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Berry's Rifle Bullets

WB300

Cranky Yankee
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 15, 2011
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342
GA
In the days of short supply for reloading components, I dug out some old stuff figuring any trigger time at the range is better than none. I came across a box of Berry's 150 gr. FMJBT plated .30 cal bullets. My search-fu has turned up mixed results, but all for pistol. I've heard that you don't want to load these things hot and to stay around the starting min. loads. I won't expect SMK or Amax performance, but will be banging steel and working on form. Also I am new to reloading and would like to use these bullets to play with Ladder, OCW, and general load development knowledge. I figure any time I pull the RCBS handle and trigger, I will gain information and experience. But I don't want to spin my wheels if these bullets aren't capable of better than 2-3 MOA.

Anyone have any experience loading these bullets for rifle? If so, anyone running a 20" .308 (12 twist) using R15 or IMR4064 with a decent load? Are these capable of MOA accuracy if all other variables are the same? Any excessive barrel wear or fouling? Thoughts/Opinions???

Thanks to all in advance.

Bill
 
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I use plated in pistol, and it's recommend to use load data for lead bullets. If the same holds true for rifle, my Lyman cast book shows data 308/150gr data with Unique, 2400, 5744, 2015, sr4759, imr 3031 4227 and 4198, & rx7. Shows velocities up to about 2200fps but that's with a relatively soft alloy. The book shows 170gr data with a harder alloy up to ~2600fps. I imagine the plated bullets could handle the faster speeds but a guy oughta check his bore fairly frequently until the load's been well established.
 
When it comes to the plated pistol bullets I've seen a lot of comments that too heavy crimping can result I the jacket separating from the lead core after the bullet leaves the barrel. This would pretty much screw up your groups.