Campro vs Frontier vs Berry's in open gun. UPDATE : Final Test Results are Complete.

[Cerakote B.C.]

The first compilation is now complete. I can not call a definite winner but would say in my tests, in my gun, on one day of range testing, Campro and Frontier were comparable while Berry's is a very close second in their triple plated variety. Here are my empirical results. 20 bullets were weighed. 6 bullets were shot for a group and 4 bullets were run over the chronograph. The bullets tested and specified for open guns were Campro, Frontier Match, and Berrys Triple Plated 124 grain.

Weight average : Campro 123.92. Frontier 124.33. Berrys. 123.89

Chronograph: Campro 1405fps. Frontier. 1408fps Berrys. 1400fps

Spread: Campro 32fps Frontier 11fps Berrys 15fps

Power factor: Campro 174.22. Frontier 174.65. Berrys. 173.63

I'm not sure why the velocity and power factor is higher on this test other than seating depth could have changed slightly since I reversed the seating stem to a flat top to rule out changes due to different ogive. Same everything else on a Dillon 1050 press. The winner in my mind would be which ever of Campro or Frontier you can get cheaper. Both show high potential for extreme accuracy with a load custom tailored to your gun. Berrys would not be a bad choice if they were somewhat cheaper than the other two and you need the triple plated. Another important note is you need the Frontier Match for open guns in 9mm Major. That raises the price. Also for some strange reason, all brands were throwing flyers. Maybe the barrel was getting dirty, but it was the same for all brands so no advantage was allowed.

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[carsmovies]

Thanks for doing this cerakote. In respect to "needing" the Frontier match grade for open guns is not necessarily the case but I wouldn't recommend anything but the match grade for open guns for shooting matches. The Campro bullets have a copper thickness of 8 thousands per side while the Frontier match have 13 thousand per side. It just gives you that much more confidence that you won't have copper separation in any open gun regardless of barrel and comp configuration. I can't say that for the Campro.

When you're spending at least 3 to 4k for an open gun I just don't think you should be skimping on the food you feed it. Just IMHO.

 

[Cerakote B.C.]

Thank you for your generosity in sending some bullets to test. I assumed you sent the Match bullets. If not I will correct my post. I have no experience in destructive testing of bullets so I cannot say at what point plating separates from the core. I would be very interested in seeing test results of this and not just anecdotal evidence. I have no problems spending the extra money but would like to have more than peace of mind. I think the Frontier show excellent potential and in some tests were superior. But all the vendors I spoke with indicate the majority of customers will buy a particular brand to just save four dollars. I am not that buyer but I want value for my money. Somewhere there is a trade off. Thank you again for your generosity and effort.

 

[adamg]

Did you consider adding the BDX FMJ 124gr bullet to the comparison?

 

[Cerakote B.C.]

Nope. They were not available to me. I do know BDX make superb bullets though. I have used them in the past.

 

[Mark-II]

Certainly wasn't impressed with the frontier .223 stuff I bought 3yr ago or so. Very inconsistent weight, and when I switched to a faster twist barrel I'm pretty sure they were disintegrating, with the total lack of rounds hitting paper

 

[carsmovies]

Certainly wasn't impressed with the frontier .223 stuff I bought 3yr ago or so. Very inconsistent weight, and when I switched to a faster twist barrel I'm pretty sure they were disintegrating, with the total lack of rounds hitting paper

Those bullets are only plated and are recommended for a 1/10 to 1/12 twist rate. They will work in a faster twist rate but then you need to reduce the velocity. They are a inexpensive plinking bullet.

Frontier makes a cnc machined solid brass alloy bullet if you want serious consistency and accuracy but they are considerably more expensive. Unfortunately frontier doesn't make a in between 223 bullet.

Their pistol caliber plated bullets are one of the best in respect to radial and weight consistency.

 

[Cerakote B.C.]

Certainly wasn't impressed with the frontier .223 stuff I bought 3yr ago or so. Very inconsistent weight, and when I switched to a faster twist barrel I'm pretty sure they were disintegrating, with the total lack of rounds hitting paper

Apples and oranges.

 

[Cerakote B.C.]

This probably my last entry. I am out of the Frontier. They have proven to be dead even with the campro's. Except for the dastardly flyer in each. I think it is loading related so I'll test with factory ammo and then with all my mags. Very frustrating, but consistent.

 

[Freedom Ventures]

The flyer was probably your first shot each time. A semi pistols’ barrel locks up differently when you cycle a round in vs when the gun cycles a round in. I know manufacturers of both ammo and guns often fire the first round into the berm before shooting a test group. It’s also been my experience too.

 

[MikeyScuba]

So does this mean in a match some will throw the 1st shot if there's distance involved? or am I overthinking it????

 

[Freedom Ventures]

So does this mean in a match some will throw the 1st shot if there's distance involved? or am I overthinking it????

Probably Overthinking - the difference isn't really enough to be concerned about with the level of accuracy we generally need for the Action Shooting sports.

 

[jimbo14]

The flyer was probably your first shot each time. A semi pistols’ barrel locks up differently when you cycle a round in vs when the gun cycles a round in. I know manufacturers of both ammo and guns often fire the first round into the berm before shooting a test group. It’s also been my experience too.

Could this possibly affect the net velocity of the bullet? I'm new to using a chrono, but I noticed a few strings where the first round shot from a mag of 10 rounds, was 15-20 fps slower (1050fps range). Wasn't sure if it was my light rig for indoor use, or coincidence, but it seemed odd when the first round from a few mags was slower.

 

[Freedom Ventures]

Could this possibly affect the net velocity of the bullet?

Definitely - I have more than few guns that always have a slower first shot. Tends to bring out the pucker factor at the chrono stage until the second shot goes off.

 

[jimbo14]

Definitely - I have more than few guns that always have a slower first shot. Tends to bring out the pucker factor at the chrono stage until the second shot goes off.

Thank you VERY much for your insight.

 

[Cerakote B.C.]

The Campro flyer was the second shot and the Frontier flyer was the fourth shot. So I am at a total loss. Like I said, I will try with factory ammo to rule out inconsistencies in my loading. Im still trying to get used to my 1050. I did however inspect and measure every bullet. None are exactly the same and mostly Winchester brass. I'll figure it out.