plated pellets vs non plated

[Super-Dave]

Is it true that non plated pellets usually open up to a wider spread than the plated pellets?

If you only used plated pellets would your shotgun be cleaner than if you were firing non plated pellets.

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Thanks for your replies I am learning a lot at this site.

[kozak6]

Yes. The plating makes the shot harder, so it is less likely to deform, so you get somewhat tighter groups.

The shot itself makes no difference in cleanliness. With modern plastic wads, the shot doesn't contact the barrel anyways.

Example:

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/9669/284789dwq4.jpg


However, unplated shot seems to be found more often in cheaper shotgun shells usually referred to as "promotional" loads, and they tend to be a bit dirty.

[m24shooter]

Kozak is right. Plated shot has a harder exterior. That relates to less deformation in the barrel, and tighter patterns. It also means that it tends to penetrate slightly better. Non plated, non buffered shot tends to open up the most and penetrates less than plated and buffered shot.

[rem870hunter]

the plated shot is not available in all sizes. which is a problem to me. and the fact that the price is higher per box too. i haven't shot any plated pellets yet. i might try some. but plated or unplated i don't think the animal or human will care what you shot it with. if they made plated #1 or 0 buck it wouldn't be so bad just as long as it patterned as good if not better than the unplated.

[Boris Bush]

I have never noticed a real difference between the two. Infact the tightest shooting buckshot I ever shot is the Hornady TAP at a very high velocity. It is unplated and is not buffered. The thin layer of plate Does not make a pellet harder, the antimony does. The copper and nickel plated shotgun pellets have a more slippery surface and go through a choke easier causing less deformation, and we all know a less deformed pellet will fly more straight and give a better pattern..........