Xfactor Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I'm running out of my usual bullets of choice - Zero 147 JHP for Production/9mm, and Zero 180 JHP for Limited/.40 - and since Zeros are proving pretty hard to come by, I was considering alternatives. From what I hear, JHPs are usually highly regarded both for keeping lead out of the barrel better than FMJs, and being generally more accurate than TMJs (something about the way the jacket folds together at the base of the TMJ bullet)... but can the same be said for a "plated" bullet like Berry's? Thanks, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Cheely Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Some report good results, others not so much. I shot some 147's when they were cheaper but the last time I looked, they were as much or more than jacketed. Try Montana Gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckS Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 (edited) I suggest you get a small amount and try them. I have been using Rainiers in my .45 and .40 (both open and limited) with very good results. I also recently tried some Frontier 124 plated bullets in my Cz with what seems to be reasonable results. Just don't over crimp. Later, Chuck Edit to add that I have used TG, N320, N340 and Silhouette in the above mentioned loads. Like I said: try em... Edited December 4, 2008 by ChuckS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlos Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Agree - not as much of a cost saver as they once were. If you do switch, I have never had any tumbling problems with the long 147 grn TMJs from any maker. TMJ'd 147s are great. I did see tumbling issues with a .45 ACP TMJ from a former company, and some folks report tumbling bullet issues with 40 cal TMJs. MOST tumbling issues you read about here on be.com are associated with really fast powder - like TG or N310/320 & TMJs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I've used them with good results. But the last three times I have looked, once the lead surcharge and shipping charges are added on, there is almost no difference between them and Montana Gold. In fact, at one point, the MG's were cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkeeler Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Montana Golds! BK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chirpy Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 Try Roze Distribution for Zero bullets...They seem to have a good choice most of the time. Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VegasOPM Posted December 4, 2008 Share Posted December 4, 2008 I've had good luck with Berry's. I was shooting Winchester FMJ's and switched to Berry's 115 gr plated ( I prefer lighter and faster). The Berry's seem to obturate easier than jacketed, so I get the same velocity (1150fps) with a bit less powder (4.5gr vs 4.8gr of 700X). The barrel is a little easier to clean as well. I just bought 3000 for $68 per K- which is a bit cheaper than Montana Gold last time I checked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance Jensen Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 I use berry's bullets and haven't had any problems - 9 & .40 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flycaster Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 I've used them with good results. But the last three times I have looked, once the lead surcharge and shipping charges are added on, there is almost no difference between them and Montana Gold. In fact, at one point, the MG's were cheaper. They've dropped the lead surcharge, and shipping is free on orders over $50. Chuck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bofe954 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 If you have a Cabela's around you can try them and see, they usually stock them. The Berry's website is cheaper than Cabela's if you are going to buy bulk though. I bought some because I am in the minority that likes to shoot a 200gr 45ACP. I wanted to try a hollowpoint and had a tough time finding a 200gr hollowpoint that wasn't big bucks. I tried some and they are the most accurate bullet I have shot so far. I bought up a few thousand and am going to use them for match ammo and continue using moly's for everything else. They were cheaper than Montana Golds 200g FP, but not by much. They had the bullets in stock and they were at my door in less than a week... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMITH Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Tried them, didn't like them and don't think they are even close to as accurate, consistent and reliable as a good JHP. Plated bullets just suck when compared to quality jacketed bullets or even well cast lead bullets. With plated bullets now very close to jacketed bullet prices I am really surprised that people still use them, the downside is far more than the cost savings in my opinion. I would shoot plain lead before I shot plated, and I am not kidding. I shoot Zero JHP and Montana Gold JHP for production, limited and open, by the time I spend all the money I need to spend to shoot the match I am not going to skimp on bullets. Both are good but I think the Zero is a bit more accurate and a tiny bit faster, if I can't get Zero when I need bullets I buy Montana Gold. If I was wealthy I would shoot Hornady XTP's for matches, extremely accurate in every gun I have tried them in and the best bullet I have shot for match purposes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baer45 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bofe954 Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 (edited) I should qualify the "most accurate bullet I have shot" with the fact that I am more or less a bullet bottom feeder. I am comparing to moly coated bullets and previous experience with plated bullets from another company which tumbled for me. The XTP's were the only other 200gr hollowpoint (45ACP) I could find, and they were extremely expensive relative to the berry's and definitely relative to moly's. Maybe I'll have to try a few for special occasions... Edited December 5, 2008 by bofe954 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abn-rgr Posted December 5, 2008 Share Posted December 5, 2008 Ive used Berry's and Rainier's in both 40 and 9mm with good results. The prices are still better than most bullets out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xfactor Posted December 6, 2008 Author Share Posted December 6, 2008 (edited) Tried them, didn't like them and don't think they are even close to as accurate, consistent and reliable as a good JHP. Plated bullets just suck when compared to quality jacketed bullets or even well cast lead bullets. With plated bullets now very close to jacketed bullet prices I am really surprised that people still use them, the downside is far more than the cost savings in my opinion. I would shoot plain lead before I shot plated, and I am not kidding. I shoot Zero JHP and Montana Gold JHP for production, limited and open, by the time I spend all the money I need to spend to shoot the match I am not going to skimp on bullets. Both are good but I think the Zero is a bit more accurate and a tiny bit faster, if I can't get Zero when I need bullets I buy Montana Gold. If I was wealthy I would shoot Hornady XTP's for matches, extremely accurate in every gun I have tried them in and the best bullet I have shot for match purposes. I agree that the Hornady XTPs are awesome... but sadly, I can't afford to shoot 'em either! Howard, what are your thoughts on Precision Delta, or some of the Moly alternatives (e.g. Bear Creek, Precision, etc.)? Edited December 6, 2008 by Xfactor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HSMITH Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I haven't seen a lot of positives with the PD jacketed bullets, and I don't have a lot of experience with Moly bullets. I have shot a couple thousand of the plain lead bullets from S&S, Jim Stinar, and they shot very well for me. The price is a LOT lower than jacketed, I think he is around $60 for a thousand 40/180's. I have some of the moly bullets from Tom Drazy but I haven't had time to play with them, I think he is Precision. Very nicely made bullets and the guys shooting them are liking them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatford Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 i have used the 180gr rdn in my sti edge with titegroup and had excellent results . i have also used the precision black moly bulletts that shot well. due to the cost i have dug out my old casting equipment and have started casting my own . i shoot mostly local club matches and they do the job just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xfactor Posted December 6, 2008 Author Share Posted December 6, 2008 ...Try Montana Gold. Montana Golds! I looked into the MG's but they don't make a 147 JHP... maybe I'll give them a try in 180 JHP for Limited though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joecichlid Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 Some report good results, others not so much. I shot some 147's when they were cheaper but the last time I looked, they were as much or more than jacketed.Try Montana Gold. Matt I totally agree with you. I used to shoot the Berry's out of my Open gun without trouble but when the price went through the roof I switched to the cheaper but much better Montana Golds. I've used them with good results. But the last three times I have looked, once the lead surcharge and shipping charges are added on, there is almost no difference between them and Montana Gold. In fact, at one point, the MG's were cheaper. They've dropped the lead surcharge, and shipping is free on orders over $50. Chuck Chuck, they have indeed dropped their lead surcharge but their bullet prices went through the roof. 124 grain rn went from $54 per 1000 (plus surcharge) to $75 per 1000 (without the surcharge). I am sticking to the Montana Golds at about the same price for a much better shooting bullet out of my gun. Joe W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Capizzo Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I I have some of the moly bullets from Tom Drazy but I haven't had time to play with them, I think he is Precision. Very nicely made bullets and the guys shooting them are liking them. Tom Drazy's bullet company is "Black Bullets International", "Precision" is the black bullet company down here in Texas. I haven't shot any of Tom's bullets yet, but I've used a ton of the Precision bullets and they're first rate. I've been hearing good things about Drazy's bullets though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisC Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 I use berry's bullets and haven't had any problems - 9 & .40 Hey Lance... this is Chris, I was the guy squadded with you today that had the tumbling bullets... Barry's 155 grn .40's..... not saying that's the problem just yet.. but im not ruling it out that a few were undersized just yet..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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