Is loading data for hollow base bullets the same?

[WeekendReloader]

I've loaded a lot of Berry's plated round nose bullets in 9mm and 380. Most have been flat based. I have some 100gn hollow base and I thought to just load them with normal 100gn data. It makes sense to me as mathematically both a flat base and hollow base bullet will have the same amount of lead in it, it's just distributed differently. When using the same COAL, yes, the sides of the hollow base bullet will seat into the case deeper, but the case volume under the bullet should be the same because the center is hollow.

When working up a load, am I correct to treat flat base and hollow base bullets the same when loaded to the same COAL?

 

[CQB45ACP]

I've loaded a lot of Berry's plated round nose bullets in 9mm and 380. Most have been flat based. I have some 100gn hollow base and I thought to just load them with normal 100gn data. It makes sense to me as mathematically both a flat base and hollow base bullet will have the same amount of lead in it, it's just distributed differently. When using the same COAL, yes, the sides of the hollow base bullet will seat into the case deeper, but the case volume under the bullet should be the same because the center is hollow.

When working up a load, am I correct to treat flat base and hollow base bullets the same when loaded to the same COAL?

I use their 45ACP hbrn 185gr and use published data from western, Alliant, Hodgdon for the hollow base.

 

[DocRock]

Loading hollow base with equivalent data for like flat based bullets presents no increased likelihood of a pressure event.

It’s not “the same”, but the same data may be safely used.

 

[mdi]

The plated "hollow based" bullets I've seen aren't true hollow based (like a HBWC). The ones I've seen are closer to a concave base than a hollow cavity in the base. I would use "standard" data for both...

One caveat and "Basic Reloading 101" is whenever a component is changed, do another work up. Start with a light (min.) load and work up, if necessary...

 

[GoldieMI]

It’s not “the same”, but the same data may be safely used.

+1

One caveat and "Basic Reloading 101" is whenever a component is changed, do another work up. Start with a light (min.) load and work up, if necessary...

+1

 

[AJC1]

A concave base I would not worry about and just work up. A hollow base will ring your barrel if loaded hot. I dont truly know what you have but I caution you to know the difference and what the limitations of hollow bases are. I say this in a friendly way as I dont want you to mess up your gun.

 

[AJC1]

Hollow base

 

[DMW1116]

I load 115 grain hollow base and flat base with the same load. HOWEVER, the load is only 0.1 grain above the minimum powder load. The flat base bullet load seems a little hotter, but I haven't measured velocity.

 

[WeekendReloader]

The bullets I have are Berry's 100gn hollow base round nose for 380/9mm. I loaded them for my 380 using Win231 and 100gn plated data, worked up from the low starting loads to a mild plinker with 100% functionality. Everything shoots and functions fine. I was just wondering if there were special considerations other than the always applicable "start low and work up".

 

[warhwkbb]

I believe they lower psi a bit. On minimum loads I've needed a couple of extra tenths of a grain compared to flat base. I've been impressed with the hollow base 185g in 45. Excellent accuracy in my softball loads.

 

[roque5]

I have used Berrys 135 gr HBFN and have found it very accurate, I used same data as standard 135 gr with no issues.

 

[1KPerDay]

The bullets I have are Berry's 100gn hollow base round nose for 380/9mm. I loaded them for my 380 using Win231 and 100gn plated data, worked up from the low starting loads to a mild plinker with 100% functionality. Everything shoots and functions fine. I was just wondering if there were special considerations other than the always applicable "start low and work up".

I use the same charge for HBRN .380 that I do for standard RN. However, I've found that in some loads a HB bullet will need a bit more powder to function properly, particularly if you're on the low end of the spectrum. .45 ACP with 185 HBRN can be very soft-shooting and accurate loads.

 

[ImjinScout85]

I load a lot of Berry's 45ACP HBRN and I have found that due to the hollow base it allows for more case volume. Given this, I had to increase the powder charge to get the accuracy as well as the gun to function properly. As with any new load/bullet it is always good to work up to charge needed for your gun