Plated / Coated Bullets Load Data
I apologize is this has been posted before, but I couldn't find it in a search.
Most reloading data I see has a jacketed bullet and a lead bullet to see load data for. What do you do with plated and coated bullets?
For example, in 9mm I have quite a few different weights and styles of Berry's bullets I got in trade. Those are just copper plated.
I also got some 45 Colt Missouri Bullet Company bullets that are coated in Hi-Tek. Someone said that Hi-Tek coated bullets need 10-20 percent less powder. a) Is that true? b) 10-20% less than what?
Appreciate the clarification.
Plated / Coated Bullets Load Data
I almost always go with jacketed data. You likely will be ok with cast data but different companies have different thickness of plating, but few will ever approach the thickness of a jacketed bullet.
Thus you will always be loading on the safe side when it comes to pressure if you stick with the Jacketed Data.
This is due to the engraving force being lower for a cast bullet then a jacketed bullet. Higher engraving force will typically raise pressures.
Thus being said a really hard cast bullet may have a higher engraving force then a plated bullet, which typically uses a soft led core.
Substituting cast data for a jacket bullet will nearly always lead to higher pressures.
Reloading...it’s like knitting for men.
