First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, focusing primarily on firearms and ammunition. My journey has taken me from competitive shooting to advising law enforcement on their gear selections. Today, I’m turning my critical eye towards the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN, a popular choice for reloaders seeking a balance of performance and economy.
I was looking for a reliable and cost-effective bullet for high-volume 9mm training. Jacket rounds can get expensive, and I wanted to avoid the mess and potential leading issues associated with cast lead bullets. So, I decided to give the Berry’s Manufacturing plated bullets a try.
My first impression was positive; the bullets were neatly packaged and visually consistent. The plating appeared even and well-applied, a critical factor for consistent accuracy and preventing leading. These looked a step above the average plated bullet.
I’ve used similar plated bullets from other manufacturers like Xtreme Bullets and RMR Bullets. I chose the Berry’s Manufacturing due to their reputation for quality and their readily available stock during a recent ammunition component shortage. I also appreciated the straightforward and honest marketing from Berry’s Manufacturing.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Plated bullets have sometimes gotten a bad reputation for accuracy compared to jacketed bullets, but I hoped that the “Superior Plated” moniker meant these would perform admirably.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was typical for the Pacific Northwest: overcast with a slight drizzle. I loaded the bullets using a progressive press and a moderate charge of a popular pistol powder, adhering to Berry’s Manufacturing’s recommended velocity limits.
The initial loads cycled flawlessly through my Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, and CZ P-10 C pistols. Recoil was manageable, and felt similar to factory 115-grain FMJ rounds. Accuracy at 15 yards was promising, producing groupings of around 3 inches from a standing unsupported position.
I did notice some initial smoke, more than with jacketed rounds. It wasn’t excessive, but noticeable. This could have been from the lubricant I used during reloading.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several hundred rounds, the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN have proven to be consistently reliable. I’ve used them in various training scenarios, from static range practice to more dynamic drills involving movement and multiple targets. There were no malfunctions attributed to the bullets.
After approximately 1000 rounds, there is no noticeable wear and tear on the bullets themselves. My barrels also remain remarkably clean; I’ve experienced no leading whatsoever. This speaks volumes about the quality of the plating.
Compared to my previous experiences with cast lead bullets, these are a massive improvement in terms of cleanliness and convenience. I also find their accuracy comparable to some budget-friendly jacketed rounds. They are a good value proposition for practice ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN
Specifications
- Bullet Type: Round Nose (RN). This shape promotes smooth feeding in most 9mm handguns.
- Projectile Caliber: .356 Caliber. This is the standard diameter for 9mm Luger ammunition.
- Weight: 135 grains. Heavier bullets can offer more manageable recoil and potentially improved accuracy at longer ranges.
- Plating: Superior Plated. Berry’s Manufacturing claims this plating process provides a thicker and more consistent coating than standard plated bullets.
- Velocity Limit: 1250 fps. It is critical to stay within this velocity range to prevent the plating from separating and causing accuracy issues.
These specifications translate to a reliable, accurate, and clean-shooting experience, provided the reloader adheres to the recommended velocity limits. The round nose design ensures smooth feeding, while the heavier weight offers a comfortable shooting experience.
Performance & Functionality
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN perform admirably for their intended purpose: high-volume practice and target shooting. Accuracy is consistent and acceptable for most training purposes. Functionality is excellent, with smooth feeding and reliable cycling in various 9mm handguns.
Their strength lies in their cost-effectiveness and cleanliness compared to lead bullets. The primary weakness is the velocity limitation; exceeding this limit can lead to accuracy degradation and potential damage to the firearm. They meet my expectations for a practice bullet; they offer good accuracy at a reasonable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The round nose design is simple but effective, contributing to reliable feeding. The plating is even and well-applied. The weight of 135 grains is a good compromise between recoil and accuracy.
These bullets are easy to handle during the reloading process and present no issues with seating or crimping. The consistent shape and weight contribute to a user-friendly reloading experience. There is minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN, when loaded within their velocity limits, exhibit excellent durability. I anticipate them lasting indefinitely when properly stored. Maintenance is minimal; simply store them in a cool, dry place.
These bullets don’t require any special cleaning or handling procedures beyond standard reloading practices. Their plated design significantly reduces barrel fouling, making cleaning easier than with lead bullets. They are designed to last.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN themselves don’t require any specific accessories. Reloading dies, primers, powder, and a reloading press are required to load them into ammunition. These bullets are compatible with standard 9mm reloading equipment.
There are no customization options available for the bullets themselves beyond adjusting the powder charge and overall cartridge length (within SAAMI specifications). This allows for some fine-tuning of the ammunition’s performance. You can experiment with different powders to achieve optimal performance.
Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN
Pros
- Affordable: Significantly cheaper than jacketed bullets for high-volume shooting.
- Clean Shooting: Minimal leading compared to cast lead bullets, reducing barrel cleaning frequency.
- Reliable: Consistent weight and dimensions ensure smooth feeding and cycling in most 9mm handguns.
- Good Accuracy: Acceptable accuracy for practice and target shooting when loaded properly.
- Easy to Reload: Simple round nose design simplifies the reloading process.
Cons
- Velocity Limit: Exceeding 1250 fps can compromise accuracy and potentially damage the firearm.
- Not Ideal for High-Pressure Loads: Not suitable for +P or +P+ ammunition due to the plated design.
Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN?
These bullets are perfect for high-volume recreational shooters and training. Those seeking an affordable and clean-shooting alternative to jacketed or lead bullets for practice will benefit greatly. They are also good for reloaders looking for a cost-effective and reliable bullet for standard-pressure 9mm loads.
Individuals requiring ammunition for self-defense or competitive shooting should skip this product. They should opt for jacketed hollow points or match-grade jacketed bullets respectively. These are designed for specific applications that plated bullets aren’t optimized for.
A quality reloading manual and chronograph are must-have accessories for reloaders using these bullets. It’s critical to stay within the recommended velocity limits to ensure safe and accurate shooting. Accurate load data is crucial for consistent performance.
Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Handgun Bullets 9mm .356in 135 gr RN offer an excellent balance of affordability, reliability, and cleanliness for high-volume 9mm shooting. They are a great choice for reloaders seeking a cost-effective alternative to jacketed bullets for practice and target shooting. However, it is essential to adhere to Berry’s Manufacturing’s velocity limits to maintain accuracy and prevent potential damage to the firearm.
The price is definitely justified for the amount of ammunition you can produce compared to using more expensive jacketed bullets. They provide consistent performance at a fraction of the cost.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to fellow reloaders looking for a budget-friendly option for practice and training. Load them carefully, stay within the velocity limits, and enjoy the cost savings. Start reloading today and experience the benefits!