First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC
For years, I’ve been meticulously handloading .45 ACP rounds, searching for the perfect balance of accuracy, affordability, and cleanliness. The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC promised to deliver on all fronts, offering a cost-effective, lead-free alternative to traditional jacketed or lead bullets. My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and skepticism; could a plated bullet truly match the performance of more expensive options?
I was looking for a bullet that would reduce lead fouling in my competition 1911, without sacrificing accuracy. Cleaning lead from a barrel after a long practice session can be tedious. The initial appeal of the Berry’s bullets was their potential to minimize this issue.
Upon opening the box, the bullets presented a clean, uniform appearance. The plating looked consistent across all 500 projectiles. I weighed a handful of bullets and found the weight to be very close to the advertised 200 grains, confirming good manufacturing control by Berry’s Manufacturing.
I had previously used lead semi-wadcutters and jacketed hollow points. My decision to try these Berry’s bullets stemmed from the desire for a cleaner shooting experience. I was hoping for less fouling and smoke compared to lead, and a lower cost compared to jacketed.
I was cautiously optimistic. They certainly looked the part, but the true test would be how they performed downrange. Only then would I know if they lived up to the “Superior” claim and justified the $104.79 price tag.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC was at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded up several magazines with my carefully crafted loads, using a moderate charge of Hodgdon Universal powder. I wanted to find a sweet spot for accuracy and consistent cycling in my 1911.
The weather was slightly damp, with a light drizzle falling, but this didn’t deter me. These bullets performed admirably. The initial groups at 25 yards were surprisingly tight.
I found these bullets remarkably easy to load. The consistent diameter and smooth plating ensured smooth feeding through my Dillon reloading press. There were no noticeable issues with bullet seating or crimping.
I was pleasantly surprised. The accuracy was on par with some of the jacketed bullets I’d used, and the lack of lead fouling was immediately apparent. The only surprise was how little smoke there was compared to lead bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, I can confidently say that the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC have become a staple in my reloading bench. I have put several thousand rounds downrange. They have performed consistently across a range of loads.
I have experienced no issues with the plating separating or the bullets deforming during firing. The accuracy remains consistent. This speaks to their durability.
Cleaning my 1911 after a shooting session is now significantly easier. The reduced lead fouling translates to less time spent scrubbing and more time enjoying the sport. Maintenance is minimal, I just use my standard cleaning solutions and regimen.
These bullets have surpassed my expectations. They deliver excellent accuracy and cleanliness at a reasonable price. This makes them an outstanding choice for high-volume practice and casual competition.
Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC
Specifications
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC are .452 caliber projectiles. They are designed for use in .45 ACP and similar cartridges. Each bullet weighs 200 grains. This is a common weight for .45 ACP, offering a good balance of recoil and energy.
The bullets are of the Plated Flat Point (PFP) type, also known as a semi-wadcutter (SWC). This design is known for its excellent accuracy and clean hole punching in paper targets. The Berry’s bullets are rated to withstand velocities up to 1250 fps. It is important to stay within this velocity range to prevent plating separation.
The bullets come in boxes of 500. This is ideal for high-volume shooters and reloaders. Berry’s Manufacturing uses a swaging and plating process. They ensure consistent weight and dimensions.
These specifications contribute to a bullet that is accurate, easy to reload, and clean to shoot. Staying within the velocity limits ensures consistent performance and prevents any issues with the plating. The quantity per box makes them economical for frequent shooters.
Performance & Functionality
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC perform admirably in their intended role. They offer excellent accuracy for practice and competition. The consistent weight and dimensions contribute to predictable trajectories.
The bullets feed reliably in my 1911 and other .45 ACP pistols. I’ve tested them in several different guns. I experienced no malfunctions related to the bullet design.
The primary strength is the combination of accuracy and reduced lead fouling. This makes for a more enjoyable and cleaner shooting experience. The main weakness is the velocity limitation. Higher-powered loads may cause plating separation and reduced accuracy.
They meet and exceed my expectations for a plated bullet. I was hoping for a cleaner and more affordable alternative to jacketed bullets. These bullets deliver on both fronts.
Design & Ergonomics
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC are well-designed and manufactured. The consistent dimensions make them easy to handle and reload. The plating is smooth and uniform.
The bullets are user-friendly. They require no special handling or loading techniques. I found them very similar to jacketed bullets in terms of reloading process.
Durability & Maintenance
The bullets themselves are durable. They hold up well during reloading and firing. The plating is resistant to chipping or flaking.
The reduced lead fouling translates to less maintenance for the firearm. This is a significant advantage over traditional lead bullets. I spend less time cleaning my barrel and more time shooting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC do not come with any accessories. However, they are compatible with standard .45 ACP reloading dies. This allows for easy customization of loads.
They can be used with a wide range of powders and primers. This provides flexibility in tailoring loads to specific firearms and shooting preferences. The bullets are also compatible with various crimping methods. This further enhances their versatility.
Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: These bullets deliver consistent and tight groupings at typical handgun ranges. This makes them ideal for practice and competition.
- Reduced Lead Fouling: The plating significantly reduces lead buildup in the barrel. This results in easier cleaning and maintenance.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to jacketed bullets, these plated bullets offer a more affordable option for high-volume shooting.
- Easy to Reload: The consistent dimensions and smooth plating make them easy to handle and reload. This saves time and effort.
- Versatile: Compatible with a wide range of powders, primers, and crimping methods. This allows for customized loads.
Cons
- Velocity Limitation: The 1250 fps velocity limit restricts their use in high-powered loads. Exceeding this limit can cause plating separation and reduced accuracy.
- Not Suitable for Magnum Loads: They are not designed for use in magnum cartridges. They are specifically designed for standard handgun loads.
Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC?
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC are perfect for high-volume shooters and reloaders. They are ideal for those seeking an accurate and cost-effective bullet with reduced lead fouling. They are also suitable for competitive shooters in disciplines like IPSC and USPSA, where accuracy and reliability are paramount.
Those who primarily load high-powered .45 ACP rounds or magnum handgun cartridges should skip this product. These bullets are not designed for such applications. Also, those seeking maximum terminal performance for self-defense may prefer jacketed hollow point bullets.
A must-have accessory is a reliable reloading press. This allows users to take full advantage of the cost savings offered by reloading their own ammunition with the Berry’s bullets. Also, a quality bullet seating die is recommended to ensure consistent seating depth and accuracy.
Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC offer an outstanding value proposition. They combine excellent accuracy, reduced lead fouling, and ease of reloading at a reasonable price. They have become my go-to bullet for .45 ACP practice and competition loads.
The price of $104.79 for 500 bullets is justified by the performance and cost savings in the long run. The reduced cleaning time and lower cost compared to jacketed bullets make them a worthwhile investment. This product is well worth the price.
I would personally recommend these bullets to any .45 ACP shooter looking for a cleaner, more affordable, and accurate reloading option. If you are looking to improve your shooting experience, I recommend you try these bullets. They are a definite buy.