Anyone using X-Treme Copper Plated bullets in 38 Special for reloading?

[GP40X]

I just picked up a 500 bullet pack of X-Treme 125 gr. FP plated bullets (waiting on them to be delivered). Wanted to know your experience for anyone using them. Looking for recommendations for powder & primers. Howe was the accuracy? Any problems with cutting through the plating when you crimped the cartridge? How did they compare to Berry's plated bullets? Kind of leery about using them since I am hand assembling with a Lee Loader (hammer time). TIA

 

[Dawico]

Xtreme make good stuff.

Plated bullets are fine for 38 Special velocities.

You don't need much crimp (just remove the bell) but I haven't had any issues even in Magnum rounds with a heavier crimp.

Powder and primers? Ha. What can you find? They'll all work.

 

[tonelar]

Just an observation (as I’ve only used plated bullets for 45acp). I was advised to load closer to lead specs as opposed to jacketed data.

if you’re not running +p .38 spl, maybe look into coated lead bullets (they‘re $35 per box of 500).

 

[Kayt00]

I do. I use em for 38 spcl and 357. They work well under a charge of Titegroup.

Edit: Looks like my latest loads are with Universal, because I hate that crap in my Semi-Autos because I always end up with unburned powder everywhere inside the gun and on my hands.

 

[TexMex247]

I think finding the right powder to go with it will be your challenge. I've loaded plenty with aa#5 but couldn't get good consistency til I was entering +p territory. Titegroup might be a good choice although the scant amount of powder in that large case may make you second guess yourself.

Although dirty, unique might do ok too. I know at 357 velocities, lighter bullets will allegedly flame cut guns. Which is why most stick to 158gr, that's also what I end up loading most often. I wouldn't worry about pushing them too fast or reducing loads like they're lead. You'll never approach 1200fps unless you've double charged a case.

 

[robertc1024]

I've used a ton of them. My perception is that they are better than Berry's - just looking at them, they seem to have a lot smoother finish. I've loaded them with Titegroup, but I prefer a slower powder like CFE Pistol.

One thing you might consider in the future is that on Xtreme's website, there is some verbiage about how their hollow nosed bullets have thicker plating than the others and you can shoot them at higher velocities. I made a bunch of mild .357 mag rounds with them. Here's a link: https://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-Load-Info-s/1952.htm

 

[SQLGeek]

Maybe I will look at getting some 158gr swc instead of holding out for jacketed bullets I can't seem to find anywhere. Looks like there are some recipes for 2400 that I can work up to just under 1200 fps.

Something to think about.

 

[Kayt00]

That's what I'm running now. Good stuff.

 

[rotor]

Perhaps I am wrong but applying a crimp using a hammer instead of a press seems like it would go through the plating. Let us know how that works. As far as crimp, you may want to see if you have bullet migration in your 6th (or earlier) round by measuring with a caliber before and after. I tried reloading shot shell .38 specials ( which you can't really crimp at all ) and shooting in a Ruger LCR (very light gun) with migration of the shot shell so much after 1 shot that it locked up the gun. Was a bitch to clear out all of that spilled shot from the crane.

 

[kantor99]

I've used several different bullets from Xtreme and all have worked fine. In fact, my favorite 38 special is their 148 gr wadcutter. For general range practice, I use a light load of Accurate #2. Shoots easy and makes a nice hole.

 

[popper]

Used several hundred in 40sw, load as normal jacketed. Work fine.

 

[Kayt00]

Perhaps I am wrong but applying a crimp using a hammer instead of a press seems like it would go through the plating. Let us know how that works. As far as crimp, you may want to see if you have bullet migration in your 6th (or earlier) round by measuring with a caliber before and after. I tried reloading shot shell .38 specials ( which you can't really crimp at all ) and shooting in a Ruger LCR (very light gun) with migration of the shot shell so much after 1 shot that it locked up the gun. Was a bitch to clear out all of that spilled shot from the crane.

Not to derail the conversation but if you use a powder charge, followed by a cardstock wad, then the shot then another cardstock wad with a HEAVY crimp, it works awesome.

 

[rotor]

Not to derail the conversation but if you use a powder charge, followed by a cardstock wad, then the shot then another cardstock wad with a HEAVY crimp, it works awesome.

Not to derail further but do you have a formula you like for .38 special?

 

[Dave68]

Xtreme are my favorite. I’ve found that a powder charge right in the middle of jacketed min and max powder charge data gives me the best results. As far as powder in general, choose one that works best given the velocity limitation of the bullet. However, in 38 special, you are not going to exceed the maximum velocity so use any powder that works well for normal 38 special rounds.
And don’t roll crimp a plated bullet. Just take out the expansion bell like you would for 9mm jacketed bullets.

 

[Kayt00]

Not to derail further but do you have a formula you like for .38 special?

Might be a touch on the warm side, but 4.3 Grains of Universal under a 158 grain Xrteme SWC.

Edit: Not warm at all in double-checking my load data.

 

[jrbfishn]

I use Extreme and Berry's in 9mm, .38 Special and 45 Colt. Any powder and charge that will keep you under 1300 fps should be good. IIRC, that is the velocity the plating is rated for.

Sent by an idjit coffeeholic from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

 

[rotor]

Might be a touch on the warm side, but 4.3 Grains of Universal under a 158 grain Xrteme SWC.

Edit: Not warm at all in double-checking my load data.

Thanks, shot size and weight?

 

[avvidclif]

When I reloaded 38/357 shotshells I used a light load of BE (3.0 IIRC) with a brass gas-check seated on top of the powder. Packed it with #12 shot and turned a gas-check upside down on top of the shot and then heavy roll crimped the gas check in place. Worked fine, no loose shot.

 

[Kayt00]

Thanks, shot size and weight?

LMAO you were asking about the shot shells? They were lite, 7 1/2 shot because that's what I had but I don't remember the weights. In shooting them I think it would be pretty tough to put together an overcharge since there is no real chamber pressure. The primer pop was 1/2 of the report I'm sure. But I do know I used up some of my magnum small pistol primers.

 

[GP40X]

Perhaps I am wrong but applying a crimp using a hammer instead of a press seems like it would go through the plating. Let us know how that works. As far as crimp, you may want to see if you have bullet migration in your 6th (or earlier) round by measuring with a caliber before and after. I tried reloading shot shell .38 specials ( which you can't really crimp at all ) and shooting in a Ruger LCR (very light gun) with migration of the shot shell so much after 1 shot that it locked up the gun. Was a bitch to clear out all of that spilled shot from the crane.

Rotor, here is a YouTube tutorial on using a Lee Loader to load 38 Special ammo. I used to use one when I was a kid to reload .45 ACP. I am with this guy on priming though and I picked up a Lee New Auto Prime priming tool as I used to set off a few large pistol primers in the day banging away with a hammer and hunk of 2x4 to protect the die and tools.

"https://www.youtube.com/embed/USPTf56sfEI"