Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets Review

First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets

The satisfying thwack of lead meeting steel is a sound any serious shooter knows and loves. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of reloading with a look at Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets, a component promising both affordability and reliable performance. Berry’s Manufacturing has been a respected name in the bullet world for decades, and I was eager to see how these plated projectiles measured up against my high expectations and the competition.

I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily for cost savings and the ability to tailor ammunition to specific firearms. Finding a bullet that balances cost, consistency, and availability is crucial, and I hoped these Berry’s Manufacturing bullets would fit the bill for my high-volume 9mm practice loads. These bullets immediately caught my eye because of their reputation for being accurate and clean-shooting.

Opening the box of 250 bullets, I was initially impressed by the uniform appearance and consistent plating. The bullets were neatly arranged and free of any obvious defects. Compared to some cheaper cast lead options I’ve used, the smooth, consistent plating of the Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets definitely stood out.

I’ve used bullets from Hornady and Speer extensively in the past. While those premium brands offer exceptional accuracy and consistency, their higher price point can make high-volume practice prohibitively expensive. My initial impression was positive – these Berry’s Manufacturing bullets seemed like a viable compromise between cost and quality, potentially offering a cost-effective solution for training and recreational shooting. I was excited and ready to test them.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the reloads incorporating the Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets was at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal conditions for testing. I loaded up several magazines for my Glock 19 and Springfield XD9, eager to see how these bullets performed across different platforms.

The first few magazines went smoothly, with consistent cycling and no immediate signs of keyholing or instability. Recoil felt comparable to factory loads, and the pistols seemed to eat through the reloads without complaint. There were no significant issues, and the bullets seemed stable upon initial inspection of the targets.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, I’ve put thousands of rounds of these Berry’s Manufacturing bullets downrange. They have proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve experienced no squib loads or other malfunctions directly attributable to the bullets themselves.

Wear and tear has been minimal. The plating has held up well during the reloading process and during firing, showing no signs of premature jacket separation or excessive fouling in my barrels. This is a welcome change from some cheaper plated bullets I’ve used in the past that tended to shed their plating quickly.

Maintenance has been straightforward. My cleaning routine remains unchanged, and I haven’t noticed any increase in lead fouling compared to using jacketed bullets. In comparison to my previous experiences with other plated and cast lead bullets, the Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets definitely outperform in terms of cleanliness and overall reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets

Specifications

The Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets are designed for reloading 9mm Luger ammunition. These bullets feature a full metal jacket (FMJ) plated design, offering a balance between the cost-effectiveness of lead bullets and the cleaner shooting characteristics of jacketed projectiles. They have a projectile caliber of .355 caliber.

These bullets weigh 124 grains, a common and versatile weight for 9mm, and are sold in boxes of 250. The jacket material is lead. The consistent weight and diameter are critical for achieving consistent velocities and accurate groupings, while the plated jacket helps reduce lead exposure and barrel fouling.

Performance & Functionality

The Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets perform admirably in their intended role as range ammunition. Accuracy is more than adequate for typical practice distances (7-25 yards). They provide tight groupings when loaded consistently and fired from a quality pistol.

The key strengths are their affordability and reliability. For high-volume shooters, the cost savings compared to jacketed bullets can be significant. A minor weakness lies in their limited suitability for high-pressure or magnum loads, as the plating may not hold up under extreme conditions. Overall, they meet and often exceed my expectations for practice ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional. The bullets are well-formed, with a smooth and consistent plating that minimizes friction during loading and firing. The bullets feel substantial in hand.

There is minimal learning curve. These bullets are easy to load using standard reloading techniques and equipment, making them accessible to both novice and experienced reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper loading and adherence to Berry’s Manufacturing’s recommended velocity limits, these bullets should last for thousands of rounds. The durability of the plating contributes to their longevity.

Maintenance is easy. Standard barrel cleaning procedures are sufficient to remove any residue.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories are included with the Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets, as they are a component for reloading. However, they are compatible with standard 9mm Luger reloading dies and equipment.

They can be paired with various powder types and primers to tailor the load to specific needs. While no customization options are directly available for the bullets themselves, the ability to adjust the powder charge allows for fine-tuning of velocity and recoil.

Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets

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Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets?

Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets are perfect for high-volume shooters looking to save money on practice ammunition. These are great for anyone involved in practical shooting sports, or those who frequently visit the range. They are also well-suited for reloaders who prioritize cleanliness and ease of use.

Competitive shooters seeking ultimate accuracy should probably skip this product. Anyone who is interested in pushing the boundaries of 9mm performance with high-pressure loads should also look elsewhere.

A must-have accessory would be a quality reloading manual with specific data for plated bullets. Careful attention to the recommended velocity limits is essential to prevent leading and ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets

In summary, the Berry’s Manufacturing 9mm Luger 124 Grain FMJ Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets offer an excellent balance of affordability, reliability, and performance. The value proposition is strong, especially for high-volume shooters who want to reduce their ammunition costs without sacrificing quality.

I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a cost-effective and reliable option for 9mm reloading. They’ve become a staple in my reloading setup, and I consistently reach for them when preparing for range trips. It’s time to stock up, hit the range, and experience the satisfying thwack of lead meeting steel!