Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP Review

First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP

For years, I’ve been handloading ammunition for various calibers, always seeking that perfect balance of accuracy, consistency, and cost-effectiveness. The Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP caught my eye as a potential solution for high-volume .38 Special and .357 Magnum target loads. I was specifically looking for a bullet that would minimize lead fouling in my revolvers while maintaining acceptable accuracy for recreational shooting.

My primary problem was the accumulation of lead in my .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers when using traditional cast lead bullets. This meant more frequent cleaning and a slight decrease in accuracy after extended shooting sessions. I wanted to reduce the amount of time spent cleaning and maintain optimal accuracy for longer periods during range sessions.

Upon receiving the package of Berry’s Manufacturing bullets, I was immediately impressed by the uniform appearance and consistent plating. The bullets were neatly organized, and the flat point design looked promising for clean, easy loading. My initial thought was that these looked like a great option for reducing lead fouling and improving my reloading efficiency.

I considered several other options, including coated lead bullets and jacketed bullets, but I ultimately chose the Berry’s Manufacturing plated bullets because of their reputation for affordability and ease of use. Coated bullets can sometimes be finicky with crimp, and jacketed bullets are significantly more expensive. The Berry’s Manufacturing bullets seemed to strike a good balance between cost, performance, and ease of use.

My first impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism; I was eager to see how these bullets would perform in my revolvers. I hoped they would live up to their reputation for reducing lead fouling and providing decent accuracy for target shooting. These looked like a winner straight out of the box!

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Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP at my local shooting range, using both a .38 Special Smith & Wesson Model 67 and a .357 Magnum Ruger GP100. The weather was mild and dry, ideal conditions for evaluating bullet performance. I loaded the bullets using a moderate charge of Hodgdon Universal powder, carefully adhering to Berry’s Manufacturing’s recommended load data.

The bullets loaded smoothly and consistently, with no signs of deformation during the seating and crimping process. I fired approximately 200 rounds through each revolver. Recoil was manageable, and the bullets seemed to stabilize well in flight.

The most immediate and noticeable difference was the dramatically reduced amount of lead fouling in both revolvers compared to when I used traditional cast lead bullets. Accuracy was acceptable for recreational target shooting, with groupings of around 3-4 inches at 25 yards with the .38 Special and slightly tighter groupings with the .357 Magnum. There were no major issues after the first use, just a positive experience and less time spent cleaning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP have proven to be a reliable and cost-effective option for my .38 Special and .357 Magnum target loads. I have now fired well over 2,000 rounds using these bullets, with consistent results. The plating has held up remarkably well, with minimal signs of wear and tear.

The only maintenance required is the occasional cleaning of my revolvers, which is significantly less frequent and easier than when using cast lead bullets. The reduction in lead fouling has made a noticeable difference in cleaning time and effort. These bullets have proven to be durable and easy to maintain over time.

These bullets outperform traditional cast lead bullets in terms of cleanliness and ease of maintenance, but they don’t quite match the accuracy of jacketed bullets. However, the cost savings and reduced cleaning time make them a worthwhile trade-off for my recreational shooting needs. I can safely say, this has been a great experience!

Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Berry’s Manufacturing
• Bullet Type: Flat Point (FP)
• Caliber: .38 Special, .357 Magnum
• Projectile Caliber: .357 Caliber
• Bullet Weight: 158 grains
• Bullet Diameter: .357 inches
• Bullet Material: Lead core with plated copper jacket
• Quantity: 1000 bullets

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the bullet’s performance, safety, and compatibility with firearms and reloading equipment. Using the correct bullet diameter is essential for accuracy and preventing leading in the barrel. The flat point design enhances energy transfer on impact, potentially making them suitable for certain hunting applications (though not primarily designed for that purpose).

Performance & Functionality

The Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP perform admirably in terms of accuracy and reliability for target shooting. They consistently produce groupings of 3-4 inches at 25 yards when fired from my .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. The flat point design aids in consistent feeding and reliable chambering.

A major strength is the reduced lead fouling compared to cast lead bullets, resulting in less frequent and easier cleaning. A minor weakness is that their accuracy is not quite on par with more expensive jacketed bullets. Overall, these bullets exceed expectations for target practice, making range time more enjoyable.

Design & Ergonomics

The bullets are well-designed and manufactured, with a consistent shape and a smooth, uniform plating. The Berry’s Manufacturing bullets have a lead core with a copper plated jacket. They are easy to handle during the reloading process, and their flat point design facilitates smooth seating and crimping. The weight (158 grain) is comfortable for extended shooting sessions in both .38 special and .357 Magnum loadings.

There is virtually no learning curve associated with these bullets; they are straightforward to load and use. Whether a novice reloader or an experienced marksman, these are a solid choice.

Durability & Maintenance

The plating on these bullets is surprisingly durable and holds up well to the pressures of reloading and firing. I anticipate that these bullets will last for many years, provided they are stored properly in a cool, dry place. The maintenance aspect is low and straightforward – store correctly and you are good to go!

The reduced lead fouling translates to less frequent and less intensive cleaning of the firearms, extending their lifespan and maintaining accuracy. In terms of maintenance, these projectiles truly shine!

Accessories and Customization Options

The Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP do not come with any specific accessories. However, they are compatible with a wide range of reloading dies and equipment designed for .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. They also work well with various powders and primers, allowing for significant customization of load data to achieve desired velocity and accuracy.

They are generally compatible with most standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. These projectiles are a great way to customize your target ammunition!

Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP

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Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP?

The Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP are perfect for recreational target shooters, reloaders seeking to reduce lead fouling, and individuals looking for a cost-effective alternative to jacketed bullets. These bullets will be a good match for those who enjoy high-volume shooting at the range. They’re an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease of cleaning and affordability over pinpoint accuracy.

Competitive shooters or hunters who require maximum accuracy should consider jacketed bullets instead. Those who are new to reloading should carefully follow Berry’s Manufacturing’s recommended load data and avoid excessive crimping. A good reloading manual and some patience are your best friends.

A reliable reloading press, accurate powder scale, and quality reloading dies are must-have accessories for working with these bullets. You may also want to consider a bullet puller in the event of a mistake.

Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP

Overall, the Berry’s Manufacturing Preferred Plated Pistol Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 158 gr FP offer an excellent balance of performance, affordability, and ease of use for .38 Special and .357 Magnum target shooting. The reduced lead fouling alone makes them a worthwhile investment. The listed price of $149.99 is justified considering the quantity and the benefits they offer.

I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a cost-effective and convenient way to reload .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition for recreational purposes. These are now my go-to projectiles for high-volume range sessions!

Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed!