Reloading plated bullets

T B Good · September 3, 2010, 09:59 PM

When reloading copper plated bullets like Rainer or Berrys.
Should you use loads for lead or jacket bullets?

zxcvbob · September 3, 2010, 10:13 PM

The load data for lead bullets and jacketed usually overlap. In that middle zone is where you want to load plated bullets. Or just load the bottom half of the range for j-bullets.

Bailey Boat · September 4, 2010, 07:23 AM

Load them like LEAD, never over 1200 fps or you'll have separation and BIG problems.....

Sevens · September 4, 2010, 07:28 AM

Start with mid-to-warm lead data and see how that goes. Work toward low-end jacketed. The 1,200 FPS warning is a general warning from the bullet makers -- some slugs are better off speeding along than others. I send 9mm slugs at a pretty good clip but I don't push the fat .45's really hard. The .30 Carbine bullet is rated to over 1,900 FPS! That bullet is my favorite.

A better warning: when loading them in revolver rounds, be VERY careful with roll crimping. Too heavy a crimp will cut through the thin plating on the bullet.

wncchester · September 4, 2010, 07:28 AM

"Should you use loads for lead or jacket bullets? "

Plated lead bullets are lead bullets and usualy soft ones at that; load them as such.

Few people today understand the original reason for plating on lead bullets was to reduce lead corrosion on ammo stored in police (and movie cowboy) leather cartridge belt loops. That's still it's only practical benefit.

Uncle Buck · September 4, 2010, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Few people today understand the original reason for plating on lead bullets was to reduce lead corrosion on ammo stored in police (and movie cowboy) leather cartridge belt loops. That's still it's only practical benefit.

And all this time I thought it was so I could scrub a little longer to get the copper out.

Interesting, I always wondered what the benefit of them were.

Bailey Boat · September 5, 2010, 07:32 AM

As an aside, I load plated in 38 and 45 and taper crimp both. The RCBS 38 cal taper crimp does as well as any roll crimp at preventing setback....

September 3, 2010, 09:59 PM	#1
T B Good Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Posts: 95	Reloading plated bullets When reloading copper plated bullets like Rainer or Berrys. Should you use loads for lead or jacket bullets?

September 3, 2010, 10:13 PM	#2
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	The load data for lead bullets and jacketed usually overlap. In that middle zone is where you want to load plated bullets. Or just load the bottom half of the range for j-bullets. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

September 4, 2010, 07:28 AM	#4
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Start with mid-to-warm lead data and see how that goes. Work toward low-end jacketed. The 1,200 FPS warning is a general warning from the bullet makers -- some slugs are better off speeding along than others. I send 9mm slugs at a pretty good clip but I don't push the fat .45's really hard. The .30 Carbine bullet is rated to over 1,900 FPS! That bullet is my favorite. A better warning: when loading them in revolver rounds, be VERY careful with roll crimping. Too heavy a crimp will cut through the thin plating on the bullet. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

September 4, 2010, 07:23 AM	#3
Bailey Boat Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: NC Posts: 365	Load them like LEAD, never over 1200 fps or you'll have separation and BIG problems.....

September 4, 2010, 07:28 AM	#5
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	"Should you use loads for lead or jacket bullets? " Plated lead bullets are lead bullets and usualy soft ones at that; load them as such. Few people today understand the original reason for plating on lead bullets was to reduce lead corrosion on ammo stored in police (and movie cowboy) leather cartridge belt loops. That's still it's only practical benefit.

September 5, 2010, 07:32 AM	#7
Bailey Boat Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: NC Posts: 365	As an aside, I load plated in 38 and 45 and taper crimp both. The RCBS 38 cal taper crimp does as well as any roll crimp at preventing setback....