Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets Review

First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets

For years, I’ve been a dedicated .45 ACP enthusiast, reloading countless rounds for both competition and casual range days. My focus has always been on achieving the best possible accuracy and reliability, while keeping costs reasonable. The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets promised a balance of affordability and performance, intriguing me with their claim of swaged and plated construction for enhanced accuracy.

My own pursuit for consistent, cost-effective .45 ACP rounds led me to these bullets. Frustrated with the high cost of jacketed bullets and the messiness of cast lead, I sought a cleaner, more economical solution for high-volume shooting.

Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the organized packaging of the 250 bullets. The bullets themselves appeared uniform in size and shape, a critical factor for consistent reloading. Compared to traditional cast lead bullets, the plating looked incredibly clean, promising a reduction in lead fouling in my barrels. I had been considering other plated bullets from X-Treme Bullets and RMR, but the Berry’s Manufacturing reputation and price point swayed my decision. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if these bullets could live up to their claims on the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, under typical sunny conditions. I loaded up several batches of ammunition using a consistent powder charge and primer combination, focusing on replicating my go-to load for target practice. I used both a 1911 and a Glock 21 to gauge performance across different platforms. The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets loaded smoothly and seated well in the cases, showing no signs of deformation during the reloading process.

The first few magazines proved promising, with felt recoil similar to my usual jacketed loads. Accuracy at 25 yards was respectable, holding a consistent 3-inch group with both pistols. There were no signs of leading in the barrels after the first 50 rounds, a significant improvement over my experience with cast lead bullets.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and hundreds of rounds, the Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets have proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The plating has held up well, with minimal signs of wear or separation after repeated loading and firing. Cleaning my barrels has become significantly easier, requiring less scrubbing to remove residue compared to lead bullets.

The consistency of these bullets has been a noticeable improvement over some other plated options I’ve tried. While not match-grade accurate, they are more than sufficient for range practice and recreational shooting. Compared to my experience with jacketed bullets, the Berry’s Manufacturing offering provides comparable performance at a significantly lower cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets

Specifications

The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets offer specific features tailored for reloading enthusiasts. These bullets are designed for pistol use and are .45 caliber, weighing 200 grains each. The Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet type is technically incorrect; these are plated bullets, not FMJ.

The SAAMI MAX COL (Cartridge Overall Length) is 1.275 inches, a crucial measurement for ensuring proper feeding and function in .45 ACP firearms. They are designed to withstand velocities up to 1250 fps, providing a wide margin for safe reloading.

Performance & Functionality

These bullets perform admirably in a variety of .45 ACP pistols, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable feeding. While not intended for competition-level precision, they are perfectly suitable for general range use and practice. The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets offer a balance of affordability and performance that makes them ideal for high-volume shooting.

A noticeable strength is the reduced leading in barrels compared to traditional cast lead bullets. However, they may not achieve the same level of accuracy as premium jacketed bullets at longer ranges. They meet my expectations for a cost-effective and reliable plated bullet, offering a cleaner shooting experience than lead.

Design & Ergonomics

The swaged and plated construction provides a smooth and consistent bullet profile, essential for easy loading and proper seating in the case. The plating is thick enough to prevent leading, but not so thick as to significantly increase the bullet’s diameter or cost. Their weight and profile are well-suited for the .45 ACP cartridge, offering manageable recoil and good ballistic performance.

The rounded nose profile ensures smooth feeding in a wide range of .45 ACP pistols, including 1911s and modern polymer-framed guns. I found them easy to handle during the reloading process, showing no deformation or damage when properly seated.

Durability & Maintenance

These bullets are designed to withstand the pressures and friction of firing, without excessive wear on the plating. Proper reloading techniques are essential to prevent damage to the plating and ensure optimal performance. Regular cleaning of the firearm is still necessary, but the reduced leading significantly simplifies the process. With proper care and reloading practices, they should provide consistent performance over many reloads.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets are primarily components for reloading and don’t have accessories in the traditional sense. Reloading dies, powder, primers, and a reloading press are essential for creating ammunition with these bullets. The .45 ACP cartridge is highly customizable, allowing for a wide range of powder charges and bullet seating depths to fine-tune performance.

These bullets are compatible with most standard .45 ACP reloading equipment. Handloading manuals provide specific load data for various powders and bullet weights, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences and firearm characteristics.

Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets

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Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets?

Perfect for reloaders who enjoy casual target practice or action pistol shooting. These bullets are ideal for anyone seeking a cost-effective and cleaner alternative to cast lead bullets in their .45 ACP handloads.

Anyone prioritizing match-grade accuracy at longer ranges or those who typically load very high-pressure rounds should skip these bullets and opt for jacketed alternatives.

A quality reloading press, .45 ACP reloading dies, and a reliable powder scale are must-have accessories for using these bullets effectively. A light crimp is essential to secure the bullet in the case without damaging the plating.

Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets

The Berry’s Manufacturing .45 Caliber 200 Grain Superior Plated Handgun Bullets offer a compelling value proposition for reloaders seeking a balance of affordability, cleanliness, and performance. The price is absolutely justified.

I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a cost-effective and reliable option for high-volume .45 ACP shooting. Give these bullets a try and experience the benefits of plated bullet reloading.