Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN Review

First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN

As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve hand-loaded countless rounds for various calibers, always seeking the optimal balance of performance and cost-effectiveness. Today, I’m diving deep into the Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN, a component promising reliable performance without breaking the bank. These bullets are designed for reloaders looking for consistent results in their .38 Super cartridges.

My journey to these bullets started with a need for a consistent, readily available projectile for my .38 Super competition pistol. I’d been struggling with lead fouling and inconsistent performance from cast lead bullets. Plated bullets seemed like a solid compromise between the cost of cast lead and the performance of jacketed bullets.

Upon receiving the box of Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN, my initial impression was positive. The bullets were uniformly sized and visually consistent, indicating good quality control. Their weight felt appropriate for the intended purpose, and the round nose profile appeared well-formed.

Compared to jacketed bullets from Sierra or Hornady, these lacked the sharp, defined edges of a full metal jacket, which is expected of a plated bullet. Compared to cast lead bullets, they were significantly cleaner and more uniform in size. I ultimately chose these due to Berry’s Manufacturing‘s reputation and the attractive price point.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’d had mixed experiences with plated bullets in the past, but the reputation of Berry’s Manufacturing gave me hope for solid performance. My first impression was that these bullets are well-made and ready to load.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded them into my .38 Super 1911 using a moderate powder charge recommended by the load data provided by Berry’s Manufacturing. The weather was sunny and mild, ideal for a comfortable range session.

The bullets fed smoothly from the magazine and chambered without issue. Accuracy at 25 yards was respectable, with groupings consistently within a 3-inch circle. There were no signs of excessive leading in the barrel after the first 50 rounds.

I was pleasantly surprised by the initial performance. These were easier to load and cleaner to shoot than my usual cast lead loads.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN have proven to be consistently reliable. I’ve put approximately 2000 rounds downrange with them. The durability has been excellent, with no signs of jacket separation or other issues.

Cleaning has been significantly easier compared to using cast lead bullets. There’s minimal lead fouling to remove from the barrel. This makes maintenance quick and simple.

These bullets have surpassed my expectations, especially considering their cost. They perform better than some of the more expensive plated bullets I’ve used in the past. They are a very solid performer.

Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN

Specifications

• The Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN are designed for use in the .38 Super cartridge. The .356 caliber ensures proper fit and function in firearms chambered for this round.
• They weigh 130 grains, a popular weight for .38 Super offering a good balance of velocity and manageable recoil. This weight is ideal for target shooting and competition.
• The round nose (RN) bullet profile is known for its reliable feeding characteristics in semi-automatic pistols. This design reduces the risk of malfunctions.

These specifications are crucial for reliable performance and accuracy. The caliber ensures proper chambering, the weight provides a balance of recoil and velocity, and the round nose promotes smooth feeding.

Performance & Functionality

The Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN perform admirably for their intended purpose. They provide consistent accuracy at reasonable distances and reliable cycling. Their performance is more than adequate for target practice and recreational shooting.

Their primary strength lies in their consistency and affordability. They are a cost-effective option for high-volume shooting. The biggest weakness is that they are not suited to high-pressure loads.

These bullets meet my expectations for a general-purpose plated bullet. They are perfect for everyday range use.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN is simple yet effective. The plating is consistently applied and the round nose shape is well-formed. The weight is consistent across the bullets in the box.

The build quality is good, with no noticeable imperfections. The bullets are easy to handle and load. The weight feels balanced when loading them.

Durability & Maintenance

These bullets are designed for moderate velocities and pressures. They will last a long time if loaded within recommended parameters. They are not meant for Magnum velocities.

Maintenance is minimal, as plated bullets reduce lead fouling. Simple cleaning of the barrel is sufficient. They are very easy to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

These bullets themselves don’t have accessories, but are a component for handloading. They are meant to be paired with appropriate brass, primers, and powder. The options for customization come through different powder and load combinations to tune to specific firearms.

They are compatible with most standard reloading equipment. They function perfectly with standard .38 Super loading dies.

Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN

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Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN?

These bullets are perfect for reloaders who are cost-conscious and enjoy target shooting, plinking, or action pistol sports where high velocities are not required. They are also an excellent choice for those seeking a cleaner shooting experience compared to cast lead bullets. They are perfect for casual reloaders.

This product is not ideal for hunters or those who require maximum stopping power and penetration. Reloaders pushing the .38 Super to its velocity limits should also skip these bullets, instead opting for jacketed bullets. They are not suitable for self-defense rounds where maximum penetration is needed.

A good set of reloading dies for .38 Super is a must-have, along with a reliable reloading manual with data specific to plated bullets. A chronograph to measure velocity is helpful in ensuring loads stay within the recommended range. A quality reloading press is essential.

Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN

The Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38 Super .356in 130 gr RN offer an excellent value proposition for reloaders seeking a reliable and affordable bullet. They consistently deliver good accuracy, clean shooting, and smooth feeding in semi-automatic pistols. The price is definitely justified for the performance.

I would personally recommend these bullets to any reloader looking for a cost-effective and enjoyable shooting experience. They strike an excellent balance between cost and performance. Try them out and see the difference for yourself!