Who is your favorite coated bullet supplier or maker?

[awp_101]

Looking to start laying in supplies to load lots of .38 and a little .357 for practice and fun shooting. I know I want to use coated bullets to include 148 wadcutters and 158 SWC. Maybe some 158 RN as well but I'm not really sure what they would get me vs the WC and SWC. Looking to keep things in the 700-1000fps range as appropriate for the bullet.

Casting my own is not an option. I could probably do my own coating but the cost and time vs just buying them already coated delta would have to significant.

Thanks!

[Spartan1980]

Acme has a couple of variations of the 148 WCs.

https://www.acmebullet.com/Bullets/38Cal

I've shot a lot of ACME's stuff and it used to be great, but haven't bought in awhile now so I can't vouch for current QC level.

[mmc45414]

I like Blue Bullets, but they do not have a 148WC, and I wish they did.
Though they do have a 147RN (https://thebluebullets.com/product-category/38-357-358/147-gr-round-nose-38-357-358/), the 9mm bullets sized .358. Bought some to try but not loaded yet.
They do make a 158 with no lube groove and a crimp groove (https://thebluebullets.com/product-category/38-357-358/158-gr-semi-wad-cutter/).

I became a BB fanboi during one of the frenzies because they came out and published realistic lead times, but did not jack up prices just because they could have, and they continued to be available. Since then I have loaded tens of thousands of their 147FP 9mm (https://thebluebullets.com/product-category/9mm-38-super-355/147-gr-flat-point/) bullets. I do not need to be frantically buying them, because they are reliable, so when I am about to need to load more I just order the Qty3k with free freight.

Also BENOS is a -10% code, not sure they do anything to reconcile that against the members list.

[Crazy Dane]

I have used a lot from Missouri Bullet Company (https://missouribullet.com/index.php) and snscasting (https://www.snscasting.com/). No complaints on either.

[NETim]

I've loaded ACME, Bayou, CheyCast, Missouri Bullet Co., SNS among others for my 9's and 45's and I've been satisfied. HiTek is God's gift to reloading IMHO.

I just bought some 9's from Summit City on a lark and they are BEAUTIFUL. Very, very well finished. Haven't shot them yet though.

[Jamie]

I've been using ACME (100 gr RNFP) and MBC ( 98gr WC-BB. The MBC FAQ's page is AWESOME!) for .32's .

I loaded and shot several thousand .38 158 gr LSWC Hoosier Bullets Hi-Tek coated bullets. Excellent quality and fast shipping. They are my go-to for 9mm 147 gr FP No-groove as well. Reasonable pricing all the way around.

[Trooper224]

I have used a lot from Missouri Bullet Company (https://missouribullet.com/index.php) and snscasting (https://www.snscasting.com/). No complaints on either.


This, with Missouri B. Co being a bit faster on shipping.

[Clusterfrack]

Blue Bullets. The lead is decently hard, and the coating stays on during loading and firing better than any other coated bullets I’ve tried.

[BN]

I've been using https://bayoubullets.net/ for several years now. They didn't raise prices back when there was a shortage. They took backorders and shipped as they got caught up. I use their 138 grain wad cutter in my light 38 Special loads. I've shot many thousands of their 147 and 145 grain 9mm bullets.

[cyberiad]

I've only ever used their offerings in 9mm but another vote for SNS, great bullets.

[CCT125US]

Blue Bullets for me, great product and their CS is outstanding. I had used several thousand of the 125TC .355 and discovered they offered a .356 as well. Placed the order and the slip showed the correct item, but the packaging didn't look any different. I measured several bullets and they were .355, so I reached out to BB to let them know. Not so much for corrective action, as I had happily used the same diameter. Prompt response, asked for packaging pictures, and replaced the entire order with .356 dia. To top it off the .356 are exceptionally accurate.

Just placed an order with them moments ago, to lay in some stock.

[bofe954]

I've been using https://bayoubullets.net/ for several years now. They didn't raise prices back when there was a shortage. They took backorders and shipped as they got caught up. I use their 138 grain wad cutter in my light 38 Special loads. I've shot many thousands of their 147 and 145 grain 9mm bullets.

I've been using Bayou's since then as well. Used to use Montana Gold, but eventually couldn't get them and got priced out and switched to Bayou's.

[jandbj]

https://slipperybullets.com

[AZ6K]

Only reload 9mm, 147gr - have used both SNS and Blue Bullets and both have been great to use.

[camsdaddy]

Www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com I've been using them for a while now. I like their 125 for 9mm. The reason I began to use them is they have 148 DEWC and also have 148 HBWC. Its odd not being able to order from their website but the guy that's answers when you call is friendly and helpful.

[Borderland]

Acme is reliable and has most of everything I need. I've purchased BB and MBC in the past. No regrets with any of those companies.

I stopped using uncoated lead about 5 years ago. Just don't want the exposure. Personal.

[Jim Watson]

I have shot a good many Bayou bullets. Brazos has the same 124 gr mould and Hi Tek coating, I cannot tell a difference shooting. I plan on going back to 147s when I order again.

[Jamie]

https://slipperybullets.com

I just ordered 500 of their .32 RNFP. Good price and fair shipping,

Thank you.

[WDR]

The ACME I tried had the coating want to flake off of the bullets easily, so I have not given them another try. Others have had good luck, so maybe I got a bad batch. I would try them again, most likely.

Gallant sent me 1000 147gr 9mm bullets that at least 50% of them are not suitable for anything but scrap. Misshaped, crappy thin coating. Given, this was during the covid panic, but they never responded to my inquiries about replacement. I tried to support a local business, but lesson learned. Never again. Keeping the box of scrap for ballast weight.

SNS and Missouri have been fine, IME.

[awp_101]

Thanks everyone! I think I looked at every place linked over the past couple of days and this evening I placed an order for one sample pack each of PPC#2 and Cowboy #15 from Missouri Bullet Company and 2 sample packs of 148 DEWC from SNS.

Late last year I set up my Lee Classic Turret and today I finally set up my .38/357 dies so everything will be ready when the bullets get here. Or at least I attempted to. I found out the RCBS dies will screw in but the lock rings are too big.:eek: I probably have a set of Lee lock rings I could use on the RCBS dies around here somewhere but I went ahead and ordered a set of Lee carbide .38/357 dies just so I have one less thing to fiddle with.:rolleyes:

Once I have the bullets in hand I will most likely start a reloading journal in addition to reading here a bunch and searching the video sites.

[dogcaller]

So funny. I literally logged in to start a thread, asking folks who they like for projectiles, these days, and this thread was already at the top. Just ordered 1750 rds of Blue Bullets 147 gr. RN .38 Spl projos, and the $1 Round Nose Dillon Seating Stem. Not sure if I need it, but for $1...

[MGW]

I've been using https://bayoubullets.net/ for several years now. They didn't raise prices back when there was a shortage. They took backorders and shipped as they got caught up. I use their 138 grain wad cutter in my light 38 Special loads. I've shot many thousands of their 147 and 145 grain 9mm bullets.

Ditto for Bayou. It’s been a couple of years but I had the reason to call them once and the owner answered the phone. Their bullets have been very consistent for me. I’ve used 38 .148 FWC, 45 200 SWC, and 147 9mm. I’ve been happy with all.

[Tokarev]

I've had good experiences with Montana Bullet Works. His 230 grain 45 RN is a nice bullet.

https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/45-acp-magma-230gr-rn-pb/

MBW also sells a 135 grain 9mm. I haven't used these but assume they're a good option especially if someone wants a flat point.

https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/9mm-noe-135gr-rfn/

I'd like to see one of these various makers offer a coated hollow point bullet. I think a coated 158 grain LWSC-HP would be a really good bullet for 38 +P and mild 357 Mag loads.

Something like these two bullets but coated instead of the traditional lube in groove or lube and gas check.

https://www.mattsbullets.com/159-Grain-Semi-Wadcutter-Hollow-Point-359_p_51.html

https://www.mattsbullets.com/38-Special357-Magnum_c_9.html

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[psalms144.1]

I've used Missouri bullets in the past, but the last batch of 148gr WCs I bought from them was marginal quality (casting and coating) to say the least. I've used Blue Bullets extensively in 9mm, but their round-gun selections are pretty limited, and, frankly, the cost is close to RMR FMJs, so I've just gone to using those exclusively. I've used Bear Creek Supply's coated lead a bit, and like them in low-velocity 38s, but not enough to say they'd be my first choice.

[Tokarev]

...frankly, the cost is close to RMR FMJs....

Yes. Depending on what RMR may have in stock, the prices for jacketed can really compare to the cost of cast.

I've also had good luck with Berry's plated bullets. Close in price again to some cast options and can sometimes be found on sale for equal or better than cast prices.

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[awp_101]

RMR and Berry's are on my list to try eventually™

[Jamie]

Jake at RMR runs a good business. Always fair pricing from my experience and the bullets are good to very good.

They even sell blems at a good discount from time to time, and I swear, I can't what's blemished about them (usually).

[awp_101]

Got the sample pack from SNS yesterday and the 2 sample packs from Montana today so I'd call shipping speed between the two a wash right now. The orders were placed on a Sunday night so there's certainly nothing to complain about.

The SNS DEWC and MBC Cowboy #15 look fine to my untrained eye. I did not open the MBC WC yet but just looking at them in the packaging I don't see any cause for concern.

I would imagine the differences in load data for the same bullet weight between lead, coated lead, plated and FMJ aren't all that great? Right now I'm working from Hodgdon's website for 231 which shows LSWC but nothing about coated, RN or FMJ (unless you count XTPs as FMJ). Yes I'm going to get new manuals and see what Alliant's page has for Unique, I'm just working on getting baseline info.

And so it begins... (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?60167-awp_101-s-Reloading-Journal&p=1566577#post1566577)

[revchuck38]

I would imagine the differences in load data for the same bullet weight between lead, coated lead, plated and FMJ aren't all that great? Right now I'm working from Hodgdon's website for 231 which shows LSWC but nothing about coated, RN or FMJ (unless you count XTPs as FMJ). Yes I'm going to get new manuals and see what Alliant's page has for Unique, I'm just working on getting baseline info.

You can pretty much interchange the data, but the velocities will be different - lead will be faster than jacketed, with plated somewhere in between. This only matters if you have to meet a power factor for competition; in my case, I usually want my practice ammo to be close to my carry ammo. Loading for rifles is a whole 'nother animal.

[Mirolynmonbro]

I've used blues since 2016 after winning a certificate from the prize table at an IDPA match. I've purchased and won sample packs from other manufacturers and the amount of smoke from them was crazy. I'm shooting their 125 TC right now

[Tokarev]

RMR and Berry's are on my list to try eventually[emoji769]SECONDCHANCE coupon code gets you 7% off through the end of Easter Sunday.



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[awp_101]

SECONDCHANCE coupon code gets you 7% off through the end of Easter Sunday.



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RMR or Berry's?

[mmc45414]

RMR or Berry's?
It is RMR

[Jamie]

It is RMR

Can confirm. I just received an email from them.

[awp_101]

Thanks!

[Tokarev]

Thanks!Duh. Yeah RMR. Sorry.

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[chances R]

Brass Monkey Bullets.....quality coating, and they have a new white coating that they feel is better. Good pricing and free shipping. Usually ships same day

[CCT125US]

Brass Monkey Bullets.....quality coating, and they have a new white coating that they feel is better. Good pricing and free shipping. Usually ships same day

Yeah, I may have to give them a try. What's your experience been with them?

I've put about 15k Blues downrange, and have been pleased, but always looking for better. Any reason to switch?

Found discount code jclarkshooting for 5% off. Went ahead and ordered some.

Also realized the irony of stormtrooper camo. Hopefully these don't make me shoot like one.

[chances R]

Yeah, I may have to give them a try. What's your experience been with them?

I've put about 15k Blues downrange, and have been pleased, but always looking for better. Any reason to switch?

Found discount code jclarkshooting for 5% off. Went ahead and ordered some.

Also realized the irony of stormtrooper camo. Hopefully these don't make me shoot like one.


Owner is a competitive shooter. I have used around 10K. Some very good shooters in my club use them. Good price and excellent service to boot.

[awp_101]

I noticed Brass Monkey (cue Beastie Boys earworm) doesn’t have anything for .38. Would the 160gr round nose 9mm be suitable with 158gr round nose load data?

[revchuck38]

I noticed Brass Monkey (cue Beastie Boys earworm) doesn’t have anything for .38. Would the 160gr round nose 9mm be suitable with 158gr round nose load data?

Maybe. Bullets for 9x19 are typically sized .356 while the typical sizing for .38/.357 is .358. Using undersized bullets usually causes leading, though I'm not sure whether the coating would mitigate that, and would require a 9x19 expander. Also, when I tried using standard 230-grain coated RNLs for my .45 ACP revolver loads, normal recoil turned that gun into a kinetic bullet puller. I haven't tried taper crimping coated bullets in a .38 revolver - that 160-grain bullet doesn't have a crimp groove - but based on my experience in .45 ACP, I would view that as a last resort choice. Those bullets have worked well in .38 Special when not coated and sized .358, and several places offer them sized correctly and coated, so my concerns about the coating, in this case, may be overblown.

Bottom line, if Brass Monkey doesn't have any .38 offerings, go somewhere that does.

[awp_101]

Bottom line, if Brass Monkey doesn't have any .38 offerings, go somewhere that does.

Thanks, that’s Plan A but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t passing up something useful.

[Tokarev]

I recently loaded 500 of Missouri Bullet Company's K-Ball .452 coated bullets. Weight was between about 233 and 238 grains for the 10 I weighed. All seemed nicely formed and I didn't notice any with rounded off bases, big squiggly casting flaws, etc.

I like the MBW 230 coated better but I'll use the K-Ball again next time I find them for 11 cents or so.

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[Jamie]

https://slipperybullets.com


I just received my order of .32 100 gr RNFP bullets (sized .313) from Slipperybullets yesterday. They look great and I plan to load some this afternoon in .32 H&R.
Free shipping (price included or whatever...nothing is "free") on purchase of 1000. But, only $60.00/1000 :)

It took about 4 weeks but Dave Levesque (the owner of Slipperybullets) was good enough to email me a head's up about the delay when I initially placed the order.

FWIW they use a Wordpress format for their site, and being an old technotard, it challenged me a bit...

[CCT125US]

Jamie I'm very curious what you think of the Slippery Bullets, and what data you come up with.

I'm extremely happy with Missouri Bullet Company 98gr DEWC. However, Slippery is about 40% less, and I really enjoy the .32UC.

[Jamie]

Jamie I'm very curious what you think of the Slippery Bullets, and what data you come up with.

I'm extremely happy with Missouri Bullet Company 98gr DEWC. However, Slippery is about 40% less, and I really enjoy the .32UC.

I'm really liking my 32 HR load with MBC 98 gr coated WC too (2.8 gr W231 w/ SA primers).

I used/shot around 1000 ACME coated RNFP the past couple of years (looks very similar to my Slippery bullets...both .313 and I think 100 gr). The ACME currently list at $82.80/1000 but I think I originally ordered the ACME via Graf's.

I've been laid up a couple of months with reconstructive ankle surgery but have graduated to an ortho boot and cane so I hope to hit the outdoor range this weekend and chrono a few .32 HR loads I've made up and have fired some through my LCR.

I prepped some HR brass yesterday and I'll load some Slippery bullets later today. Hopefully I'll have some data to share early next week.

Like I said, I really like the MBC WC and wish Slippery bullets offered the same .

[Lunker]

Jamie I'm very curious what you think of the Slippery Bullets, and what data you come up with.

I'm extremely happy with Missouri Bullet Company 98gr DEWC. However, Slippery is about 40% less, and I really enjoy the .32UC.

I know I’m not Jamie, but… :)

I live in Exeter, New Hampshire, and the guy who runs slippery bullets is about a half hour away in Manchester. So I drive over and pick them up from him. I’ve had good experiences so far with the 45–70 bullets I’ve been using. With the red coating, they look like an extended lipstick tube.
I am about to order some 230 grain 45 caliber bullets for the 1911 I recently picked up. I can let you know how those work out.

Short story: good guy, good product.


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[jandbj]

I know I’m not Jamie, but… :)

I live in Exeter, New Hampshire, and the guy who runs slippery bullets is about a half hour away in Manchester. So I drive over and pick them up from him. I’ve had good experiences so far with the 45–70 bullets I’ve been using. With the red coating, they look like an extended lipstick tube.
I am about to order some 230 grain 45 caliber bullets for the 1911 I recently picked up. I can let you know how those work out.

Short story: good guy, good product.


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That is great intel! I’m about 30 minutes from Manchghanistan too.

[Tokarev]

Momrocks code gets 6% off at RMR Bullets for Mother's Day.

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[Tokarev]

Bayou Bullets is having a 10% off flash sale right now.

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[awp_101]

Bayou Bullets is having a 10% off flash sale right now.

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Looks like it's over.

[Tokarev]

Looks like it's over.Ah, well. It probably comes out about the same if you buy $150 worth and get free shipping?

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[CCT125US]

I'm really liking these Brass Monkey 127CN. Super clean and consistent.
118645

[awp_101]

Just ordered 2 sample packs of the MBC .44 Elmer K - Hi-Tek (https://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=241&category=20&secondary=12&keywords=) for the Vaquero. :cool:

[Tokarev]

Looks like it's over.Bayou is offering 10% off orders of $100 or more for Memorial Day.

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[Jamie]

Jamie I'm very curious what you think of the Slippery Bullets, and what data you come up with.


Well I finally made it to the outdoor range and was able to gimp around and get a bit of chrono data done.

I carry Lost River WC in my LCR, so to rotate them out I chronoed them again. (I loose track of the various ammo threads and know I've posted LR 32 HR results before...somewhere...).

Lost River .32 H&R mag 100 gr WC Ruger LCR 327
771-804-797-788-786-792 = avg fps 789 in my LCR

“Slippery Bullets” 32 H&R mag RNFP Hi Tek coating
W231 3.1 gr SA Small Pistol Primers Ruger LCR 327
761-766-761-758-761-758 Avg FPS = 760

Same as above BUT using Tula Small Rifle primers:
731-677-738-728-724-740 Avg FPS= 723 (?)

Missouri Bullet Company 98 gr DEWC HiTek (Black) .32 H&R mag
W 231 2.8 gr SA Small Pistol Primers Ruger LCR 327
818-805-818-813-807-801 Avg FPS= 810

(Handload, can't remember the bullet...maybe Meister?) 32 S&W Long 100 gr Lead DEWC
W231 2.4 gr SA Small Pistol Primers Ruger LCR 327
783-776-780-772-758-766 Avg FPS= 772

I am optimistic that S&W will work out the ignition issues...It really doesn't seen that prevalent...
I'm hoping to pick up a 632UC or 432UC when I run across one. But damn...my LCR lights off everything I put in it. Known reliability is nice.

I have used the following Primers in my LCR 327:
Federal- Winchester- CCI- Servicios Aventuras (SA)- and now Tula Small Rifle.
I’ve had 100% ignition with all of these primers. But I do take caution to seat them firmly, smoothly, and deeply.

[Street Survival]

I have been using Bayou Bullets with Hi Tek Coating in the 45acp flavor for years. I have been very happy with them. Check them out you will not be dissatisfied.
https://bayoubullets.net/

[bofe954]

Bayou is offering 10% off orders of $100 or more for Memorial Day.

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If you buy from them and get on their email list it seems like they kind of have a perpetual sale that amounts to free shipping. If it isn't constant, it's frequent enough that I would not buy from them without a sale going on.

[spj]

Very happy with blue bullets. I have twin HK p2000’s and one of them is not as accurate as I’d like. Running the .356 bullets has helped. 147s and titegroup.