RMR's own line of Thick Plated bullets

[LiveLife]

gahunter, the 115/124 gr RN bullet samples were sent out today so you and 9mmepiphany should receive them by Saturday.

Disclaimer: Following post lists loads not currently published by Alliant - Use them at your own risk.

40S&W 180 gr RNFP with Alliant BE-86:

Recob's order for Alliant's new BE-86 and Bullseye was delivered earlier this week and I was anxious to finally try it out. Since BE-86 burn rate is around Unique, I thought 40S&W was a good caliber to test and compare to Herco 6.1 gr load I recently tested (I will continue my 9mm W231/HP-38, Titegroup, AutoComp and WST (for 9mmepiphany) load development and range test this weekend at 15/25 yards).

I decided to continue using 1.155" OAL for the 180 gr TP RNFP bullet based on post #57 - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9639622#post9639622

Here's Alliant's load data for BE-86 - http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...wderlist.aspx&type=1&powderid=38&cartridge=29

40 S&W 180 gr JHP OAL 1.12" BE-86 Max 6.3 gr 1,020 fps

40 S&W 180 gr FMC OAL 1.12" BE-86 Max 6.6 gr 1,068 fps

Since I am using longer 1.155" OAL than published 1.120", I decided to initially test 6.2 and 6.5 gr with the 180 gr TP RNFP bullets. .421" taper crimp was used and neck tension was tested by feeding/chambering finished rounds from the magazine and there was no bullet setback.

Range Test:

Glock 22 with factory barrel was used at 15 yards. Initially, I am quite impressed by Alliant's new BE-86. Although 15 yard shot groups weren't sub-one inch, the clustering of 3 shots (blue arrows) looks very promising. I look forward to conducting more range tests, especially at 25 yards.

 

[Dudedog]

Jake

Would like a 9mm flat nose as well.
I see those are in the works and then maybe an SWC down the pipe.

Will have to order some round nose to try out since those are available.
Thanks again for asking us what we would like to see and listening.

 

[LiveLife]

40S&W Range Test #2 at 25 yards:
With the accuracy clusters from 15 yard range test that showed promise, I loaded some test rounds at 1.140", 1.145", 1.150" and 1.155" OAL at 6.1 gr of BE-86 to check the gas leakage vs accuracy.

Why 6.1 gr?

6.2/6.5 gr used on range test #1 was "rough range" I used based on 6.0-6.6 gr load data and I wanted to start "fine tuning" (If 6.2 gr showed significantly larger shot group compared to 6.5, I would have "fine tuned" using 6.3 gr). Besides, 6.1 gr also happened to be what the Pro Auto Disk hole threw so it was a convenient decision.

Glock 22 with factory barrel was used for the 25 yard test using a small ice chest to rest my hands.

1.140"/1.145" OAL loads produced around 3" shot groups but longer 1.150" OAL decreased the shot group to around 2" (5 smallest holes - and I shot another group to verify and it got even smaller). And the 1.155" OAL produced around 1.5" shot group!

I am really impressed with this combination of RMR "thickly plated" 180 gr RNFP and Alliant's new BE-86. 1.5" at 25 yards with factory stock Glock is shooting at 1911 territory! 1KPerDay and other match shooters using 40S&W, hope you are considering this bullet/powder combination! Ryan, I hope you are taking notes for Jake.

There was a shooter in the next lane who stopped shooting after my second 25 yard target and when he saw the 1.5"-2.0" shot groups, he got curious and I told him I was testing a new plated bullet with Alliant's new BE-86 powder. He was impressed and said if he didn't see it with his eyes, he would have had hard time believing the size of shot groups from factory Glock 22 shot at 25 yards.

 

[longdayjake]

If I could shoot like that...

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm really impressed by that out of a stock G22 barrel...I can almost get that with a G35, but wouldn't even try with a G22.

My G22 is what almost caused me to give up on the .40...I got pulled back in by a Beretta 96

 

[LiveLife]

For those in disbelief, I did a "Face-to-face" meeting with Dudedog this morning for HP-38/Promo PIF and Bullseye/BE-86 "share the joy".

We are meeting again this afternoon at a range for function test/accuracy verification of firearms we are trading and I will repeat the 40S&W 180 gr/BE-86 load testing at 25 yards with factory stock Glock 22.


9mmepiphany, for years I used Montana Gold 165 gr FMJ/JHP with 5.0 gr W231/HP-38 as one of my match loads for Glock 22 (Glock 35 was not even made when I shot matches). For USPSA local matches, utmost accuracy was not paramount and I liked the recoil pulse of this match load. Well, 6.1 gr of Herco changed that even with 180 gr plated bullet as tested on post #57. I may consider using Herco/BE-86 for my 40S&W loads into my retirement - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9639622#post9639622

RMR 180 gr TP RNFP with 6.1 gr Herco at 1.155" shot at 15/25 yards with factory stock Glock 22

 

[longdayjake]

BDS,

So far, how would you say our "thick plated" bullets compare to other manufacturers?

 

[LiveLife]

Jake, so far I have done initial range tests of 45ACP 230 gr RN, 40S&W 180 gr RNFP, 9mm 115/124 gr RN with "known" accurate loads using W231/HP-38, Titegroup, Bullseye, Herco and newly tested BE-86 and AutoComp. In short, these new "thickly plated" bullets have shot more accurate than various brand plated bullets I have shot the past two decades.

230 gr RN with shorter nose and longer bullet base is unlike any other plated 230 gr RN I have shot as to the nose profile/ogive. I really think the longer bullet base and harder lead alloy core helped produce more consistent neck tension and chamber pressures as indicated by shot groups - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9630316#post9630316

Loading 40S&W for accuracy, especially with plated bullets have challenged many reloaders like 1KPerDay and myself over the years, but as illustrated in the Herco 40S&W thread, reloading variables need to be adjusted to reduce high pressure gas leakage for greater accuracy which I used for your 180 gr RNFP. Getting sub 2" shot groups at 25 yards with factory stock Glock 22 have been previously designated to Montana Gold jacketed bullets (my preferred bullet of choice for match loads) but 1.5" at 25 yards? I am processing this new development and will be doing further range tests as I have not used BE-86 powder before. As far as I can tell, this combination seems to be "marriage made in heaven" - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=9645513#post9645513

I did initial range tests with 9mm 115/124 gr RN using W231/HP-38/Bullseye/AutoComp but I somehow forgot to replace the SP primers in the primer attachment so I was planning to repeat the range tests with different primers. FYI, 230 gr RN load was tested with Winchester LP primers and 9mm/40S&W loads were tested with Fiocchi SP primers I left in the primer attachment I usually use for plinking/practice loads instead of my usual Winchester SP primers I use for load testing (But since it did so well with 40S&W loads, I may keep on using the Fiocchi SP primers for the duration of the testing).

 

[9mmepiphany]

I just received the sample bullets from bds...thanks again...and must say that I'm pretty impressed; just comparing them visually. Not that it matters, but they are less shinny than the X-treme 124gr RN I compared them to

The bullet profile is very different, in a good way, and should make for more consistent seating and a longer bearing surface

I'm branching out from my reloading mentor's preferences. I might even wind up turning him from X-treme to these RMR bullets. I'll load some up for next week and shoot some side-by-side comparisons.

bds we're neighbors...separated by only 650 miles

 

[Toprudder]

I shot my first RMR bullets today, 45 230RN. I had ladder load samples using Titegroup from 4.4 to 4.8gn, seated 1.200 OAL. Wasn't checking for accuracy just yet, I was shooting through a chrono at steel about 15' away. There was a 6" chest plate in the middle, which I hit all but twice in all the loads tested. Can't say for sure about the accuracy, but I was shooting offhand and relatively fast fire, so I have a pretty good feeling about the accuracy.

The 1.200 OAL was arrived at by the "push test". It is about 0.015 away from the rifling in my 4.5" Witness barrel. It also conveniently happens to be the number used in the published loads on Hodgdon's website.

 

[gahunter12]

BDS

I also got my bullets today! I'm in the woods, but my wife called and said they arrived. Thanks again. I plan to load a few tomorrow for range testing.

 

[LiveLife]

For those in disbelief, I did a "Face-to-face" meeting with Dudedog this morning for HP-38/Promo PIF and Bullseye/BE-86 "share the joy".

We are meeting again this afternoon at a range for function test/accuracy verification of firearms we are trading and I will repeat the 40S&W 180 gr/BE-86 load testing at 25 yards with factory stock Glock 22.

OK. We met at the range and got to shoot with Dudedog at the range. I loaded more of RMR 40S&W 180 gr TP RNFP with 6.1 gr BE-86 at 1.155" and shot with Glock 22 using factory barrel at 25 yards while resting hands on a small ice chest.

Dudedog also got to talk to the range staff who was present for my 25 yard 1911 groups and verified the shot groups/distance to target. Picture below is the smallest 5-shot group. Jake/9mmepiphany and others who were curious, I hope this verified the accuracy of this load.

 

[Dudedog]

BDS made it look easy. Fairly quick shots at 25 yards. Nice group 3 touching!

Can't wait to load up some of the BE86 and the sample of RMR bullets he gave for my 9.


Sigh, time to see my eye Dr. for prescription shooting glasses.

 

[gahunter12]

BDS thanks for sending me some RMR 9mm bullets! I loaded up 20 of the 124gr @ 3.8gr of Titegroup, and 20 @ 3.9gr if TG. Looks like 3.9gr will be my load as it is with Xtreme bullets. I got 1052fps ES:24, SD:8. Here's my best 20yrd group free style on a IDPA target. I will be ordering some RMR bullets when I get home!

 

[LiveLife]

RMR 9mm ... 124 gr @ 3.9 gr of Titegroup ... 1052 fps ES:24, SD:8

SD number of 8? That is great!

Nice shooting! What pistol did you use?

 

[gahunter12]

SD number of 8? That is great!

Nice shooting! What pistol did you use?

The chrono numbers were from 10rnds. The SD (standard deviation) and Extreme spread is spot on with my extreme bullet load. I was shooting my Glock 34 Gen3 that I use in IDPA, and 3Gun. I was really impressed with these bullets. The nose profile was a little different, but with more bearing surface they should have better neck tension. I also did a 6 rnd checking for function, and those rounds were also all -0.

I am going to pick up 1,000 from RMR, and hand out 25 or so to a few friends I shoot with. If they also like them I may try to make a big order up in January for all of us.

 

[LiveLife]

Update:

I have received quite an interest with the accuracy of RMR's new line of plated bullets (especially verified shot group of sub 1.25" at 25 yards for 40S&W 180 gr RNFP) from reloaders/shooters I shoot with.

If you are duplicating my test loads, here are some more information that may help you:

RMR 45ACP 230 gr TP RN:

- Untrimmed mixed range brass
- Winchester LP primer
- 5.0 gr of HP-38
- 1.200" OAL/COL
- .471" taper crimp
- Lee carbide dies
- 5" railed Sig 1911 XO TacPac with factory barrel (no trigger job)
- Lee Pro 1000 in normal progressive mode using unsized range brass/press primed (bullet seated/taper crimped in same step)
Note - If your barrel has longer leade/slower start of rifling, you may need to use longer 1.230"+ OAL/COL.


RMR 40S&W 180 gr TP RNFP:

- Untrimmed mixed range brass
- Fiocchi SP primer
- 6.1 gr of BE-86
- 1.155" OAL/COL
- .421" taper crimp
- Lee carbide dies
- Gen3 Glock 22 with factory barrel (no trigger job)
- Lee Pro 1000 in normal progressive mode using unsized range brass/press primed (bullet seated/taper crimped in same step)
Note - If your barrel has shorter leade/quicker start of rifling, you may need to use shorter than 1.145" OAL/COL.


I plan to test RMR 9mm 115/124 gr TP RN this coming weekend with mixed range brass/Fiocchi SP primers and Glock 22 with KKM/Lone Wolf 40-9 conversion barrels. I may also do a comparison test of 40S&W load with Focchi and Winchester SP primers.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Thank you for your efforts.

If you could include WST in your 9mm testing, I'd really appreciate it...love the powder, hate lack of load data

I currently have the 124 gr loaded over 4.2 gr to OAL of 1.140" and the 115gr to 1.100" for comparison testing...backed off from my match loads for 124 gr of 4.5 grs

 

[LiveLife]

Yes, I planned to include WST for you along with W231/HP-38/Titegroup/AutoComp I am already testing.

 

[BKReloader]

Wow! So many comments since I last posted. Yes, Jake has me working like a dog here at RMR. ...and I love it! I wear way too many hats to be able to monitor our THR threads, so that will have to stay with Jake for now.

Thank you all for keeping things so detailed. I really am a babe in the woods when it comes to reloading. Your instructions and explanations are basic and easy to follow. I cannot thank you enough.

I also appreciate your feedback on what types of bullets you'd like to see in the future. We are considering a name change on these Thick Plate bullets to something a little sexier, but are stymied for now. Considering their accuracy and consistency, we have discussed calling them something along the line of, match pistol bullets, but we worry that may be going a bit far.

That's all I have time for today. It's time to pay quarterly taxes, do last month's closing reporting, check inventories, analyze our current R&D, and pay some bills, all while contemplating how I'm going to land my first whitetail.

Happy Shooting!

 

[LiveLife]

Ryan is still pretty new to reloading ... expressed a desire to learn the reloading aspect a little more so that he could better answer questions.

Thank you all for keeping things so detailed. I really am a babe in the woods when it comes to reloading. Your instructions and explanations are basic and easy to follow. I cannot thank you enough.

Ryan, glad to help out a fellow THR member new to reloading since Jake got you "working like a dog".

We are considering a name change on these Thick Plate bullets to something a little sexier, but are stymied for now. Considering their accuracy and consistency, we have discussed calling them something along the line of, match pistol bullets, but we worry that may be going a bit far.

My suggestion would be "RMR Target bullets". I think the word "Target" is clear enough for reloaders as to the intent of the projectiles without the applied claim of "Match bullets".

contemplating how I'm going to land my first whitetail.

Browse and post your questions in the "Hunting" category and experienced hunters will share with you all their success secrets to hunting - http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=30

 

[LiveLife]

to something a little sexier

How about RMR SS "Sport Shooting" or RMR STG "Super Tight Group" bullets?

Just like auto racing, if the bullets are popular with match shooters, other reloaders will likely buy them because popular bullets for match shooting must be good for range practice/plinking?

Or RMR TSS "Target / Sport Shooting"

Or RMR TM "Target / Match"

I kinda like "RMR OMG" as that was my and other people's response.

 

[lauderdale]

Call 'em what you want! I will be trying some! Probably a whole bunch! Oh Edit and all the thanks to BDS! And RMR.

 

[Toprudder]

Since they are already referred to as "TP" in some places ("Thick Plated") why not call them "Target/Plated". Less confusion.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I plan to test RMR 9mm 115/124 gr TP RN this coming weekend with mixed range brass/Fiocchi SP primers and Glock 22 with KKM/Lone Wolf 40-9 conversion barrels. I may also do a comparison test of 40S&W load with Focchi and Winchester SP primers

I'm interested in the 9mm/124gr with BE-86 tests. Especially in how it stacks up to 4.0-4.1gr of Titegroup with 124gr grain thick plate bullets, my pet load.

I bought 2K of RN thick plate bullets from Jake but the bases don't look the same. They have the longer shank with a shorter nose like your pictures but the bases are normal like other plated bullets. I wonder if they are a different brand.

I'm anxious to see the 9mm results.