Berry bullet loading data?

FullCry · February 23, 2010, 12:53 AM

I can't find any loading data using Berry bullets. I want to load 40 s&w hollow points, either 135 or 150 grain and possibly 180 grain. I have on hand jhp loads listed with power, bullet weight and brand etc and am wondering if I can use the same load with the same bullet weight but use the berry bullet. I have heard that the berry bullets are cast with a very thin jacket...but I don't know for I'm a newbie.

I also am looking at a Lee Progressive 1000 press which is sold with a carbide three die set. Can a four die set be used on this press? Thanks for any replies...FullCry

Rig Magician · February 23, 2010, 03:37 AM

I am new also, you can do a search for Berry's and you will find a welth of knowldge. But for the Berry's you load them the same a lead cast bullets.
Mark

M&P40 · February 23, 2010, 05:37 AM

I shoot nothing but Berry's and if your load them to lead bullet specifications you'll be fine or reduce a jacketed load by 10%. That info is on their website. ON 40's I use 4.5 grns of 700x for a 180gr FP. Lee's 2nd edition reloading manual has copper plated reloading data in it also.

srsmith · February 23, 2010, 06:39 AM

I use lots of Berrys bullets in several calibers.
This is their FAQ page:
http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq.aspx?q=9&c=1

This is what they say about loading:
"Plated bullets occupy a position between cast bullets and jacketed bullets. They are soft lead, but have a hard outer shell on them. When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual. You must use data for a bullet that has the same weight and profile as the one you are loading. Do not exceed mid-range loads. Do not use magnum loads. "

You should keep the muzzle velocity < 1200 fps.

My max loads for Berrys are set up for about 1100 fps.

Be safe and have fun !
-steve

gregjc9 · February 23, 2010, 07:55 PM

I'm using Berrys for 380, 9mm and 45ACP, and I use the lower to mid range of FMJ load data with very good results.

k9cougar · February 23, 2010, 10:09 PM

I've also loaded Berry's using low to mid range FMJ with good results.

February 23, 2010, 12:53 AM	#1
FullCry Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Posts: 155	Berry bullet loading data? I can't find any loading data using Berry bullets. I want to load 40 s&w hollow points, either 135 or 150 grain and possibly 180 grain. I have on hand jhp loads listed with power, bullet weight and brand etc and am wondering if I can use the same load with the same bullet weight but use the berry bullet. I have heard that the berry bullets are cast with a very thin jacket...but I don't know for I'm a newbie. I also am looking at a Lee Progressive 1000 press which is sold with a carbide three die set. Can a four die set be used on this press? Thanks for any replies...FullCry Last edited by FullCry; February 23, 2010 at 02:14 AM.

February 23, 2010, 07:55 PM	#5
gregjc9 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2008 Location: Northern Va Posts: 501	I'm using Berrys for 380, 9mm and 45ACP, and I use the lower to mid range of FMJ load data with very good results. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ Greg

February 23, 2010, 03:37 AM	#2
Rig Magician Member Join Date: January 27, 2010 Location: Pineville, La. Posts: 64	I am new also, you can do a search for Berry's and you will find a welth of knowldge. But for the Berry's you load them the same a lead cast bullets. Mark

February 23, 2010, 05:37 AM	#3
M&P40 Member Join Date: May 25, 2009 Location: New Castle, PA Posts: 95	I shoot nothing but Berry's and if your load them to lead bullet specifications you'll be fine or reduce a jacketed load by 10%. That info is on their website. ON 40's I use 4.5 grns of 700x for a 180gr FP. Lee's 2nd edition reloading manual has copper plated reloading data in it also.

February 23, 2010, 06:39 AM	#4
srsmith Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 36	I use lots of Berrys bullets in several calibers. This is their FAQ page: http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq.aspx?q=9&c=1 This is what they say about loading: "Plated bullets occupy a position between cast bullets and jacketed bullets. They are soft lead, but have a hard outer shell on them. When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual. You must use data for a bullet that has the same weight and profile as the one you are loading. Do not exceed mid-range loads. Do not use magnum loads. " You should keep the muzzle velocity < 1200 fps. My max loads for Berrys are set up for about 1100 fps. Be safe and have fun ! -steve

February 23, 2010, 10:09 PM	#6
k9cougar Member Join Date: February 21, 2010 Posts: 74	I've also loaded Berry's using low to mid range FMJ with good results.