First Impressions of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP
The .300 AAC Blackout round has always been a favorite of mine, a subsonic powerhouse perfect for suppressed rifles. Finding the right bullet for reloading this caliber can be a quest, and I was particularly intrigued by the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP as a potentially economical option for high-volume shooting.
I’d been facing a problem: the rising cost of jacketed projectiles for .300 Blackout, making plinking and training increasingly expensive. I needed a more affordable solution for subsonic loads without sacrificing too much in terms of accuracy. I was specifically looking for a bullet that was easy to load, consistent in weight and diameter, and suitable for suppressed fire.
Opening the box, the first thing that struck me was the sheer quantity of bullets – 500 in total. The Berry’s Manufacturing bullets appeared consistently formed, with a uniform plating and a clean, flat point. The weight felt substantial, reassuring for a 220-grain projectile designed for subsonic performance.
Compared to Hornady A-MAX or Sierra MatchKing bullets (both significantly pricier), the Berry’s bullets lacked the sleek, pointed profile of a match-grade projectile. However, they appeared well-suited for their intended purpose: reliable, affordable subsonic rounds. I chose these over the fully jacketed options in a similar price range because I wanted to experiment with the semi-jacketed flat point design and see how it performed in terms of accuracy and expansion at subsonic velocities.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The bullets looked well-made for their intended purpose, and the price was certainly attractive. I was eager to get to the range and see how they performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test took place at my local outdoor shooting range on a relatively calm, sunny day. I loaded the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP into my AR-15 pistol chambered in .300 Blackout, equipped with a suppressor.
The bullets loaded smoothly and seated easily in the cases. At 50 yards, the initial groups were promising, hovering around 2-2.5 inches with my initial load workup. No keyholing was observed, indicating good stability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing, I’ve put several hundred rounds of the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP downrange. The performance has been consistently acceptable for my intended use of recreational shooting and training.
I haven’t observed any significant signs of wear and tear on my firearm, which is a testament to the consistent plating of the bullets. Cleaning has been straightforward; no excessive fouling or leading was noted. Compared to my experience with more expensive jacketed projectiles, the accuracy isn’t quite as pinpoint, but the Berry’s bullets offer a significant cost savings while maintaining adequate performance for their intended purpose.
Breaking Down the Features of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Berry’s Manufacturing produces these bullets, a well-known name in the reloading community. Berry’s is known for providing cost-effective solutions for reloaders.
- Bullet Type: Plated Flat Point (PFP) refers to the construction and shape. This means the lead core is encased in a copper plating, with a flat point design.
- Caliber: .300 AAC Blackout, designed specifically for this popular cartridge. This ensures proper fit and function in .300 Blackout firearms.
- Projectile Caliber: .30 Caliber, indicating the diameter of the bullet itself. This is the standard diameter for .300 Blackout projectiles.
- Bullet Quantity: 500 Bullets per box, offering a good supply for high-volume reloaders. This bulk quantity makes it an economical choice.
- Velocity: 1300 fps (maximum), this bullet is designed to be used for subsonic loads. Exceeding this velocity may cause the plating to fail.
These specifications are important because they dictate the bullet’s suitability for the .300 Blackout cartridge, especially for subsonic applications. The plated construction allows for reduced cost compared to traditional jacketed bullets, while the flat point design can potentially improve terminal performance at subsonic velocities.
Performance & Functionality
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP performs admirably for its intended purpose: providing a reliable and affordable option for subsonic .300 Blackout loads. Accuracy is acceptable, not match-grade, but sufficient for recreational shooting and training out to 100 yards.
The main strength is its cost-effectiveness, allowing for more frequent range trips without breaking the bank. The primary weakness is the velocity limitation; exceeding 1300 fps can lead to plating separation and decreased accuracy. It meets my expectations as a budget-friendly option for high-volume subsonic shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullets are consistently formed and easy to handle during the reloading process. The uniform plating contributes to smooth feeding and consistent seating in the case.
The bullets feel substantial and well-balanced in hand, which translates to consistent loading. There is minimal learning curve, even for novice reloaders.
Durability & Maintenance
These bullets are designed for target shooting and training, not extreme conditions. However, the consistent plating seems to hold up well during normal use and reloading.
Minimal maintenance is required beyond proper cleaning of the firearm after use. The bullets themselves require no special care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP doesn’t come with any accessories. However, as reloading components, they are compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment, including presses, dies, and powder measures.
The bullets are also compatible with standard .300 Blackout magazines and AR-15 platforms. Compatibility with other accessories, like different primers and powders, depends on the reloader’s specific load development.
Pros and Cons of Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP
Pros
- Affordable Price: Significantly cheaper than jacketed projectiles, making it ideal for high-volume shooting.
- Consistent Quality: Uniform plating and weight contribute to reliable loading and performance.
- Subsonic Performance: Designed specifically for subsonic .300 Blackout loads, ensuring quiet and stable flight.
- Easy to Load: The bullets are easy to handle and seat during the reloading process.
- Readily Available: Berry’s Manufacturing bullets are generally easy to find online and in stores.
Cons
- Velocity Limitation: The 1300 fps maximum velocity restricts its use to subsonic applications only.
- Lower Accuracy: Not as accurate as match-grade jacketed bullets, particularly at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP?
These bullets are perfect for .300 Blackout reloaders seeking an economical option for high-volume target shooting and training. They are also well-suited for those who primarily shoot suppressed and are looking for reliable subsonic performance.
Those who prioritize pinpoint accuracy or need to load .300 Blackout rounds for hunting or long-range shooting should probably skip this product. Someone looking for a bullet that can be loaded to supersonic velocities should also look elsewhere. Must-have accessories include high-quality reloading dies and a reliable powder measure for consistent loads.
Conclusion on Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP
Overall, the Berry’s Manufacturing Superior Plated Rifle Bullets .300 AAC Blackout .308in 220 gr TMJSP offer a compelling value proposition for .300 Blackout reloaders. The price is definitely justified for shooters looking to save money on subsonic loads.
I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone seeking an affordable and reliable option for high-volume shooting and training with their .300 Blackout. These are a great addition to any reloader’s bench looking to maximize their range time.