Cheap Start to Reloading?

[Soundguy]

shoot a revolver and never hunt your brass.

 

[paulsharvey]

Anyone experienced with Berrys Plated bullets. Specifically, 115 gr 9mm? I shot some with 5.2, 5.6, and 5.9 gr of CFE Pistol, from a Hi Point 995 Carbine. Shot into 3 gallon jugs at 15 yards, went into ground after 2nd jug. Does this seem normal? The copper jacket is gone from where the rifling engaged the projectile.

 

[paulsharvey]

Anyone experienced with Berrys Plated bullets. Specifically, 115 gr 9mm? I shot some with 5.2, 5.6, and 5.9 gr of CFE Pistol, from a Hi Point 995 Carbine. View attachment 543023 Shot into 3 gallon jugs at 15 yards, went into ground after 2nd jug. Does this seem normal? The copper jacket is gone from where the rifling engaged the projectile.

 

[Jchonline]

I have been watching too much YouTube, and now am seriously thinking about starting reloading. My thought is Lee Breech lock $35 press, Lee 3 die set ($35), Lee Ram Prime ($15), Lee Powder scale ($25-30) or Frankford Arsenal ($30). Powder ($30/#), Primers ($4/100), Projectiles ($20/100). Do you think it's doable to get started (equipment and consumables), for less than $150?
As another option, I inherited an old Lee Landloader for .270 Win, that's in questionable shape. Would powder, primers, projectiles, and a scale with this be a good starting place? Am I better off using this money to buy factory brass ammo for another year, and think about this at a future date?

.270 Winchester (bolt)
6.5 Grendel (semi auto)
7.62x39 (semi auto)
7.62x54 (bolt)

9mm Makarov
9mm Para
.40 S&W
7.62x25

.410 (single shot)
12 Ga (pump)

I have a Dillon 550 and reload pistol only. Here is my suggestion:

First, decide what you are reloading for. I shoot USPSA, so .40 and .45 are used like candy. This makes economical sense.

7.62x39 just isn't worth it. I look at it like 556. Cheaper to buy unless you want match grade ammo.

You are going to need multiple die sets for al of these calibers as well.

Check out Freedom Munitions online. They are reasonably priced ammo. I buy thousands of rounds of 9mm and 556 from them. All great stuff.

Perhaps reloading some of the rifle rounds makes sense. Start with something common like .270 or the 6.5G and work your way from there.

 

[FarmWrench]

View attachment 543024

Did you find the electroplated jacket I the jugs? My understanding is it is only for reduced leading in the barrel and not a structural jacket.

 

[k0ua]

View attachment 543024

I don't particulary like the looks of that plated jacket shedding. A lot of the guys are using the coated lead bullets now. Lots of info on youtube on how to make them. You can buy them as well from several places.

All About Polymer-Coated Bullets | Range365

Hi-Tek Polymer Coated Bullets for Reloading | Badman Bullets

Coated Bullets, Bullets for Reloading, Competition Bullets - Bayou Bullets

Black Bullets international - Coated Bullets / Projectiles, Bullets For Idpa / Uspsa / Bullseye / 3gun / Competition Shooters

 

[paulsharvey]

Did you find the electroplated jacket I the jugs? My understanding is it is only for reduced leading in the barrel and not a structural jacket.

I did not, but it could be in the sand around the jugs.

 

[FarmWrench]

Check your barrel.

All that holds the plate on is the friction with the soft core. The strength of the foil like jacket is insignificant. If the friction of the jacket to the barrel is greater than the friction of the jacket to the core, the core could"squirt" out of the jacket.

 

[Gunny]

Those Berry's are copper plated, not jacketed, so what you're seeing is not unusual, just a good tight bore and riflings. I've reloaded and shot thousands of them, but at James mentioned, I've switched over to coated bullets since they've got the prices down to being compatible with plated bullets.
If you're really concerned over it, shoot an email to Berry's, they are really quick to reply to any questions or concerns.

 

[rhunt]

I have reloaded and shop thousands of Berry's and other manufacturers plated bullets and recovered many of these bullets that I shot. In 380, 357 and 45 cal and have not seen any that lost their plating along the rifling. Your picture to me indicates either too tight a fit or too hot a load. Bob