.303: using copper plated bullets

[kawicrash]

So I just bought some 123gr copper plated bullets to use for plinking in my .303, but I guess I wasn't clear on the difference between jacketed and plated bullets. The seller said they were by Wolverine.
I've been reloading for over 25 years, but other than 38SPL I've never used cast or plated bullets.
My concern is, what data should I use to develop loads. Cast bullet? Low velocity jacketed data? I've done some searching on the web, but I wasn't confident in the information I could come across. No real solid answers it seems.
Anyway, any input, advice, data or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Alex McK]

Stick with cast bullet load data, and you should not have any problems. The plating is only a fairly thin wash, so won't withstand being driven very hard. Treat them as you would a fairly hard alloy cast bullet, or one with a gas check. As an experienced reloader, you already know that your rifle will soon tell you what it likes. For light plinking rounds, I generally stick with a mid-range velocity load.

 

[LUTNIT]

Plated bullets vary quite a bit. Some are made from a hard lead alloy, some are soft near-pure lead. Some have a relatively thick (.008") plating that can withstand higher velocities while others have thinner (~.004") plating.

A general rule of thumb with plated is to limit velocity to 1700fps.
This can vary widely depending on the lead hardness, plating thickness, bore condition, pressure produced, twist rate, and many other factors.
Nothing on the Hodgdon data site within the velocity range (they use a 125gr but it's close enough). The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook has no loads with a bullet that light.
Could try 10-15gr of most any shotgun or pistol powder or a load of Trail Boss using the normal method (capacity below the bullet - 30% as a start load).

Starting load data for that weight in a 7.62x39 produces around 2100fps and in the larger .303B case will produce substantially lower pressure and lower velocity as well. Just stick to the faster powders (like 4198) to avoid low-pressure-issues like poor ignition. I and many others have dumped the powder charge from a 7.62x39 surplus round into a .303B case and used the 123-125gr surplus bullet to top it off. Makes nice light plinking loads in .303B. Traditional load data should work in a similar fashion.

If you push them too fast they are likely to tumble and keyhole, shoot buckshot-like patterns, and/or cause leading in your bore (quite annoying to have to scrub out). The copper plating is supposed to prevent leading but it only can to a certain velocity. Past that it appears the copper comes off in the bore and then the lead starts to come off too. None of these are likely to happen unless you try for full power .303B loads with them (~2700fps)

 

[bigedp51]

The copper plating thickness can vary, Speer make TMJ bullets that can match jacketed velocities. The majority of rifle bullets have thick plating and can be fired at higher velocities. I Googled "Wolverine" and found nothing about bullets so you need to find out more about who actually made them.

And also remember that plated rifle bullets get a "light" taper crimp if crimped at all.

I shoot Rainier pistol bullets from 9mm to .44 mag and use light to medium loads, and I have never used plated rifle bullets. (but the info is out there)



Rainier Plated Bullets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


Q6. Do you offer loading data for Rainier bullets?

A. Loads for copper jacketed bullets can be used for Rainier copper plated bullets. We recommend a starting powder charge directly between the listed minimum and maximum load.

Q4. What type of crimp should I use?

A. A slight taper crimp is what we recommend, for example as delivered by a Lee Factory Crimp or similar die.

http://www.rainierballistics.com/reference/faqs/


Below, Berry's plated bullets
https://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q8-c1-What_is_the_difference_between_PlatedJacketedCast_bullets.aspx

FAQ: How fast can I shoot these bullets?

We guarantee our Standard Bullets to handle velocities up to 1,250 fps, and up to 1,500 fps for the bullets designated as TP (thick plated).

Our 30-30 and 45-70 bullets can handle velocities up to 1,700 fps.

Our 7.62x39 bullets can handle velocities up to 1,900 fps

Our 30 Carbine bullets can handle velocities up to 1,950 fps.

Our 500 S&W bullets can handle velocities up to 2,000 fps.

 

[kawicrash]

Thanks for the info.
I've been trying to get a hold of the seller to try to get a little more information. The bullets were designed for 7.62x39, so they are rifle bullets.
I will keep my eyes and ears open and see what I can figure out. That's part of the fun of reloading, experimenting and figuring things out. I just don't want any bullets stuck in the barrel or any kind of bad bangs.
Thanks again for the help.