User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 12:57:17 PM EDT
[#1]
I shoot a lot of Berry’s. Been testing some of their hollow base .40 and those things have been the most accurate bullet ever.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 1:49:09 PM EDT
[#2]
Xtreme.
Plating is a little thicker then Berry's. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 1:53:25 PM EDT
[#3]
Xtereme and Freedom Munitions have always been affiliated as far as I know, as in Freedom Munitions uses Xtreme projectiles and they may be owned by the same parent company. I won’t touch Freedom reloads, but Xtremes bullets are GTG. I’ve loaded thousands and thousands of them with no complaints.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 1:59:40 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Xtereme and Freedom Munitions have always been affiliated as far as I know, as in Freedom Munitions uses Xtreme projectiles and they may be owned by the same parent company. I won’t touch Freedom reloads, but Xtremes bullets are GTG. I’ve loaded thousands and thousands of them with no complaints. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 2:06:50 PM EDT
[#5]
I used Berry's for a long time. Always worked well, except for some 40 cal that I tried to push to fast. They were all over the place and frequently keyholed. Once I backed the load down, they were fine.
I switched to coated lead about 5 years ago (mainly SNS, but also Missouri) because I found they were cheaper and I could push them just as fast. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 2:18:48 PM EDT
[#6]
I don't shoot plated any more.
Coated bullets much better. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 2:24:28 PM EDT
[#7]
I've loaded a bunch of xtreme bullets in .38, .380 and .45 and never had an issue. Sign up for their emails and you can catch free shipping or 10-15% off depending on the time of year.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 4:28:16 PM EDT
[#8]
Xtreme and RMR seem to be more shiny, and sometimes cheaper.
RMR recently had some killer deals on FMJ 230 gr hardball. I bought 2K of them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 4:34:09 PM EDT
[#9]
Any particular reason you're looking at plated instead of coated lead?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 4:52:14 PM EDT
[#10]
We load all of the plated bullets we use mildly so Berry's has been problem free.
Motor |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 4:55:29 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Any particular reason you're looking at plated instead of coated lead? Is there a reason to use powder coated? How much cheaper is it? Can it be loaded to FMJ specs like the plated? |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 4:56:24 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
We load all of the plated bullets we use mildly so Berry's has been problem free. Motor 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 5:11:45 PM EDT
[#13]
I buy Extremes by the 4k and push them with full charges of True Blue or Power pistol for my AR9's.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 5:48:44 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I buy Extremes by the 4k and push them with full charges of True Blue or Power pistol for my AR9's. I stopped buying them because I found actual jacketed bullets cheaper elsewhere. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 6:27:38 PM EDT
[#15]
Berrys are fine, I've used a lot of them. Xtreme's work OK as well. But there are cheaper, better options for those who use (eg) 115gtr RN in 9mm.
Berrys cost $0.093ea for regular and $0.098ea for "thick plate". Precision Delta 115gr FMJRNs cost $0.083ea when buying 2k quantities . . . an 11% savings and equal or better performance. I shoot indoors and I haven't seen any description or analysis of byproducts from shooting coated bullets, so for now they are off my list . . . my choice, YMMV. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 7:10:27 PM EDT
[#16]
I've found either real jacketed or cast & coated shoot better
I gave up on plated a long time ago. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 7:44:13 PM EDT
[#17]
I shoot Berry's for the majority of plinking rounds
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 10:06:08 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Berrys are fine, I've used a lot of them. Xtreme's work OK as well. But there are cheaper, better options for those who use (eg) 115gtr RN in 9mm. Berrys cost $0.093ea for regular and $0.098ea for "thick plate". Precision Delta 115gr FMJRNs cost $0.083ea when buying 2k quantities . . . an 11% savings and equal or better performance. I shoot indoors and I haven't seen any description or analysis of byproducts from shooting coated bullets, so for now they are off my list . . . my choice, YMMV. Their HBRNs are awesome. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 11:03:44 PM EDT
[#19]
IMO Xtreme's plating is harder than Berry's.
I've never shaved the plating off an Xtreme bullet seating the bullet, I have with Berry's. Coated bullets are cheaper and use less powder to go the same speed as plated. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/18/2019 11:09:51 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ive never paid that much for them. Last batch I bought was 147s for ~$75/k. Their HBRNs are awesome. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 12:33:27 AM EDT
[#21]
I started with Berry's, went to Xtreme, and now I support a top notch Florida company for almost all my reloading supplies. Everglades. I cant say enough good things about this company. Just checked, 9mm, 124gn PLRN, 1K for $84.00 (1200fps limit) and better savings on larger quantities. Lots of other choices there also. They always have sales going on during holidays and random ones if you are on the mailer, free shipping, and they ship fast. Dozens of orders, from brass, to bullets, and Powder and never a single issue.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 12:59:23 AM EDT
[#22]
I used X-terme for several years, in 9 MM, 10 MM and 45 ACP. Really liked them and they shot well. Their shipping was very good but that changed about 4 months ago. Their shipping to Alaska was more then the cost of the bullets. Switched to RMR bullets, which will ship in flat rate boxes. I can live with that cost. Being that in that winter time I shoot 300-500 rounds a week, the shipping cost meant a lot. Several shooters at the range used coated bullets from one vendor or another. They have also been happy with them.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 1:16:50 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I started with Berry's, went to Xtreme, and now I support a top notch Florida company for almost all my reloading supplies. Everglades. I cant say enough good things about this company. Just checked, 9mm, 124gn PLRN, 1K for $84.00 (1200fps limit) and better savings on larger quantities. Lots of other choices there also. They always have sales going on during holidays and random ones if you are on the mailer, free shipping, and they ship fast. Dozens of orders, from brass, to bullets, and Powder and never a single issue. Also, someone said something about shaving Berry's during seating, that was exactly my problem when I use them. In fact, I've got about 200 left and about 1 in 5 will shave some off when seating. So much so, I thought it was me and I missed a step in brass prep. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 3:48:57 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Both prices were today's quotes off their web sites. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Ive never paid that much for them. Last batch I bought was 147s for ~$75/k. Their HBRNs are awesome. The only things I’ve bought directly from them were |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 5:44:31 AM EDT
[#25]
Acme coated, i like the little fitted wooden box, one will hold my ashes some day. When I load handgun anymore. Plated never did like them .
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 6:49:26 AM EDT
[#26]
I'm another reloader who has sworn off plated bullets.
Too problematic with worries of cutting through plating, running too hot and peeling plating off. Powder coated in 9mm, 45ACP, 10mm, and 44 Magnum gave better overall performance. Besides, why buy naturally inferior plated bullets when quality jacketed are available for close to same price? Zero Bullets from Roze Distribution are far superior to any plated bullet, only a few dollars more, and free shipping on orders of 1K or more. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 4:49:12 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Berrys says right on their website they can be loaded to FMJ load specs. I say this because your post suggests otherwise. We need to stop that fake news. To answer another question: In pistol calibers which include all the most popular, I wouldn't have any hesitation loading my powder coated bullets to factory FMJ spec. In fact I have loaded some without gas checks well into jacketed magnum range without any problems. Motor |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 8:04:21 PM EDT
[#28]
Bulk Xtreme and Everglades (3000ct 147gr) are the same price at both. I keep buying Xtreme since I’ve been a long time customer. If something happens I’ll switch Everglades
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 8:21:16 PM EDT
[#29]
I’ve used xtreme, Berry’s, and RMR plated but now that RMR FMJ are about the same price as plated, I just buy FMJ. Specifically talking about 147gr 9mm.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 8:45:38 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Xtreme. Plating is a little thicker then Berry's. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/19/2019 11:07:11 PM EDT
[#31]
Yep, problem with plated bullets are they are produced out of softer lead, and it really comes down to the thickness of the plating on how fast you can push them/how well they will shoot in a specific barrel.
With hard cast powder coated bullet, can be pushed past 2K without problems, and when your casting and sizing them yourself, can be over sized fit some of the larger production bores better as well. Hence in 9mm, the barrel bore is supposed to be .355", but not out of the norm to find some barrel bores at .356,to even .357" instead. So if soft core bullet is thin copper plated and sized at .355" down a .357" barrel bore, going to have problems getting the barrel to shoot tight with that plated bullet in the first place when the bullet will not hold the rifling as it travels down the bore. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/20/2019 12:08:37 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Many of us have never used coated lead. I used to use drylubed and moly coated lead, but plated is more better. Is there a reason to use powder coated? How much cheaper is it? Can it be loaded to FMJ specs like the plated? I've shot plenty of plated bullets. To me, coated lead is cheaper, more accuate/dependable, and less finicky to load. YMMV |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/20/2019 11:41:14 AM EDT
[#33]
At one time I used Rocky Mountain Reloading 147's until they stop carrying them. Had to switch to coated.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/20/2019 6:32:06 PM EDT
[#34]
I have a buttload of .32 Auto 71gr plated from Berry's. The .32 is a mild cartridge to begin with - my first time shooting my 1916-built Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless it was like dry firing. So with this round soft lead cores aren't a problem, and Berry's is fine.
If you're trying to get high velocities, plated may be an issue. Depending on who you ask, you may need to load "Brand A" plated bullets much lighter than the data for jacketed bullets of the same weight, or "about the same," or "as hot as you like." There just is not enough well developed data about how hot you really can push each brand's plated bullets. Coated bullets have a lot more available data, both from manufacturers and individual shooters. Depending on the coating, you may be able to load certain coated bullets at high magnum velocities. I've read about coated .357 loads that exceeded 1400 fps with 158 grain bullets, which is right up there with what Elmer Kieth was getting with 6+" barrels and super-hard cast bullets. I think it comes down to your application. If you want jacketed velocities, find out which brand of plated bullets people are reporting success with using jacketed data. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/20/2019 6:39:46 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Acme coated, i like the little fitted wooden box, one will hold my ashes some day. When I load handgun anymore. Plated never did like them . I've been looking at them and ready to make the change from plated. Which ones do you use. I'd be looking at 147gr RN 9mm. ETA: What's their shipping like? |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2019 1:56:16 AM EDT
[#36]
I've really come to hate plated bullets. I have a bunch of Berry's and Xtreme bullets that I bought a long time ago, and I'm still shooting through them. I can't wait until they are gone. I won't be buying more.
I've yet to find an accurate load with the Berry's. They just shoot like absolute crap for me. To get them to shoot even halfway acceptable I have to load them so light that they won't cycle reliably in one of my guns. A coworker that's a big time reloader and competitive shooter was telling me of his similar experiences. He gave up on them. When you can buy RMR FMJ bullets for less money, or Precision Delta FMJ bullets for a similar amount, I find no reason to shoot that crap. The Xtreme bullets I've been using are 45 bullets. They are so slow they seem to be accurate enough. Although I've been having the shaving problems mentioned above. I thought I was doing something wrong, but I'm starting to think it's the bullets. I also have some Xtreme 44 bullets, and accuracy is only so so with those too. You have to crimp them (not just remove the flair), or else they'll walk out of the case when shooting and lock up the gun. If you crimp them enough to hold them, it deforms the super soft lead and makes them shoot like crap. Again an issue you don't have with FMJ. So my advice is to just skip the plated bullets and go with FMJ from one of the affordable sources. If you want to save a little bit of money, coated bullets also seem to work better than plated, but my experience with them has been limited so far. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2019 1:49:35 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've really come to hate plated bullets. I have a bunch of Berry's and Xtreme bullets that I bought a long time ago, and I'm still shooting through them. I can't wait until they are gone. I won't be buying more. I've yet to find an accurate load with the Berry's. They just shoot like absolute crap for me. To get them to shoot even halfway acceptable I have to load them so light that they won't cycle reliably in one of my guns. A coworker that's a big time reloader and competitive shooter was telling me of his similar experiences. He gave up on them. When you can buy RMR FMJ bullets for less money, or Precision Delta FMJ bullets for a similar amount, I find no reason to shoot that crap. The Xtreme bullets I've been using are 45 bullets. They are so slow they seem to be accurate enough. Although I've been having the shaving problems mentioned above. I thought I was doing something wrong, but I'm starting to think it's the bullets. I also have some Xtreme 44 bullets, and accuracy is only so so with those too. You have to crimp them (not just remove the flair), or else they'll walk out of the case when shooting and lock up the gun. If you crimp them enough to hold them, it deforms the super soft lead and makes them shoot like crap. Again an issue you don't have with FMJ. So my advice is to just skip the plated bullets and go with FMJ from one of the affordable sources. If you want to save a little bit of money, coated bullets also seem to work better than plated, but my experience with them has been limited so far. And for those of you shooting coated bullets: how do they perform in suppressed applications? That’s why I went with plated: FMJs were too expensive to shoot in bulk when I got my pistol cans and lead wasn’t an option, and powder coat wasn’t really that popular |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2019 3:11:04 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I realize it’s a sample size of one on each side of this but I use 45 and 9mm plated bullets without shaving problems, so I’m inclined to think it’s NOT the bullets. It’s likely something else in the process. I'm pretty well stocked for pistol projectiles at the moment and have been doing a lot more rifle than pistol shooting lately, anyway, but I may look into coated when it comes time to stock up again. They look cool and if they're cheaper, why not... |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2019 6:20:44 PM EDT
[#39]
Rocky Mountain Reloading (RMR Bullets).
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2019 8:48:45 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @dennyd I've been looking at them and ready to make the change from plated. Which ones do you use. I'd be looking at 147gr RN 9mm. ETA: What's their shipping like? I was and am happy with their shipping, fast and on the ball. Might be the best coated bullet I've seen or loaded, never had any shaving problems, hard & no leading. You will like them. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/21/2019 10:05:38 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Rocky Mountain Reloading (RMR Bullets). |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/22/2019 2:20:38 PM EDT
[#42]
I load X-treme's by the 1000's in 9mm, I haven't had any shaving (Dillon 550, enough bell), and the bullet accuracy has worked great for my purposes....steel. They offer 0.355 and 0.356 in 9mm, which is nice. Reloads more accurate than store bought FMJ by quite a margin, but that's pretty common (True Blue = thanks flash).
That typed, I bought the X-tremes cheap and stacked them deep during their deep discount sales they used to have twice a year or so. Bulk shipping in flat rates, 3000 pieces on up depending on bullet weight Shipping used to take a while (sometimes over a month) after these sales. I just checked their website.....prices are >20% higher than they used to be. Given that, I will have to shop to see if their pricing is competitive next time. Will consider a new supplier, not due to performance, but due to price. Good bullets though. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/22/2019 9:01:55 PM EDT
[#43]
RMR FMJs are my preferred
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/27/2019 5:36:19 PM EDT
[#44]
RMR FMJs are an excellent bullet and the price is as good or better than just about anybody else's plated or FMJ.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/27/2019 7:38:46 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm another reloader who has sworn off plated bullets. Too problematic with worries of cutting through plating, running too hot and peeling plating off. Powder coated in 9mm, 45ACP, 10mm, and 44 Magnum gave better overall performance. Besides, why buy naturally inferior plated bullets when quality jacketed are available for close to same price? Zero Bullets from Roze Distribution are far superior to any plated bullet, only a few dollars more, and free shipping on orders of 1K or more. Zero bullets are very hard to beat and cheap enough if bought in bulk. If I do buy plated in 9mm they are GD bullets bought in bulk as well when I catch them at clearance prices... 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/28/2019 12:25:13 AM EDT
[#46]
use Berry's sometimes, but prefer Rainier for plated. I'm definitely looking into RMR jacketed now though
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/29/2019 11:33:24 AM EDT
[#47]
For plated I have been using xtreme 147 gr since about '13? I started with the RN then went HP when they were released. I used to use Berry's, but I remember being able to get the same accuracy with Xtreme for cheaper. I have also begged RMR for a 147 gr version of their MPR, but it's not happening any time soon.
Once I graduate college my shooting is going to grow exponentially and I am currently pricing out Hi-Tek type bullets and other plated. I will try to stick with Xtreme but saving $20 a case and shooting cases a year will add up. I will be ordering sample packs probably next year for load development as I burn through my 8,000 xtreme bullets. I guess what I am trying to say is, depending on how much you shoot, coated might be just as good and cheaper. Side note, I just ordered another 3,000 from Xtreme as they are running a 10% off sale, they shipped quicker than pretty much any time I can remember. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2019 3:49:47 PM EDT
[#48]
RMR is my go to Guy!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2019 4:08:00 PM EDT
[#49]
It seems like there are so many more choices all of a sudden with good prices. And here I sit with about 10000 rounds of old Berrys plated in my stocks.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/30/2019 5:04:57 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It seems like there are so many more choices all of a sudden with good prices. And here I sit with about 10000 rounds of old Berrys plated in my stocks. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
