Have any of you ever loaded Ranier bullets? I was looking for a less expensive alternative for burning ammo at the range than the XTP's, and noticed they are pretty cheap. But, I was wondering if they were accurate. I also noticed they were plated.

Anyway, any info is always appreciated!

Thanks, Cliff

I have shot the Berry's which are plated and are similar to the Rainier bullets. I have gotten decent accuracy from mine, though have never really shot for groups. It makes for great plinking ammo.

If you do a search on Rainier bullets or copper plated bullets you should find lots of info.

Yeah, I thought of that and googled Ranier. I got their website, and of course, like every other manufacturer, they boasted about how their bullets shot super tight groups, great expansion on their HP's etc., etc., etc. :rolleyes:

I was just wondering if any of us real people had any real world experience with 'em :D

I have just started loading Ranier's in .40 S&W and they seem to be as good as any others. And their appearance is better than the Berry's I have.

I only use XTPs and the like for high end uses and the plated for general usage.

You didn't mention your cartridge or whether it's an indoor range requirement but have you considered shooting lead bullets? Of all the projectiles, lead has to be or is close to the least expensive, it's accurate and very gentle on bores.

I'm reloading these in particular for a .357 rifle. Lead bullets gunk up the bore too badly, plus they aren't recommended for a high velocity.

Completely off the subject, but I just checked with Natchez shooting supply here in Chattanooga, and they won't ship to Tennessee residents! They also won't let you pick up at their warehouse. :mad: Now, I'm kind of hard pressed to see the difference between the green on my money and the color of someones in North Carolina, but I guess there is a difference. :confused:

[quote=Good_Steward;321877]

Completely off the subject, but I just checked with Natchez shooting supply here in Chattanooga, and they won't ship to Tennessee residents! They also won't let you pick up at their warehouse. :mad: Now, I'm kind of hard pressed to see the difference between the green on my money and the color of someones in North Carolina, but I guess there is a difference. :confused:[/quote

I purchase mail order from NSS and assume the issue is because of some types of state laws. I have seen this type of statement on other web sites also, where they are unable to ship to certain other states... I am sure they would love to accept your money as well as anyone else who wanted to spend some with them :).

In December I purchased a bunch of Raniers from MidwayUSA, whom I do a lot of business with. Since then everything has gone up again. I do not shoot lead either; just do not want to hassle with it especially since most of my shooting is indoors. I also do not purchase bullets that have a lead base exposed. But I bet lead would be easier to clean than the issues I have with copper- PITA to me.

With the price increases of the last year, all bullets are expensive and lead seems to be about as high as most others. There does seem to be a large price difference in materials if one casts their own lead bullets.

I use Ranier 9mm 115 grain FMJ's to make practice loads for my Glocks. All of my experience with them so far has been very good. They seem to shoot very well, and accurate. I'll keep using them. What more can I say?

I have used Ranier and West Coast plated bullets successfully. I have avoided a heavy crimp with them since I heard that could cut the plating leading to separation of the plating from the core. I haven't experienced any separations that I know of, but if you cut the plating you can peel it off.
I mostly use wheel weights for casting bullets for my .357 Mag Marlin lever. Plain base to over 1400 fps and gas checked to over 1800 fps without gunking up the bore.

I have had good results with Rainier bullets in .45 ACP and 38/357 callibers. For my purposes they are great for target and practice rounds. They are very cost effective so long as they fit the bore and the velocities are kept low.

The .45 cal 185gr TWC bullets are fantastic in my 1911 with loads that are in the 700-900fps velocity range. I use 6.0gr of Unique under this bullet and get just under 800fps from my 1991A1 Stainless Colt. This power level required a lighter than stock recoil spring, 16lb from wolf IIRC, but it works exceptionally well in my gun.