm looking at two that I think may be better projectiles than PD.

Berry's 115gn FMJ RN or Hornady's 115gn XTP

It will be used for training and practice only.
Click to expand...
As far as I know, Berry's MFG only produces plated bullets for 9mm 115 gr. Over the decades, I have used Winchester 115 gr FMJ as my reference 9mm bullet but have shot various other FMJ/JHP and regular/thicker plated bullets.

I believe Atlanta Arms used or currently uses Zero FMJ bullets for some of their match grade ammunition (115 gr FMJ loaded to 1.130" OAL) which produce 1.5" groups at 50 yards with match grade barrel fixture - https://atlantaarms.com/products/9mm-115gr-fmj-match-amu.html

For the "Myth busting plated bullet" thread, I have started initial comparison testing with jacketed bullets using Hornady 115 gr HAP (essentially XTP without the expansion cuts on nose tip), Zero 115 gr FMJ and RMR 115 gr FMJ using W231/HP-38 - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ng-at-25-50-yards.808446/page-3#post-10358518

I plan to conduct further testing once the rain season ends (we got like twice the average rain fall this winter) but the initial testing results were eye opening. I consider Hornady HAP to be very accurate bullets and many reported great accuracy with Zero bullets but my initial shot groups showed comparable if not smaller shot groups with RMR 115 gr FMJ bullets (Testing done with scoped 17" Just Right carbine with bipod at 25 yards shot prone).

index.php

index.php


If you are looking at training and practice (and even for match shooting), I would seriously consider RMR 115 gr FMJ bullets they manufacture themselves and test RMR 115 gr Hardcore Match plated bullets for accuracy comparison - https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets-for-reloading/9mm-115-grain-rmr-fmj/?v=7516fd43adaa

With RMR 100 gr Hardcore Match RN and JR carbine, I got sub 2" shot groups at 50 yards - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...n-9mm-40s-w-45acp.799231/page-3#post-10245856

index.php


BTW, nice picture of 115 gr FMJ for your avatar. They are Winchester 115 gr FMJ loaded to 1.135" - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?attachments/win9mm115-jpg.158881/
 
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In my limited testing, I've found the RMR 115gr Hard Core Match Plated bullets to be the most accurate using BE-86 powder. There's a thread somewhere that I posted some target pics (IIRC). The other option, from Hornady, to consider is their HAP bullet, which is the XTP bullet profile/weight/etc. but doesn't expand. The HAP is made for practice purposes that nearly duplicates the shooting characteristics of their XTP bullet.

Cost-wise, I choose the RMR, but I've had great results also with the Hornady HAP, most especially in other calibers (not that it's pertinent to your question, sorry)...
 
I've been really happy with the accuracy I get from Berry's. In 9mm I shoot 124 grain target hollow points. They are on par in accuracy with the better of the jacketed bullets I have tried in 9mm over the years. I shoot berry's in all my plinking pistols now. I would like to try the RMR ones next since they ship free.
 
Something to consider is purchasing a small amount of 100 pcs from several different sources and try them out. See what works in your firearms.
 
SC_Dave said:
Yes, it would hep to know wouldn't it. I posted this in a hurry. Didn't mean to leave it out.

It will be used for training and practice only. As I mentioned I'm using a 115gn RN FMJ over 6.5 grns of Win 231.

SCD
Click to expand...
That is a very stout load. Where did you get that data? With a 115gr Speer GDHP bullet Hodgdon lists 5.1gr as the max charge. That would be 27% over the max if I did the math correctly.
 
cant speak to your specifics, but I used to use precision delta, and consider them the best target bullets you can find. But I got cheap, and am now using RMR, which are nearly as good as PD, but cheaper. RMR has an active THR discount, and a presence on the forum, and high reviews from members, if your open to another option.
 
Got it. My Mac does some hinky stuff to this forum platform. Sometimes I can't even reply to a post and have to go to PC. I don't see the edit hot spot on my Mac but I went to my PC and edited it no problem. Thanks
SCD
 
I have been using xtreme bullets for years good stuff, have sales often, I get quick shipping never an issue with them, their a solid company to buy from don't believe the BS that is said about them it's just BS
Good shooting bullets
 
SC_Dave said:
I'm currently using Precision Delta. I want to try something different as it's time to reorder.

9MM 115gn

I'm looking at two that I think may be better projectiles than PD.
Click to expand...

I just got two 100 count sample packs of jacketed 9mm and 45 from PD, but haven't loaded them yet. If you don't mind me asking, why are you looking to change from PD? Thanks.
 
higgite said:
I just got two 100 count sample packs of jacketed 9mm and 45 from PD, but haven't loaded them yet. If you don't mind me asking, why are you looking to change from PD? Thanks.
Click to expand...

No particular reason really. It's all I've ever reloaded and I have nothing to compare it to and was going to try something different.
SCD
 
SC_Dave said:
I'm currently using Precision Delta. I want to try something different as it's time to reorder.

I'm looking at two that I think may be better projectiles than PD.

Berry's 115gn FMJ RN or Hornady's 115gn XTP
Click to expand...
If you like, PM me and I can send you an assortment of bullets. I figure doing comparison range test is the best way to determine which bullet works best for your pistol/barrel.

I have plenty of:

Hornady 115 gr HAP
Zero 115 gr FMJ
RMR 115 gr FMJ / 124 gr JHP

Speer 115 gr TMJ (Thick plated)
Berry's/HSM/PowerBond/Rainier/RMR/X-Treme 115/124 gr plated RN (Regular and Thick plated)
 
bds said:
If you like, PM me and I can send you an assortment of bullets. I figure doing comparison range test is the best way to determine which bullet works best for your pistol/barrel.

I have plenty of:

Hornady 115 gr HAP
Zero 115 gr FMJ
RMR 115 gr FMJ / 124 gr JHP

Speer 115 gr TMJ (Thick plated)
Berry's/HSM/PowerBond/Rainier/RMR/X-Treme 115/124 gr plated RN (Regular and Thick plated)
Click to expand...

Sounds like an offer I can't refuse. I'll PM you shortly. Thanks bds!!!
 
An assortment of bullets being "paid forward" to SC_Dave for many THR members who donated various jacketed/plated/coated bullets last fall for the bullet comparison threads.

As soon as winter rain season ends, will resume range testing - stay tuned.
 
bds said:
An assortment of bullets being "paid forward" to SC_Dave for many THR members who donated various jacketed/plated/coated bullets last fall for the bullet comparison threads.

As soon as winter rain season ends, will resume range testing - stay tuned.
Click to expand...

Thanks again bds! And thanks to all THR member as well!
 
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