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question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

elfster1234

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Jun 3, 2012
    2,260
    602
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    what do you guys think about 45 acp <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">copper plated</span></span> bullets for reloading? I'm able to get 500 count box for about $50 bucks.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    They are cheap but diameter is variable.....I have had good luck with them for cheapo plinking bullets, but I wouldn't use them for anything more serious.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    As the copper plating is quite thin, you can use Lead bullet load data. They're adequate for plinking, informal target or action pistol use. While it's not an issue with 45ACP, keep the velocity below ~1200fps, as too high a velocity can cause the bullet to shed it's plating.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    I just got in some Berry's plated 200 gr. hollow points for 45 ACP. Haven't tried them yet, but they are good looking bullets. I am wondering how the hollow point will perform in a wet kitty litter medium at 900 fps.
    I will be working up a load with AL8 powder. (I have an eight pound jug of it, and gotta use it for something.)
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    $50 for 500 plated 45's is great. I've been doing the RMR 230gr RN for $129 shipped. I've gone through about 300 and they are good. I use the lead-bullet data as mentioned previously. The RMR plated I'm using have a thicker plating apparently.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    I love the plated bullets from both Rainier and Berry's. I like that Berry's is usually a hair cheaper and they have free shipping. I also tone down the taper crimp and powder charge. I'm using them in .380, 9mm, 40 s&w, and 45 with great success.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    I'm with "everyone else", on the Berry"s. I started using them, and they're working great. I've not had a problem, with "lead fouling", since I made the move. I've put thousands through my 45's.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    I recently made my first purchase from berrys, 1k 124gn 9mm, and I think they work fine. I dont want to hijack the thread, but they seemed to be shooting higher (elevation) than other 124 gn I have loaded with the same other components. I am assuming this means they are shooting faster, do i back out of the FMJ data to load for these or treat them as lead?
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    I quit using them because the plating seemed to skid off the bullet during reloading. The lower cost didn't work out because I had so many reject reloads compared to jacketed bullets that were only about $20 per thousand more expensive.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unknown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I quit using them because the plating seemed to skid off the bullet during reloading. The lower cost didn't work out because I had so many reject reloads compared to jacketed bullets that were only about $20 per thousand more expensive. </div></div>

    I had that problem to start with, especially with the tiny 380 cases, but it was corrected with a good expander die setting and less taper crimp than a FMJ. If the case isn't belled enough or the bullet is starting to be crimped too soon during seating, the jacket will "scrunch up". I've shot my early reloads that didn't look so great and never had a case of jacket separation.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    Have used Rainier 185's and 200's thru Sig 220 for years, never a problem.Like dang472 said, watch the belling and crimp and you'll be fine.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    Definitely run them as if they were lead bullets I had a learning experince where I was new to reloading where one bullet was giving me two holes definitely a little disconcerting.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    First? You reload 380? Ouch. Get out the "magnifier glasses". Thumbs up, to ya.Second: I NEVER crimp my 45. 44 357, 38, or any other pistol round, EXCEPT the 44's going into my Ruger rifle.It's got a tube Mag. The 45 ACP, head spaces, on the case. The "set". on the expander ball, can stop the shaving. I had the same problem, with lead, before I set the ball right.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dang472</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unknown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I quit using them because the plating seemed to skid off the bullet during reloading. The lower cost didn't work out because I had so many reject reloads compared to jacketed bullets that were only about $20 per thousand more expensive. </div></div>

    I had that problem to start with, especially with the tiny 380 cases, but it was corrected with a good expander die setting and less taper crimp than a FMJ. If the case isn't belled enough or the bullet is starting to be crimped too soon during seating, the jacket will "scrunch up". I've shot my early reloads that didn't look so great and never had a case of jacket separation. </div></div>
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    plated bullet are a good compromise between lead and jacketed. cost is not much more than lead but they act like a jacketed, no more smoke from lube melting, no more lead fouling, I've been shooting Rainier for over 12 years not and have been very happy with the results.
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    This is exactly what I ran into, a bit more flare and a bit less crimp and everything went peachy, very accurate in my 1911 over 7.0grn PP

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dang472</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Unknown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I quit using them because the plating seemed to skid off the bullet during reloading. The lower cost didn't work out because I had so many reject reloads compared to jacketed bullets that were only about $20 per thousand more expensive. </div></div>

    I had that problem to start with, especially with the tiny 380 cases, but it was corrected with a good expander die setting and less taper crimp than a FMJ. If the case isn't belled enough or the bullet is starting to be crimped too soon during seating, the jacket will "scrunch up". I've shot my early reloads that didn't look so great and never had a case of jacket separation. </div></div>
     
    Re: question about copper plated 45 acp for reloading

    Not trying to talk you out of plated bullets because I've never used them,but you can get jacketed bullets for about what you are paying for your plated bullets.Check out Zero brand bullets.I don't know how many of these thing I've loaded and they work great.By the way,I have no financial gain from this post,just tryin to help out a fellow reloader.The last box I bought was 230 gr 45 fmj for $127.00 (less shipping).