Hollow BASE Bullets

R

robhic

New member
Did I just make an OOPS!? I ordered some 95gr plated bullets in .380 acp because the last ones I made in 100gr came out well and my granddude likes shooting 380. Most of the books/manuals I have have more load info for 90 and 95gr bullets than 100gr so I got some 95gr.

They just arrived and they are, indeed, 95gr plated bullets. But the base is hollow. I've seen this but not used or reloaded using hollow base. Don't see any special info/notes on this. Should I do anything differently when I load these? NO, I didn't order or mean to order hollow point (HP). Just plain round nose (RN) bullets. These are plated RN but have a hollow base. No big deal?

Just read the chapter on "Headspace" in the "ABC's of Reloading" book so this is on my mind....
 
The hollow base plated bullets are designed to open slightly at the base to seal to the lands and groves as I understand. I have Ranier 45 Plated Round Nose 200 gr. and 230 gr. I haven't used the 230 gr. yet but the 200s shoot very accurately.
 
I like hollow base bullets. You get more bearing surface. In my experience they shoot just as good or better than similar flat base bullets.
 
OK, this was a case of mistaken identity. The bullets were packed in a thick, plastic bag. A little difficult to see detail. I opened the bag to look and the bullets were round nose and actually a thick copper cover (designation was FMC?) while the base was actually BLACK with a dimple in it. Through the thick plastic it made it look hollow. I was concerned hollow would increase volume/airspace and that "Headspace" chapter has made me think.

But thank you for the replies and I STILL learned something. So while mistaken, I got some good info for future use!
 
A base that is "black with a dimple in it" shows a conventional full metal jacket bullet, not plated. What you are seeing is the lead core exposed at the base of the mechanically drawn jacket and the dimple is due to the shape of the core punch. Load as usual.
 
Relax. The bullet has nothing to do with headspace. Headspace is a manufacturing tolerance, only.
Your only issue is that plated bullets are not jacketed bullets. They use cast bullet data.
 
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