Let’s Dive into Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2
The Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 is a plated bullet designed for reloading enthusiasts who demand accuracy and affordability. Manufactured by Berry’s Manufacturing, these bullets promise to deliver consistent performance without the lead fouling issues common with traditional cast bullets.
I’ve been handloading for over a decade, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my rounds’ accuracy and reduce costs. Jacketed bullets can be expensive, and lead bullets require careful handling to avoid leading in the barrel, which is what prompted me to try these plated bullets.
The first thing I noticed when I received the box was the consistent appearance of the bullets – clean, uniformly plated, and precisely formed. Each bullet weighed precisely what was advertised. My initial impression was of a well-manufactured product, ready to be loaded into some serious rounds. I was excited to see how they would perform. These looked superior to other plated bullets I have used.
Compared to traditional jacketed bullets, these are significantly more affordable, making them ideal for high-volume shooting. When compared to lead bullets, these offered a cleaner shooting experience. I selected the Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 over alternatives due to Berry’s Manufacturing’s reputation for quality and the positive reviews I’d read about their consistent plating.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded them into .40 S&W cases with a moderate powder charge, aiming for a velocity within Berry’s Manufacturing’s recommended range of up to 1250 fps.
The weather was slightly overcast, with a light breeze, presenting typical shooting conditions. I experienced reliable feeding and consistent cycling in my Glock 22. There were no noticeable issues such as excessive smoke or unburnt powder.
I was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy; groupings were tight and consistent at 25 yards. There was no leading in my barrel after the first 50 rounds. This was a notable improvement over my experiences with lead bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 bullets have held up admirably. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange with consistent results.
There’s been no noticeable wear on the plating, and my barrel remains clean with minimal effort. Cleaning is straightforward with standard bore solvent and brushes. They outperform lead bullets in terms of cleanliness and jacketed bullets in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Compared to my previous experiences with other plated bullets, the Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 stand out due to their consistent weight and plating thickness. I am very happy with their reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Berry’s Manufacturing. Known for their quality plated bullets.
- Bullet Type: Flat Nose (FN). The flat nose design enhances energy transfer upon impact.
- Bullet Weight: 180 grain. This is a popular weight for both .40 S&W and 10mm, offering a good balance of recoil and stopping power.
- Projectile Caliber: .40 Caliber (.401″). Specifically designed for .40 S&W and 10mm Auto cartridges.
- Bullet Quantity: 250 Bullets. Provides a decent supply for reloading sessions.
- Fabric/Material: Copper. Berry’s Manufacturing uses a quality copper plating over a lead core.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the performance of the bullet in terms of accuracy, recoil, and terminal ballistics. The Flat Nose design is particularly effective for target shooting and self-defense as it creates a larger wound channel compared to round-nose bullets.
Performance & Functionality
The Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 perform exceptionally well, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable performance. They provide tight groupings at moderate ranges.
These bullets offer a good balance of accuracy and affordability. The only potential drawback is that they are not designed for extremely high velocities (over 1250 fps), which might be a limitation for some 10mm enthusiasts seeking maximum power. They consistently meet my expectations for a plated bullet.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullets are well-formed, with a consistent plating thickness. Their weight is consistent and is an important factor in achieving uniform velocities and predictable trajectories.
The design is straightforward and functional, without any unnecessary frills. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets, aside from familiarizing oneself with reloading data.
Durability & Maintenance
The copper plating ensures that the Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 bullets are durable enough to withstand the stresses of firing without excessive wear. Assuming proper loading practices are followed, these bullets should provide a long lifespan of reliable performance.
Maintaining them is as simple as cleaning your firearm after use. There is no special care required for the bullets themselves.
Accessories and Customization Options
These bullets are compatible with standard .40 caliber reloading dies. You can experiment with different powder charges and seating depths to fine-tune your loads for optimal accuracy.
These bullets can be paired with various .40 S&W and 10mm Auto cases and primers. I have found that they work well with CCI primers.
Pros and Cons of Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2
Pros
- Cost-effective alternative to jacketed bullets, making high-volume shooting more affordable.
- Reduced lead fouling compared to traditional lead bullets, resulting in cleaner shooting and less barrel maintenance.
- Consistent accuracy for target shooting and practice.
- Easy to load with standard reloading equipment and data.
- Versatile for both .40 S&W and 10mm Auto cartridges.
Cons
- Velocity limitation: Not suitable for extremely high-velocity loads (over 1250 fps).
- Not ideal for hunting larger game due to the plated design.
Who Should Buy Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2?
Perfect for target shooters, recreational reloaders, and those seeking an affordable and cleaner alternative to lead bullets. These bullets are well-suited for practice and training.
Those seeking maximum velocity for hunting or self-defense applications with 10mm Auto might want to consider jacketed bullets instead.
A good reloading manual is a must-have accessory, along with a reliable powder scale and calipers.
Conclusion on Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2
The Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 are an excellent choice for reloaders looking for a cost-effective, accurate, and cleaner alternative to traditional bullets. Their consistent performance and ease of use make them a great option for target shooting and practice.
The price is certainly justified considering the cost savings compared to jacketed bullets and the reduced maintenance compared to lead bullets.
I would absolutely recommend these bullets to fellow reloaders. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable way to keep your .40 S&W or 10mm Auto fed, give the Berrys 99958 Superior Pistol .40 Cal/10mm .40 Cal/10mm .401 180 GR Flat Point 2 a try – you won’t be disappointed!