Bullet types comparison

[gwashorn]

OK, I am getting back into reloading after many years. I will be shooting 9mm in 147gr for IDPA. Question is I see many using the Berry Bullets and the Precision Delta. Each is about the same price. One is cast with plating and one is extruded clad. So, for accuracy, reloading ease and barrel cleaning I would like some comparisons from folks who have done both. Also, I see and hear good things on a local place here in Friendswood for cast bullets. Any thoughts? I shoot mostly at Arms Room and PSC. Any problems with cast only for indoors? I appreciate the help.

[Middle Age Russ]

I would not suggest the cast bullets if you shoot any indoors. Most (if not all) indoor ranges want you to shoot fully plated/jacketed bullets, supposedly to keep airborne lead down. Also, having tried the Friendswood cast bullets, the lube used will smoke quite a bit compared to an unlubed plated/jacketed bullet, and you will also likely need to clean your dies more frequently. These aren't issues for some folks, but for my money the price differential of the plated/jacketed is justified.

[gwashorn]

thanks and what I suspected for the cast bullets. I plan on keeping with the plated or clad type FMJ versions. I understand about the smoke as well. Shooting IDPA on Monday nights indoors and one of the folks reminds me of a civil war cannon smoking.

[Jumping Frog]

All I ever shoot from my 9mm are cast bullets. They work just fine for me. I don't mind a little smoke.

[gwashorn]

I have made my own cast bullets years ago and did very well with them. But for indoor shooting and for other reasons I want to stay with cladded type bullets. So what is the preference between the Berry and Precision Delta. I know several here used to do big orders from Precision and apparently not any more. but that would mean many here used the Precision and liked them. Any advantage of one over the other?

[dalto]

As far as plated vs jacketed goes.

I use jacketed for a few reasons.

1. I found that if you buy in sufficient quantities there is a not much difference in price.
2. Jacketed bullets can be pushed to higher velocities
3. Load data is more readily available for common jacketed bullets.

That being said there are plenty of people who have good success with plated bullets and I wouldn't be afraid to use them.

I personally use jhp bullets from zero and montana gold.

[gwashorn]

Yes, thanks and I see these two suppliers are almost the same price at the same quantity. Close to $100/1,000 rounds. My goal is to go with one and get my recipe correct. I have been reading up the recipes for not quite matching bullets like the Berry. Seems to be easier enough. I know Canvsbck here and others have a good recipe they are using.

[MoJo]

I have used jacketed, both Berry's, and Rainier plated bullets, Precision bullets, commercial cast bullets and my own cast bullets. I find the plated bullets and the jacketed bullets are the cleanest, Precision next, and depending on alloy and lube my own bullets followed by commercial cast. Looking at cost, my own bullets are cheapest after that, shop around for the best deal on what you need. I have two loads for 40 S&W using Precision bullets that actually shoot better than all the rest. Indoor range I think a fully encapsulated bullet would be preferred.

[gwashorn]

I have used jacketed, both Berry's, and Rainier plated bullets, Precision bullets, commercial cast bullets and my own cast bullets. I find the plated bullets and the jacketed bullets are the cleanest, Precision next, and depending on alloy and lube my own bullets followed by commercial cast. Looking at cost, my own bullets are cheapest after that, shop around for the best deal on what you need. I have two loads for 40 S&W using Precision bullets that actually shoot better than all the rest. Indoor range I think a fully encapsulated bullet would be preferred.

Mojo, yes I agree for indoor range use the fully encapsulated is best. the Berry is a fully encapsulated plated while the Precision Delta the bottom is no encapsulated. So for indoor range I have to wonder about that. Many of my friends are shooting the Berry and I suspect I will go that direction. Again, working up a load should be easy enough since many I know are already using these. I just wanted others experience to weigh against what I have heard so far. Thanks.