Berry's Manufacturing is a well-known name in the reloading community, particularly for their wide selection of affordable lead bullets. This article focuses specifically on their popular 9mm 124-grain bullets, examining their characteristics, applications, and considerations for reloaders.
Understanding Berry's 9mm 124gr Lead Bullets
Berry's 9mm 124gr bullets are cast lead projectiles designed for handgun reloading. Their affordability makes them a popular choice for high-volume shooters and reloaders on a budget. However, understanding their properties and limitations is crucial for safe and effective use.
Key Features and Specifications:
- Material: Cast lead. This inherently makes them softer than jacketed bullets, impacting their suitability for certain applications.
- Weight: 124 grains (a common weight for 9mm ammunition, offering a balance of accuracy and power).
- Diameter: Typically .356 inches (slightly larger than the bore diameter, allowing for proper lead bullet sizing).
- Design: Often available in round nose (RN) or flat point (FP) designs. RN bullets are generally versatile, while FP bullets can offer improved accuracy and potentially reduced leading in some barrels.
Advantages of Using Berry's 9mm 124gr Bullets:
- Cost-Effective: Lead bullets are significantly cheaper than jacketed bullets, making them a budget-friendly option for practicing and high-volume shooting.
- Accuracy Potential: When properly loaded and sized, these bullets can deliver respectable accuracy.
- Wide Availability: Berry's bullets are readily available from numerous online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
Disadvantages and Considerations:
- Lead Toxicity: Handling lead bullets requires proper safety precautions, including the use of gloves and thorough hand washing. Lead exposure can be harmful.
- Softness: The softness of lead bullets can lead to increased leading in the barrel, requiring more frequent cleaning. Some barrels are more prone to leading than others.
- Limited Applications: Lead bullets are generally not suitable for use in some firearms, and may not perform well in high-pressure applications or with certain powders.
Reloading with Berry's 9mm 124gr Bullets: A Practical Guide
Successful reloading with Berry's 9mm 124gr bullets hinges on several key factors:
Proper Sizing and Lubrication:
- Sizing: Using a suitable bullet sizing die is essential. This ensures the bullet's diameter is consistent and fits the firearm's bore.
- Lubrication: Proper lubrication is crucial to reduce friction during loading and prevent leading. Various bullet lubricants are available.
Powder Selection and Charge Weight:
- Powder Choice: Selecting the appropriate powder is critical for safe and reliable performance. Consult reloading manuals for recommended powder types and charge weights. Always use a reputable reloading manual and adhere strictly to its guidelines.
- Starting Loads: Always start with the minimum recommended charge weight in your reloading manual and work up gradually.
Case Preparation and Priming:
- Case Preparation: Proper case preparation, including cleaning, resizing, and priming, is essential for consistent results.
- Primer Selection: Use appropriate primers for your chosen powder and firearm.
Safety Precautions:
- Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when reloading.
- Work in a clean, well-ventilated area.
- Never exceed the maximum recommended charge weight in your reloading manual.
- Dispose of lead safely and responsibly.
Conclusion:
Berry's 9mm 124gr lead bullets offer a cost-effective option for reloaders, particularly those practicing or shooting large volumes. However, their use requires careful attention to safety procedures and appropriate reloading techniques. By following proper safety guidelines and consulting reliable reloading manuals, reloaders can safely and effectively utilize Berry's bullets to enjoy accurate and affordable shooting experiences. Remember, always prioritize safety and responsible handling of lead projectiles.
