Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP Review

First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP

The .300 AAC Blackout has become a favorite of mine, especially for its versatility in both suppressed and unsuppressed platforms. As a handloader with over a decade of experience, finding cost-effective yet reliable components is always a priority, which is why I was keen to try the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP. These bullets promise a balance of affordability and acceptable performance for range training and plinking, filling a niche between premium match-grade projectiles and the absolute cheapest options available.

I was searching for a reliable, economical bullet to load for my AR-15 pistol chambered in .300 Blackout for practice. My typical load development is focused on accuracy, but I wanted to explore a more budget-conscious option for high-volume shooting.

Opening the box, my initial impression was positive: the bullets were neatly arranged and visually consistent. The total metal jacket soft point (TMJSP) design seemed clean and well-formed. Compared to Sierra MatchKing or Nosler AccuBond bullets, these are obviously not designed for ultimate precision; however, they presented as a step up from bulk FMJ projectiles. I had considered some cast lead bullets, but the mess and potential for leading in my suppressor steered me toward these plated projectiles.

I was initially excited by the potential for an affordable and usable .300 Blackout load. However, I also felt a bit skeptical about the performance of plated bullets in a rifle cartridge, especially regarding the stated maximum velocity of 1500 fps.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP at my local outdoor range on a mild, overcast day. I loaded 50 rounds using a moderate charge of Hodgdon H110, carefully monitoring the chronograph to stay within the stated 1500 fps velocity limit.

The initial results were… mixed. The rounds chambered smoothly, and the recoil was as expected for a .300 Blackout. However, the accuracy at 100 yards was noticeably worse than my standard load with Sierra MatchKing bullets, producing groupings around 3-4 inches. There were no signs of bullet instability or keyholing, but the precision was definitely lacking.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds loaded with the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP, I have a better understanding of their strengths and limitations. The bullets remain consistent in their dimensions and weight, which is crucial for reliable loading.

I have not observed any significant wear and tear on my firearm attributed to these bullets. Cleaning is straightforward, with no excessive fouling or leading in the barrel. These bullets did not outperform my usual load in terms of accuracy, but they did allow me to practice more frequently without breaking the bank, so it was a worthy trade-off.

Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP

Specifications

The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP are specifically designed for the .300 AAC Blackout cartridge. They have a .308 inch diameter and weigh 180 grains, making them suitable for subsonic and low-velocity supersonic loads.

The bullet type is a Plated Flat Point (PFP) with a total metal jacket soft point (TMJSP). This design offers a balance between reliable feeding, reduced leading, and controlled expansion, making them a decent choice for general-purpose shooting. The 1500 fps maximum velocity is a critical specification to adhere to, as exceeding this limit can lead to jacket separation and accuracy issues.

Performance & Functionality

The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP perform adequately for their intended purpose: economical range training and plinking. Accuracy is acceptable for close-range practice, but not ideal for precision shooting beyond 100 yards.

The bullets are reliable in terms of feeding and cycling in AR-15 platforms. The main weakness is their limited accuracy potential compared to higher-end projectiles. They meet the basic expectations for a budget-friendly bullet, but they do not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The plated flat point design is straightforward and functional. The bullets are easy to handle and load, with consistent dimensions that aid in the reloading process.

The weight is appropriate for .300 Blackout, contributing to stable flight at subsonic and low-supersonic velocities. There is no real learning curve; these are as easy to load as any other bullet.

Durability & Maintenance

These bullets are durable enough for their intended use, provided the maximum velocity is respected. The plating helps to reduce leading in the barrel.

Maintenance is minimal; standard cleaning procedures are sufficient. Expect these bullets to perform consistently for the duration of their use, provided they are loaded and fired within the specified parameters.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP are primarily intended for use in handloaded ammunition. They are compatible with standard reloading equipment and dies designed for .308 caliber bullets.

There are no specific accessories that come with these bullets. However, the performance can be optimized by carefully selecting powder, primers, and cases to achieve the desired velocity and accuracy. They are compatible with most AR-15 platforms chambered in .300 AAC Blackout, and they do not require any specialized modifications.

Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP

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Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP?

The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP are perfect for:

• High-volume shooters looking for a cost-effective option for range training.
• Reloaders seeking a reliable and affordable bullet for .300 AAC Blackout.
• Hobbyists experimenting with subsonic loads for suppressed firearms.

This product is not ideal for:

• Precision shooters demanding maximum accuracy at extended ranges.
• Hunters requiring controlled expansion and deep penetration for ethical kills.

A must-have accessory for these bullets is a reliable chronograph to carefully monitor velocity during load development.

Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP

The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 180 gr TMJSP offer a solid value proposition for reloaders seeking an economical option for their .300 Blackout rifles. While they may not deliver match-grade accuracy, their reliability, consistent dimensions, and reduced leading make them a practical choice for high-volume range training and plinking.

The price is certainly justified given the savings compared to premium bullets. I would recommend these bullets to anyone looking to practice more frequently without breaking the bank, understanding their limitations regarding ultimate precision. Give them a try and see if they fit your .300 Blackout needs!