First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose
I’ve been reloading ammunition for over a decade, primarily focusing on .45 ACP. I’ve tested countless bullets, from cast lead to jacketed hollow points, always chasing that perfect balance of accuracy, affordability, and reliability. When I came across the Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose, I was intrigued.
I was looking for a consistent, reliable bullet for high-volume target practice and casual competition. Cast lead bullets can be messy, and jacketed hollow points are often overkill (and expensive) for simple range work. Berry’s plated bullets seemed like a good compromise. I wanted something that would feed reliably in my 1911s and give me decent accuracy without breaking the bank.
The bullets arrived in a sturdy cardboard box containing 500 projectiles. My initial impression was positive; they looked clean, uniform, and well-plated. The copper plating appeared consistent across all the bullets I inspected, and the round nose profile was exactly what I needed for smooth feeding. The weight felt accurate as well, after spot checking a few random samples on my digital scale.
Compared to the traditional cast lead bullets I’ve used, the Berry’s Manufacturing bullets felt cleaner to handle. Compared to jacketed bullets, they promised to be easier on my barrel. I chose these over cast lead due to the mess of lead fouling and over jacketed due to cost considerations for the volume I shoot. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see how they would perform on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose bullets at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded them with a moderate charge of Hodgdon Titegroup powder, using CCI large pistol primers in mixed brass cases. The goal was to achieve a velocity around 850 fps.
The weather was clear and mild, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. I tested the rounds in two different 1911 pistols: a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec and a Colt Series 70. Both pistols have proven reliable with a variety of ammunition. The bullets fed flawlessly in both pistols, with no failures to feed or eject. Accuracy was acceptable for my purposes, producing groupings of around 3-4 inches at 25 yards.
I did notice some slight leading in the barrel of the Springfield after the first 50 rounds. This was surprising, considering the copper plating. I made sure to clean the barrel thoroughly after the session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and reloading several hundred of these bullets, I have a better sense of their reliability. The initial leading issue seems to have subsided, perhaps due to a slight adjustment in my crimp. I’ve continued to experience consistent feeding in both 1911s, and accuracy has remained stable.
The copper plating has held up well, showing no signs of significant wear or flaking. The bullets have remained easy to handle and load, and cleaning my firearms after range sessions hasn’t been noticeably more difficult than with other types of ammunition. The maintenance is essentially the same as jacketed rounds, significantly easier than cleaning up after cast lead.
Compared to my previous experiences with cast lead bullets, the Berry’s Manufacturing bullets offer a cleaner and more pleasant reloading and shooting experience. While jacketed bullets may offer slightly tighter groupings, the cost savings and acceptable accuracy of these plated bullets make them a worthwhile trade-off for high-volume target practice.
Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Berry’s Manufacturing. They are a well-known manufacturer of plated bullets, respected for their quality and consistency.
- Bullet Type: Round Nose (RN). The round nose profile is known for its reliable feeding characteristics in a variety of firearms.
- Projectile Caliber: .452 Caliber. This is the standard diameter for .45 ACP ammunition, ensuring compatibility with most .45 ACP firearms.
- Weight: 200 grains. This weight is a popular choice for .45 ACP, offering a good balance of recoil and accuracy.
- Material: Copper plated lead. The lead core provides weight and the copper plating reduces lead fouling and allows for higher velocities than bare lead.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and user experience. The round nose profile ensures reliable feeding, the .452 caliber ensures compatibility, and the 200-grain weight offers a good balance of recoil and accuracy. The copper plating is crucial for reducing lead fouling and allowing for cleaner shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose bullets perform their job admirably for target practice and casual shooting. They offer acceptable accuracy, consistent feeding, and a cleaner shooting experience compared to cast lead bullets. They are not match-grade bullets, but they are more than sufficient for recreational shooting.
The strengths of these bullets are their reliability and affordability. Their weaknesses might be if you demand benchrest accuracy. They meet my expectations for a reliable, cost-effective target bullet.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these bullets is simple and functional. The round nose profile and smooth copper plating contribute to their reliable feeding and ease of handling. The weight is comfortable to load, and they are not messy to handle.
They are extremely user-friendly; no special tools or techniques are required for reloading them. The design is based on well-established bullet designs, making them a reliable and known quantity.
Durability & Maintenance
The copper plating seems reasonably durable, preventing excessive lead fouling in the barrel. These bullets are easy to maintain as they do not require any special cleaning or handling procedures beyond what is standard for reloading. With proper loading techniques, I expect them to last for years, as they are consumed during shooting.
The bullet plating is more durable than bare lead, but not as durable as full metal jacketed bullets. This makes them a good compromise for cost and fouling management.
Accessories and Customization Options
These are bullets, so there aren’t accessories in the traditional sense. However, they are compatible with standard .45 ACP reloading equipment, including dies, presses, and powder measures. They can also be used with a variety of .45 ACP firearms, including 1911s, revolvers, and carbines (if such a thing existed).
They work with all standard .45 ACP reloading components and firearms. This makes them easily customizable to different load recipes.
Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose
Pros
- Affordable: Significantly cheaper than jacketed bullets, making them ideal for high-volume shooting.
- Reliable Feeding: The round nose profile ensures smooth feeding in a variety of firearms.
- Cleaner Shooting: The copper plating reduces lead fouling compared to cast lead bullets.
- Easy to Reload: Compatible with standard .45 ACP reloading equipment and techniques.
- Acceptable Accuracy: Provides good accuracy for target practice and casual competition.
Cons
- Not Match Grade: May not provide the extreme accuracy required for serious competition.
- Plating Limitations: Over-crimping or excessively high velocities can damage the copper plating.
Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose?
These bullets are perfect for reloaders who enjoy high-volume target practice, casual competition shooters, and anyone looking for a cost-effective and reliable .45 ACP bullet. They are an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the mess of cast lead bullets without paying the premium price of jacketed bullets.
Those who demand match-grade accuracy or those who push their reloads to the extreme high end of the velocity spectrum might want to skip this product. They will need to use match grade jacketed bullets.
A must-have accessory for reloading these bullets is a good quality reloading manual to determine safe and effective powder charges. A chronograph is also helpful for verifying bullet velocities and ensuring that they are within safe limits.
Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose
The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose bullets offer an excellent balance of affordability, reliability, and performance for target practice and casual shooting. At $102.65 for 500, the price is definitely justified. I find the value in its consistency and cleanliness.
I would personally recommend these bullets to any .45 ACP reloader looking for a cost-effective and reliable option for high-volume shooting. They are a great way to save money without sacrificing too much performance.
If you’re ready to start saving money and enjoying cleaner, more reliable target practice, give Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Cal. (.452) 200gr Round Nose bullets a try! You won’t be disappointed.