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12/14/2008 8:59:06 AM EDT
Anybody use plated bullets? I picked up 1000 pretty cheap to load for plinking rounds for my 380. Wondering if they will load and shoot about the same as FMJ.
12/14/2008 9:03:59 AM EDT
[#1]
Yep, you are good to go, however, because the lead core is soft and the plating is thin, you want to load them using lead bullet numbers instead of FMJ.  The only caution using them is to make sure you bell enough to not cut the plating and then don't over crimp and you'll be fine.

I've shot 10s of thousands of them in my 40sw, 45acp, 10mm, and even in my M1 Carbine.  Even at 1,400fps in my 10mm and 1,950fps in my M1 Carbine they stayed together and shot straight.  For those who say that plated bullets aren't as good as FMJ for everyday shooting, I ask, "Did you know that Speer Gold Dots are plated bullets?"
12/14/2008 9:42:05 AM EDT
[#2]
They work fine for me, In fact I seem to get better accuracy out of Rainier's .451 230gr encapsulated than Remington's .451 230gr MC bullets.
12/14/2008 9:51:25 AM EDT
[#3]
I used a bunch of Rainer and they are good to go.  Just make sure to load it more like lead than FMJ.  I've loaded some 230 Rainers to FMJ loads in the past and didn't have problems but I definitely wouldn't recommend it.
12/14/2008 9:59:34 AM EDT
[#4]
Hmm, I've been shooting mine at 6.5-6.8gr unique which is an established maximum load and didn't notice anything strange. I guess I'll take a closer look to see if there are any issues with these bullets.
12/14/2008 10:11:34 AM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
Hmm, I've been shooting mine at 6.5-6.8gr unique which is an established maximum load and didn't notice anything strange. I guess I'll take a closer look to see if there are any issues with these bullets.
My experience is that you'll have no issues at all, however, you may be bumping up against some peak pressures.  I've loaded their 165grn 40 cal bullets in my 10mm at 1,200fps and they work great.
12/14/2008 12:48:53 PM EDT
[#6]
My experience is they are so so.  Plain lead is more accurate, and since Ranier's last price increase,  I can buy real jacketed bullets for less.

If I could get a smoking deal on them I'd buy them. Otherwise I leave them be.
12/14/2008 1:06:11 PM EDT
[#7]
I use nothing but Rainier for my handgun ammo; 9mm and .45acp.

I load both to the same as regular FMJ stuff and never had a problem. Been shooting them for years.
12/14/2008 3:04:49 PM EDT
[#8]

  That's what I use for my 9mm, 38spl, 357mag, and 45acp loads.  Never have any problems with them.
12/14/2008 3:28:54 PM EDT
[#9]
I have shot them in 38spl and 10mm.  Work great!
12/14/2008 4:34:48 PM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
My experience is they are so so.  Plain lead is more accurate, and since Ranier's last price increase,  I can buy real jacketed bullets for less.

If I could get a smoking deal on them I'd buy them. Otherwise I leave them be.
Did you actually work up a load that was accurate in your pistol?  I've found a sweet spot for each of mine after working to find one with the Rainiers.
12/14/2008 6:24:07 PM EDT
[#11]
Just loaded some for 9mm. Haven't shot too many yet and so far no problems. I only ruined the first 2 by not belling the case enough.
12/15/2008 3:11:59 AM EDT
[#12]
Plated bullets make shoting steel safe and fun. No jackets flying around and some of

the recovered slugs can make some wild starburst designs. Probably not suitable as a

pendant for your girlfriend though
12/15/2008 4:08:31 PM EDT
[#13]
I'll make sure I'm belling the shells enough and load them up. Most laod data is the same in the 95gn 380 for any bullet so the jacketed/cast issue shouldn't be a problem for preasures.
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