Another plated bullet question....

[GlockFan]

Hello all. I will start with that I am brand new to the reloading world. I bought some equipment a few years ago but never did anything but I am now ready to start this adventure. I have done research both on manufactures websites and forums to learn as much as possible. I am in no rush and want to do things safely and the correct way. Which leads me to my first of many questions.
When I bought my components I decided on Bullseye power and RMR 115 Gr plated bullets. Now, looking over the Lee and Lyman manuals, Alliant and RMR websites I do no see a load in 9mm for this combination. What I do see are loads for other 115 Gr bullets, primarily FMJ or Hornady XTPs. The question I have is can I use the load data for these on a plated bullet. I have seen some forum posting about this and the consensus seems to be yes as long as the weight is the same but load them to starting recommendations. Can any of you experienced guys shed light on this. Also any other links or tips for a newbie is appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[cfullgraf]

Berry Bullets recommends that cast lead bullet data can be used or up to mid range jacketed bullet data.

See here...

https://www.berrysmfg.com/faq#FAQ3

Western Powders has begun developing loads for plated bullets and has some scattered through out their data. Unfortunately, that will not help you with Bullseye.

You might call RMR and ask for their recommendation.

 

[LiveLife]

Bullseye power and RMR 115 Gr plated bullets.

Current Alliant load data lists 5.1 gr as max charge for Bullseye and Speer 115 gr Copper Plated RN loaded at 1.135" - http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...owderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=1&cartridge=23

9mm Speer 115 gr CPRN Bullseye OAL 1.135" Max 5.1 gr 1,192 fps

I load RMR 115 gr RN to 1.130"-1.135" and 4.3 gr of Bullseye will start to reliably cycle the slide of my Glocks which I suggest you use as start charge and you can incrementally work up monitoring accuracy trends. 4.5 - 4.7 gr will give you better accuracy.

 

[ny32182]

Jacketed starting load will be fine.
As a guy who has shot lots of both, I usually find that plated will require 0.1 to 0.2gr less powder to get the same velocity (pressure) as a same-weight jacketed bullet.

 

[GlockFan]

Thanks for the info. I did see the data for the speer bullet but was not sure if I could transfer that to any plated bullet of the same design. I have some Clays power on order to give me more options.

 

[LiveLife]

I readily transfer plated load data to other brand plated bullets. Most "regular" plated bullets have around .004" thickness copper plating. Thick plated bullets have .008"-.014" plating. Speer TMJ (Total Metal Jacket trade mark) plated bullets have .015" plating with Speer Gold Dots around .018". In comparison, jacketed bullet thickness averages .015"-.030".

Most regular plated bullets have around 1200 fps velocity rating while thicker plated bullets have 1300-1500 fps velocity rating.

Since most of our pistol loads won't exceed 1200 fps, what I found different between regular and thick plated bullets is that regular plated bullets will maintain accuracy to around mid range jacketed load data while thicker plated bullets will maintain accuracy to max jacketed load data.

I use 100/115 gr plated bullets for 9mm carbine loads around 1400-1500 fps and thicker plated RMR Hardcore Match bullets rated to 1500 fps provide accuracy - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...n-9mm-40s-w-45acp.799231/page-3#post-10245856

 

[LiveLife]

I have some Clays power on order to give me more options.

Bullseye and Clays are very fast powders. I prefer slightly slower Red Dot/Promo for 9mm range practice/plinking loads.

I also like relatively slower Titegroup, W231/HP-38, BE-86, WSF for 9mm and anticipate good results from new IMR Target/Red and Vectan Ba 9.5/9 powders.

 

[Starter52]

^^^^I agree with bds on this. A slightly slower powder such as Red Dot is best for 9mm practice rounds, at least for me.

 

[GlockFan]

Gotcha. Well maybe I will have to try one of those powders too then. I am hoping to do some 38/357 soon also. Thanks very much for the tips. I will use the plated thickness as a guide then. Hope to load some this week and give them a try next weekend.

 

[LiveLife]

Glad to help.

There are many powders that will work with 9mm.

Keep us posted with a range report!

 

[someguy2800]

I've found in most cases that the starting load for a jacketed bullet works fine for a plated bullet and just reduce the max load by about 10%. Its really kind of hard to get in trouble with a 9mm.

 

[Walkalong]

Some good plated bullet info.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/380-plated-data.818632/#post-10500159

 

[Walkalong]

I've found in most cases that the starting load for a jacketed bullet works fine for a plated bullet and just reduce the max load by about 10%.

Agreed.

Its really kind of hard to get in trouble with a 9mm

Well........ it's a tiny case, and pressures go up quickly.

 

[someguy2800]

Well........ it's a tiny case, and pressures go up quickly.

I should clarify what I mean by that. If you stay within published data (reduced 10% for plated bullets) you are unlikely to get into a dangerous situation.

 

[Zendude]

I only use plated bullets and found it good to start from the low end of the jacketed data and work up until you find the lightest load that will cycle the pistol reliably. I currently favor Universal for my 124 grain 9mm loads...am amazed by how little residue it leaves behind.

 

[longdayjake]

I've shot quite a few of the RMR bullets. Since I own the joint. I typically recommend using jacketed data and working up your loads. I personally use very close to max loads because they seem to function better in my guns and it's cleaner.

 

[LiveLife]

+1. When I pushed the RMR 100 gr Hardcore Match bullets to rated 1500 fps with my carbine loads, I wondered how the plating would hold up but the .012"-.014" thicker plating held up very well and did not show any signs of tumbling/elogated target holes even out to 100 yards. All the target holes were round and produced sub 2" shot groups at 50 yards - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...n-9mm-40s-w-45acp.799231/page-3#post-10245856

With RMR thicker plated bullets, I now just use jacketed load data.

 

[Bartojc]

I only use plated bullets and found it good to start from the low end of the jacketed data and work up until you find the lightest load that will cycle the pistol reliably. I currently favor Universal for my 124 grain 9mm loads...am amazed by how little residue it leaves behind.

This is also the way I've done it. I've found for plated 115 in 9mm win231 /HP38 works pretty well, but there are many others.

-jeff

 

[ArchAngelCD]

This is also the way I've done it. I've found for plated 115 in 9mm win231 /HP38 works pretty well, but there are many others.

-jeff

I agree, W231/HP-38 is a very good choice for plated bullets in the 9mm and with lead and jacketed bullets too. I use W231 for most if my general handgun loading.

 

[mdi]

I'm all for plated bullet manufacturers supplying load data and instruction sheets with their bullets. I see several questions from new reloaders on forums asking for help with load data and crimping weekly (those that have purchased components and have no load data). You can look on their web sites and get some info, but most won't go that far. I'd suggest two things to new reloaders; start reloading with jacketed bullets until one gets the hang of reloading (very straight forward), and find a load in your reloading manual before you buy components...

 

[JO JO]

I shoot lots of xtreme plated I load at the starting load range to mid range data with HS6 from what I understand with plated bullets velocity if pushed to hard can be an issue unless you go with a thick plated bullet
both are offered standard and thick plating by xtreme bullets , I have never had any issues with xtreme here is a link with some info and one thing I can say if you have a questions just call them or email them good folks to deal with, always start at starting load data and work up
http://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-Load-Info-s/1952.htm

 

[Walkalong]

From the link.

Load Info
Our Copper Plated Bullets can be run at mid-range jacketed velocities or higher end lead velocities.

This is great advice IMHO, and safer than the "you can use any jacketed data" from the other two. While you can go to max with some plated in some calibers in some instances, sometimes that is too much, as observed in PDFs etc now that there is some plated data next to jacketed data side by side with similar bullets.

A 2006 post

Another 2006

And another from 2006

 

[rfwobbly]

I have some Clays power on order to give me more options.

You will love Clays in 9mm for plinking, but it will not make minor PF for competition.

 

[GlockFan]

Thanks again for all the input. I was able to modify a Grafs order to add the HP-38 and H110. I bought a 686 recently and want to load for that also. I think I am set with the 4 powers now.