Rainier bullet question

[bub524]

Dumb question, but, since they are copper "plated' lead and not "jacketed", do you load them as cast bullets or jacketed?

[necchi]

Here ya go,,It's always a good Idea to go to the source  Click the "Loading Data" in the upper left corner and get a di-rect answer. luck to ya

http://www.rainierballistics.com/mainframe.htm

[gman628]

Yep, I had to go to the source too, It's interesting that even w/o a crimping ring they tell you it's ok to use a crimp on them.  Just don't go too heavy of a crimp IMHO.

Gary

[Siskiyou]

I just loaded some I found I had setting in a baggy that I picked up long ago at a gunshow.  I just finished off my supply of cast 124-grain 9MM bullets, and I reached for the plated RN bullets I have.  The lot I have are slightly under 124-grains. 

I am using a 4-die carbide die set that creates a factory taper crimp, not a roll crimp.  I seated bullets in two resized, unprimed cases, and then used by hammer type bullet puller to remove the bullets. 

1.    Bullet tension is good and I have no concerned about the bullet being retained in the case if dropped or under the force of recoil.

2.   The taper crimp leaves a very shallow line in the copper platting.
 
3.   I used the same data I was using for 124-grain lead bullets.

The 9MM headspaces on the lip of the case and I go for more a tight fit than a true crimp.  The practice rounds feed without a problem in my pistol. 

[bub524]

 ;)Excellent info. thanks. Didn't even know they had a site or didn't think to look.
Came across them at Midway. I haven't reloaded in a while and was surprised at the scarcity of components.
I gave a bunch of primers, bullets, brass, dies and a couple of presses to my nephew when he started reloading and I thought I was done. I wish he lived closer, I'd go over and use his stuff.
Just shows you should never give any good stuff away. You just never know.

[Catfish]

I can tell you not to load them to fast. At lower velocities I have had good luck with accuracy, but when I tried to push them they didn`t do well at all.

[falaz]

I second what catfish says. I've found when I push them over 1100-1150fps accuracy gets real bad. Also if you aggressively over crimp them the case mouth will cut into the copper or start it de-laminating and ruin accuracy. I've had better luck with Berry's plated bullets. The plating seems to be a little thicker and doesn't wrinkle up at the crimp. Also performs well up to 1350fps. Berry's also makes a plated bullet for 30-30win and .45-70gov which are great for plinking.

[bub524]

I bought some 185g HP 45cal and they work nicely in the 45ACP with 5.1g of Titegroup. The 115g 9mm work very well with 4.0g of Titegroup. Very pleased with them.
I don't know what the velocity is, but they feed in one end and come out the other end, and some actually hit the paper! Thats all I ask. I can work on the accurate part.
I'm past the point in life where I think I'll get better with practice. With weak arms and poor eyesight, I'm at the point in life where I practice just to keep from getting worse! ha,ha.

[Dand]

thanks for the link. I have some plated bullets of unknown mfg but was wondering where to start with my loads.