2aHawaii
Tools and Uses => Reloading => Topic started by: Rocky on March 14, 2021, 08:19:01 AM
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A "Friend" just got some 125 gr plated FP .38's to reload for 6" revolver but can't find consistent load data.
The internet says treat plated weights same as lead so it must be true ? :wacko:
Found info on accurate #2 for 125 gr (P) HP @ 4.2-4.7 and RHFP (Reduced Hazard FP) @ 4-4.4 but info on TiteGroup LRNFP is all over the place from 3.2 to 5.2
His available powders are :
Accurate #2
Titregroup
W231 (uses too much)
TIA
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A "Friend" just got some 125 gr plated FP .38's to reload for 6" revolver but can't find consistent load data.
The internet says treat plated weights same as lead so it must be true ? :wacko:
Found info on accurate #2 for 125 gr (P) HP @ 4.2-4.7 and RHFP (Reduced Hazard FP) @ 4-4.4 but info on TiteGroup LRNFP is all over the place from 3.2 to 5.2
His available powders are :
Accurate #2
Titregroup
W231 (uses too much)
TIA
Rocky,
I have been playing with plated bullets as of late. What I have found it is better to find out from the manufacturer the maximum velocity the projectile can be pushed. And then use load data from that. For instance from Berry’s Bullets FAQ is this:
Berry's max recommended velocity is not exceeded. (This info is displayed on bullet boxes and product webpages.)
Standard Plate Bullets Max Velocity: 1,250 fps.
Thick-Plate Bullets (TP) Max Velocity: 1,500 fps.
I am sorry that I don’t have any specific load data for 38 SPL for you as I no longer shoot jacketed or plated bullets out of my 38. I fire only lead and powder coated lead. But if these are Berry’s for instance you can load pretty much any load you want since 38 SPL even in +P is never going to get that velocity. I had some Speer CPRN 115gr 9mm and I loaded them at the low end for lead bullets and they still shed some of the plating when I shot them. Plus the plating was so soft and thin I could not get a good crimp to avoid bullet walking in my 9mm revolver. I didn’t see the bullet walking problem in my semi autos.
So as I hate to say it, it depends on the brand and make up of the bullet from the manufacturer. So far for me I have had good luck with Berry’s and X-Treme Bullets as their plating is harder and thicker making it easier to load for. I load these the same as jacketed in my 9mm as I will never reach the maximum velocities as stated. I would try the manufacturers website first and see if they recommend a max velocity which will allow you to work from there. But seriously, I doubt you are going to reach a velocity that would create a problem for you with 38 SPL. My recommendation would be to go with jacketed load data for the 38 SPL as pressures and velocities are low to begin with.
I have been loading Berry’s 9mm 124gr CPFP bullets with 3.8gr of Titegroup with great success. During my testing I went up to 4.2gr of Titegroup with no problems. The jacket stayed in place, didn’t separate and bullet walking was kept to a minimum in my revolver. I went with 3.8gr as I didn’t see a need to have the higher velocities as my guns were hitting to POA and functioning flawlessly in all my guns. As a matter of fact, the first 600 round of this load was shot up 2 months ago in one hour by my family when they came to visit. We shot this load in a Brand New Glock 17, my Glock 17, a Ruger something, my Sig P228 and a Sig 365. All with no failures of any type. I hope this helps a little bit.
And just to add more confusion to you I have an account on LoadData.com and they list 38 SPL 125gr LRNFP with Titegroup at 3.2gr-3.8gr. If you would like me to look up a different powder on LoadData.com, just let me know. I am happy to help.