About to load my first round and seeking a litlle advice

[junkyarddog]

I’m about to load my first rounds and will start with a .38 Special using Berry’s 125 grain HP, HP38, and Winchester Small Pistol primer. Berry’s says to use jacketed data. For load data, I am using Lyman’s 49th Edition, Lee’s Modern Reloading, 2nd Edition, and Hodgdon’s website. I have been approaching it slowly on a single stage. I have tumbled, deprimed, sized, and made a dummy round to OAL 1.47”. Most of my brass are between 1.145” and 1.155”. I separated them based on greater than or less than 1.150”. Last night, I hand primed 50 cases.

I need help with charge weight and overall length. Lyman’s list a 125 grain JHP using 231 and an OAL of 1.47. The start charge is 3.9 with a velocity of 589 fps. That makes me a little wary about getting a stuck bullet. The listed max is 5.1 at 820 fps.

I’m also looking at load data for the Hornady 125 XTP. Lee’s and Hodgdon’s data match. OAL is 1.455. Starting load is 4.3 at 826 fps. Max is 4.9 at 934 fps.

I’m leaning towards going with data for the first one because it has a slightly longer OAL. I’m thinking of making test rounds starting at 4.1 to 4.6 grains. I don’t have a 125 grain XTP bullet to compare. The test gun is an S & W 586 6”.

There are so many types of bullets, and data for a specific one may not readily be available. Would it be OK to use data for the same weight but different style of bullet? When loading .38 Special 148 grain DEWC, is it ok to use data for 148 grain HBWC? How about interchanging data between two bullets of the same weight but the difference is one is RN, FP, or HP? The HP would have a longer body and may increase pressure. I am loading for accuracy rather than max. velocity. Thanks.

 

[Steve H]

I'm surprised that Berrys told you to use jacketed data. I live near their plant and use their bullets quite often. EVERY time I have spoken with them about different loads they have always told me to use lead data and MAYBE low end jacketed data. NEVER exceed 1250fps with their bullets.

 

[mkl]

I've always used lead loading data for plated bullets. That copper plating is only one or two thousands thick, if that. Not enough to change the basic characteristics of the lead bullet. Use lead loading data to be safe.

As long as you are not trying to load at the very top of the range, you may load various form factor (round nose, SWC, HP, etc.) bullets of the same weight without worry. Most lead bullets will have a crimp groove; if yours do, seat to the crimp grove and crimp into the groove. If they do not, find that bullet in your manual and seat to that depth. Lacking any info on seating depth and with no crimp groove on the bullet, seat one caliber (in your case .357") deep.

 

[243winxb]

Berry's Plated Bulllets Info @ there Website.

Your starting load of 4.1gr HP38 @ 1.455" w/125gr. looks OK But on the light side, 4.3 gr is starting for jacketed bullets. .http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q9-c1-How_do_I_load_Berrys_Preferred_Plated_Bullets.aspx

Plated bullets occupy a position between cast bullets and jacketed bullets. They are soft lead, but have a hard outer shell on them. When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual. You must use data for a bullet that has the same weight and profile as the one you are loading. Do not exceed mid-range loads. Do not use magnum loads.
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Separation is very rare. Two things can cause a jacket to separate from the lead core: excessive speeds (magnum velocities) and a real tight roll crimp (cuts through the plating). If you'll keep these two items in check you shouldn't have a problem with bullet separation.
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Velocities depend on the caliber, but as a rule of thumb, we recommend you don't shoot our plated bullets over 1200 feet-per-second. Our 44's actually shoot best around 1150 fps. 45's are generally good at 850-900 fps. Our bullets are not recommended for magnum velocities

PS- Never have or will use Berry's, i cast my own.

 

[buck460XVR]

I have never used Berry's for revolvers, but use a lot of them in my 1911. They are easy to work with and shoot well. I use mid-level jacketed loads and have never had a problem.

I need help with charge weight and overall length. Lyman’s list a 125 grain JHP using 231 and an OAL of 1.47. The start charge is 3.9 with a velocity of 589 fps. That makes me a little wary about getting a stuck bullet. The listed max is 5.1 at 820 fps.

...as long as you are using jacketed load data you should be fine.

 

[Walkalong]

Would it be OK to use data for the same weight but different style of bullet?
When loading .38 Special 148 grain DEWC, is it ok to use data for 148 grain HBWC?

No. The DEWC can take a whole lot more pressure.

How about interchanging data between two bullets of the same weight but the difference is one is RN, FP, or HP? The HP would have a longer body and may increase pressure.

In general, yes.


I load the Berrys 125 Gr TrFP at 1.435 O.A.L. Shoots very well in my .38's. I also load it in light .357 loads. (longer O.A.L. naturally)

I would try 4.0 of W-231 to start. It should give in the neighborhood of 700 to 750 FPS from a 6" barrel. Work up in .1 increments if it is less velocity that you want or accuracy is not here. 3.8 is going to be very light. As always with light starting loads, make sure the bullet exits the barrel every time.

That copper plating is only one or two thousands thick, if that.

Incorrect. Please quote real figures and not guesses.

The plating is bonded to the lead. Can it be destroyed by excess velocity or pressure? Sure it can, but it isn't your moms good china either.

No reasonable .38 Spl load is going to damage that Berrys 125 Gr bullet. There will not be enough pressure or velocity to do so.

Some plated data.

 

[243winxb]

How thick is the "jacket" on Berry's bullets?

Depending upon the caliber, the thickness of the plating on our bullets ranges from 3.5 up to 8 thousandths of an inch of plating on each side. This is thicker than paper and ensures no lead in your bore. The bullets designed for higher velocities (45-70, 500 S&W etc.) have the thickest plating.
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Copy from there website (i know almost nothing, but i google well.)