Rainier Bullets

clayking · October 2, 2006, 08:31 PM

I am interested in testing some of these bullets. Their web site says to load them the same as lead cast. Anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, indifferent. I usually shoot lead but in my Ruger Blackhawk Convertible, they say to not use lead in the 9mm cylinder, due to possible slicing of the lead. I am considering loading some of the Rainier bullets for the task? Comments..........ck

solvability · October 2, 2006, 10:10 PM

I shoot them a good bit - 9/40/45 - I get better results with jacketed bullets for the most part, but for economy and range practice they are just fine. The copper is thick enough to prevent leading, but not very thick - do not think of them as jacketed or use if jacketed are required.

If you have a chrongraph you can verify velocity for the lead loads and make adjustments as indicated.

firechicken · October 2, 2006, 11:05 PM

I loaded/shot my first Rainiers just a few days ago. 230gr RN in 45 ACP over 5.0gr Bullseye. I think they're a nice compromise between lead and jacketed bullets. They shoot much cleaner than lead, and the accuracy was good for my first loads with them. I already plan on buying some for my 9mm and maybe some for my 38 Special/357 Magnum loads.

Lycanthrope · October 2, 2006, 11:12 PM

I went through about 8000 Rainiers this year in .40 SW.

They work very, very well. Just don't push them too fast or crimp them too hard and you'll have no problems.

Johnny Guest · October 3, 2006, 01:31 AM

I've been loading Ranier .45 ACP bullets -- 230 gr RN with 5.3 gr. of 231 -- for the past several years. They run fine in Colt Officer's ACP, Commanders, Government Models, Kimber 5", and a Thompson SMG. I especially appreciate them in the latter. Way less money than FMJ but they still keep lead deposits out of the Cutts Compensator.

Best,
Johnny

gwalchmai · October 3, 2006, 08:17 AM

Rainiers are great. For 9mm I've been using IMI military pulldowns from GIBrass. Looks like they still have some 115gr FMJ for a good price.

JoeHatley · October 3, 2006, 11:14 AM

Great bullets. I've been shooting an average of 1k/month for several years in .38 and .45 calibers.

I love 'um!!!

Joe

clayking · October 3, 2006, 07:09 PM

Does everyone use "lead Load" recipes for them, like Rainier recommends?...............ck

NavahoJoe · October 3, 2006, 07:24 PM

Newbie question about rainier bullets. I have a couple of boxes for my .45acp in 230 gr. I just recently accuired a New Model Blackhawk Ruger Convertible, in .45 LC/.45 ACP. What kind of crimp should I put on these bullets to shoot in the Blackhawk? I have been lurking around here for a couple of months and finally registered tonight.

Thanks for your interest and replies
NavahoJoe

Lycanthrope · October 3, 2006, 07:28 PM

I use loads close to lead. Maybe a tenth more.

You can crimp these bullets, but the plating is very thin. If you cut into the plate you can have separation and the bullets may become unstable. I use a crimp of .470 in .45 ACP.

gwalchmai · October 3, 2006, 07:34 PM

Joe, are you loading them in ACP or LC cases? Either way, just use a taper crimp. I've loaded them in .45LC cases with a .468 taper crimp and a Lee Factory Crimp die and they work fine over 6.0gr of Titegroup.

NavahoJoe · October 3, 2006, 07:54 PM

Loading in .45 acp brass. Another reloader advised a roll crimp, but my dies have a taper crimp. Was wondering if the taper crimp would hold up to recoil in the Blackhawk.
Thanks,
NavahoJoe

gwalchmai · October 3, 2006, 08:10 PM

Roll crimping plated bullets is not advised because it'll cut through the plating.

According to Rainier:

"Q4. What type of crimp should I use?

A. A slight taper crimp is what we recommend. Lee Factory Crimp Die. "

Lycanthrope · October 3, 2006, 08:54 PM

With .45 ACP recoil I wouldn't expect the bullets to work forward. Mine don't show setback after chambering with RCBS dies.

NavahoJoe · October 3, 2006, 09:11 PM

Thanks for the replies.
NavahoJoe

clayking · October 3, 2006, 10:20 PM

I load .45acp's for another revolver, and I simply crimped then until they easily slipped and seated into the cylinder. About .470 crimp also. They also feed well in my 1911...................ck

CrustyFN · October 4, 2006, 11:21 AM

Does anybody have a preferance between Berry's and Ranier or are they about the same?

azredhawk44 · October 4, 2006, 11:43 AM

I've shot both and I favor Berry's.

They seem to be thicker plated, IMO. And they are less expensive.

gwalchmai · October 4, 2006, 11:44 AM

I like Rainiers better. The surface is a lot smoother.

alexander hamilton · October 5, 2006, 09:38 PM

just how fast can they go and what happens if you go too fast? i have a load i have been working up waiting for me right now. in .40 i worked up to 9.0 grains of power pistol behind 135gr rainiers. i intend to try it once i have verified the lighter loads. at high speeds do you just loose accuracy?

gwalchmai · October 6, 2006, 05:52 AM

I think the plating strips off and yes, the accuracy suffers.

Lycanthrope · October 6, 2006, 07:39 AM

Quote:

I think the plating strips off and yes, the accuracy suffers.

Yes, that's been my experience in high pressure cartridges. Moderate loads seem to be fine though.

shadowwodahs · October 8, 2006, 06:25 PM

Have you looked at Zero bullets? They are cheaper than Rainier, Montana Gold or anything else I can find. Quality is very good and I find them accurate enough for self defense (I can keep them all in the black), and target practice. If you ever plan on shooting competition, stick with Serria bullets, they are the best - but pricey.

Lycanthrope · October 8, 2006, 09:13 PM

Please post your source for Zeros. I've never seen them cheaper than plated in my neck of the woods.

gwalchmai · October 8, 2006, 09:19 PM

About a year ago Zero had a big sale on Rainier 230s - about $48/1000 delivered IIRC. I still have a couple thousand. At that time their 230gr jacketed were close to $80. Probably worth it, as they are really good bullets (and a great company) but I can't imagine Zero jacketed selling for less than plated Rainiers.

I'll buy some in a skinny minute if they are, though.

October 2, 2006, 08:31 PM	#1
clayking Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 796	Rainier Bullets I am interested in testing some of these bullets. Their web site says to load them the same as lead cast. Anyone have any experience with them, good, bad, indifferent. I usually shoot lead but in my Ruger Blackhawk Convertible, they say to not use lead in the 9mm cylinder, due to possible slicing of the lead. I am considering loading some of the Rainier bullets for the task? Comments..........ck __________________ Never argue with an idiot, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

October 3, 2006, 01:31 AM	#5
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	I like them I've been loading Ranier .45 ACP bullets -- 230 gr RN with 5.3 gr. of 231 -- for the past several years. They run fine in Colt Officer's ACP, Commanders, Government Models, Kimber 5", and a Thompson SMG. I especially appreciate them in the latter. Way less money than FMJ but they still keep lead deposits out of the Cutts Compensator. Best, Johnny

October 3, 2006, 11:14 AM	#7
JoeHatley Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 1999 Location: Iowa Posts: 2,135	Great bullets. I've been shooting an average of 1k/month for several years in .38 and .45 calibers. I love 'um!!! Joe __________________ Go NRA

October 3, 2006, 07:09 PM	#8
clayking Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 796	Does everyone use "lead Load" recipes for them, like Rainier recommends?...............ck __________________ Never argue with an idiot, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

October 3, 2006, 07:24 PM	#9
NavahoJoe Junior Member Join Date: October 3, 2006 Location: North Alabama Posts: 9	rainier bullets Newbie question about rainier bullets. I have a couple of boxes for my .45acp in 230 gr. I just recently accuired a New Model Blackhawk Ruger Convertible, in .45 LC/.45 ACP. What kind of crimp should I put on these bullets to shoot in the Blackhawk? I have been lurking around here for a couple of months and finally registered tonight. Thanks for your interest and replies NavahoJoe

October 2, 2006, 10:10 PM	#2
solvability Member Join Date: March 5, 2005 Location: HSV Posts: 98	I shoot them a good bit - 9/40/45 - I get better results with jacketed bullets for the most part, but for economy and range practice they are just fine. The copper is thick enough to prevent leading, but not very thick - do not think of them as jacketed or use if jacketed are required. If you have a chrongraph you can verify velocity for the lead loads and make adjustments as indicated.

October 2, 2006, 11:05 PM	#3
firechicken Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2006 Location: Savannah, MO Posts: 224	I loaded/shot my first Rainiers just a few days ago. 230gr RN in 45 ACP over 5.0gr Bullseye. I think they're a nice compromise between lead and jacketed bullets. They shoot much cleaner than lead, and the accuracy was good for my first loads with them. I already plan on buying some for my 9mm and maybe some for my 38 Special/357 Magnum loads.

October 2, 2006, 11:12 PM	#4
Lycanthrope Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: PA Posts: 1,752	I went through about 8000 Rainiers this year in .40 SW. They work very, very well. Just don't push them too fast or crimp them too hard and you'll have no problems.

October 3, 2006, 08:17 AM	#6
gwalchmai Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2001 Location: outside the perimeter Posts: 333	Rainiers are great. For 9mm I've been using IMI military pulldowns from GIBrass. Looks like they still have some 115gr FMJ for a good price.

October 3, 2006, 07:28 PM	#10
Lycanthrope Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: PA Posts: 1,752	I use loads close to lead. Maybe a tenth more. You can crimp these bullets, but the plating is very thin. If you cut into the plate you can have separation and the bullets may become unstable. I use a crimp of .470 in .45 ACP.

October 3, 2006, 07:34 PM	#11
gwalchmai Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2001 Location: outside the perimeter Posts: 333	Joe, are you loading them in ACP or LC cases? Either way, just use a taper crimp. I've loaded them in .45LC cases with a .468 taper crimp and a Lee Factory Crimp die and they work fine over 6.0gr of Titegroup.

October 3, 2006, 07:54 PM	#12
NavahoJoe Junior Member Join Date: October 3, 2006 Location: North Alabama Posts: 9	Rainier Bullets Loading in .45 acp brass. Another reloader advised a roll crimp, but my dies have a taper crimp. Was wondering if the taper crimp would hold up to recoil in the Blackhawk. Thanks, NavahoJoe

October 3, 2006, 08:10 PM	#13
gwalchmai Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2001 Location: outside the perimeter Posts: 333	Roll crimping plated bullets is not advised because it'll cut through the plating. According to Rainier: "Q4. What type of crimp should I use? A. A slight taper crimp is what we recommend. Lee Factory Crimp Die. "

October 3, 2006, 08:54 PM	#14
Lycanthrope Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: PA Posts: 1,752	With .45 ACP recoil I wouldn't expect the bullets to work forward. Mine don't show setback after chambering with RCBS dies.

October 3, 2006, 09:11 PM	#15
NavahoJoe Junior Member Join Date: October 3, 2006 Location: North Alabama Posts: 9	Rainier Bullets Thanks for the replies. NavahoJoe

October 3, 2006, 10:20 PM	#16
clayking Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 796	I load .45acp's for another revolver, and I simply crimped then until they easily slipped and seated into the cylinder. About .470 crimp also. They also feed well in my 1911...................ck __________________ Never argue with an idiot, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

October 4, 2006, 11:21 AM	#17
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	Does anybody have a preferance between Berry's and Ranier or are they about the same? __________________ I don't ever remember being absent minded.

October 4, 2006, 11:43 AM	#18
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	I've shot both and I favor Berry's. They seem to be thicker plated, IMO. And they are less expensive.

October 4, 2006, 11:44 AM	#19
gwalchmai Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2001 Location: outside the perimeter Posts: 333	I like Rainiers better. The surface is a lot smoother.

October 5, 2006, 09:38 PM	#20
alexander hamilton Member Join Date: January 25, 2006 Posts: 73	just how fast can they go and what happens if you go too fast? i have a load i have been working up waiting for me right now. in .40 i worked up to 9.0 grains of power pistol behind 135gr rainiers. i intend to try it once i have verified the lighter loads. at high speeds do you just loose accuracy? __________________ http://bd1.battledawn.com/referx.php?serv=1&ref=3957 http://wlserver1-en.gindis.com/modul...serid=MTEyODEx super cool war games

October 6, 2006, 05:52 AM	#21
gwalchmai Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2001 Location: outside the perimeter Posts: 333	I think the plating strips off and yes, the accuracy suffers.

October 8, 2006, 06:25 PM	#23
shadowwodahs Junior member Join Date: August 24, 2006 Location: Tennessee/moving to Northern Michigan Posts: 24	Bullets Have you looked at Zero bullets? They are cheaper than Rainier, Montana Gold or anything else I can find. Quality is very good and I find them accurate enough for self defense (I can keep them all in the black), and target practice. If you ever plan on shooting competition, stick with Serria bullets, they are the best - but pricey.

October 8, 2006, 09:13 PM	#24
Lycanthrope Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: PA Posts: 1,752	Please post your source for Zeros. I've never seen them cheaper than plated in my neck of the woods.

October 8, 2006, 09:19 PM	#25
gwalchmai Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2001 Location: outside the perimeter Posts: 333	About a year ago Zero had a big sale on Rainier 230s - about $48/1000 delivered IIRC. I still have a couple thousand. At that time their 230gr jacketed were close to $80. Probably worth it, as they are really good bullets (and a great company) but I can't imagine Zero jacketed selling for less than plated Rainiers. I'll buy some in a skinny minute if they are, though.