load data for plated bullets

Someone posted a link, but this is what Lee has to say on the subject:

We do not research or publish the load data. Please consult load data books or your powder manufacturers' website for load information. You can use published load data for lead/cast bullets or low to mid-range FMJ data, as long as it is the same weight bullet. Berry's offers our standard plate bullets which can handle velocities up to 1,250 fps and 1,500 fps for our Thick Plate (TP) versions.
Click to expand...

I've been loading Lee 230-grain plated round-nose bullets for .45 ACP for a number of years. Using Winchester 231, I load with 5.3 grains at an overall length of 1.270" and my tested velocities are in the mid 700s -- considerably below what the data on the Winchester/Hodgdon web site suggests. Of course, the web site doesn't list either a jacketed or a plated bullet, so I'm not sure what their COLs are based on. With that said, their data led me to be concerend that I was at the maximum (which was NOT what I wanted) and that I should be seeing velocities around 830 fps.

When that didn't turn out, I followed some info on the M1911.org forum and measured some of the Berry's bullets compared to some factory Winchester 230-gr FMJ bullets. The Winchesters were actually longer -- the bullets, not the cartridges. Obviously, then, loaded to the same COL the Winchester bullets would leave less case volume behind the bullet, increasing the pressure and velocity. So ... not all bullets are created equal.

For 9mm, the Winchester/Hodgdon web site has data for Winchester 231/HP-38 and a 9mm, 115-grain LRN bullet. Their starting load is 4.3 grains laded at a COL of 1.100", and the max is 4.8 grains. I have loaded the Berry's 115-gr 9mm bullets, but I have not compared their physical length to that of a factory, FMJ 115-grain bullet.
 
So i took the 100 round of 9mm that i loaded to the range last night.
round were 115 grain berrys plated with 4.5-4.7 grains of hp-38 the majority being 4.6. and cci SPP.

i shot 50 out of the 100 and they all shot perfect for me. so now im either gonn try and load up some 124s or order more 115s

thanks for all the help guys!
 
Very nice. What OAL are you using on those 115gr? I've got 100 loaded at 1.130" with 4.4gr of HP-38 only I haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Again the 124gr that I've used were at 1.155" at 4.2gr and they are very nice. I've also shot the Berry's 124gr Hollow Base at that load and I like it even better.
 
Berrys Bullets, .40 155 Gr Hollow Base Flat Point

Description
Berry's Superior Plated Bullets are swaged and plated to final weight and re-struck for accuracy and precision. They are more affordable than jacketed rounds and won't foul your barrel with lead.
Berry's Superior Plated hollow base bullets are designed for shooters who need increased accuracy. The hollow base allows the bullet profile to be longer and provides more contact area with the barrel and rifling to stabilize the bullet and improve accuracy. The bullet profile is longer but the weight remains the same and you can load these bullets using any published load data for a jacketed bullet as long as it is the same weight bullet.

SAAMI MAX .40 COL = 1.135"
SAAMI MAX 10mm COL = 1.250"
Can withstand velocities up to 1250 fps.
 
Plated Bullet Data - Beat the Dead Horse

The bullet manufacturers have data statements on their websites (Berrys, Ranier). Always look there first.
There is a wealth of load information available at the the Official Online Data Sources at the top of this forum:
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435562

From Berrys FAQ's:
"Question: Do you have load data available? COL or OAL?
Please consult load data books or your powder manufacturers' website for load information. You can use any published data as long as it is the same weight (FMJ, Lead, Plated, etc.)

-Standard Plate Bullets max velocity- 1,250 fps.

-Thick Plate Bullets (TP) max velocity- 1,500 fps.

We recommend a light crimp on the bullet, just enough to put pressure against the bullet without denting or deforming the plating…"
 
I had to trim that to the bare essentials to keep from running afoul of the board policy on posting copyrighted materials. You can put a link to it, but I expect they can find it.

I always find the velocity limits without a specified barrel length curious. With powder that can handle it, a 1500 fps load for a 4" .44 Magnum revolver and a 1500 fps load for a 20" .44 Magnum carbine will have more than 2:1 difference in peak pressure. The pressure peak is where peak acceleration and bullet-upsetting g forces occur, so it's what determines whether metal is stripped off and fouls the bore badly or not. And if Berry's thinks a light crimp will keep their bullets from backing out of the cylinder of a lighter weight magnum revolver with a full power magnum load, they haven't been shooting much. There are going to be some load limitations due to the bullet construction difference.
 
This will be my last comment on this thread.

The Statement that keeps getting posted by everyone quoting Berry website is nothing more than a CYA by BERRY'S, They do not test their bullets and never will. The do not have the facilities or resources to do it. Just as Lee and Lyman do not do any testing. Berry's recommendation is completely misleading and in many cases does not work. At least in semi-auto pistols and I certainly would not be using plated in full power magnum pistol loads.

Next every time this topic of plated bullets comes up 1/2 the respondents insist that cast lead data must be used while the other 1/2 insist jacketed data must be used. So which is it? It cannot be both! Plated bullets are neither cast or jacketed, they are plated and all at different levels.
 
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Travis V,

Per your seating described near the bottom of the previous page, unless the bullets are the same length, using the same COL with the same load won't match pressure or performance identically, though it may match the ease of feeding if the nose shapes are the same. For pressure and velocity matching, assuming similar bullet construction, it's normally seating depth you want to match. In other words, if your bullet is 0.020" longer, make the COL 0.020" longer, and vice versa, and etc. It's how far the bullet goes into the case that counts for initial pressure, at least.
 
kmw1954, loading for plated bullets in semi-auto isn't difficult. A little research goes a long way. Simply put: loading for plated bullets is the same as lead. And mid-range in jacketed load data. Do not push them[plated] too hard. They are pretty easy to work with. I've been using x-treme plated bullets with fine results. Hope this helps.
 
Rifletom, I have over 3000 finished plated bullets sitting on a shelf and another 2000 waiting to be loaded. That is in 3 different calibers and 7 different types. What to ask me again what I know about plated bullets? Again you missed the whole point! Good day.
 
Quite possibly the most over-thought subject in handgun ammunition loading.

Lead data? Or jacketed data?

Fact is, the two sets of data usually have a great deal of charge weight overlap. That "sweet spot" where the two overlap is probably where to load them.

I have my own strong opinion on this subject. But have resolved to spare others of it. Like kmw1954, I have loaded many thousands of plated bullets. Thousands downrange; thousands loaded in inventory; and thousands waiting to be loaded. I like plated bullets - a lot.
 
Well, that was an interesting answer. I am not trying to be a problem here. But, you seem to have trouble getting the answers for plated bullets. Doesn't matter how many you have, it's what you do with them. I load plated in my SA1911. Mid loads in Lead or Jacketed info.
Just don't load 'em hot. Again, this isn't difficult. Happy Memorial Day.
 
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