Even though I've been loading off and on for years, it's been for an old 38 revolver and was always a lead bullet. I've expanded to 9mm and with that I've been learning more about bullet types. I am a bit confused though, and am hoping to get some insight from others here.
I've been reading about jacketed bullets vs. plated, and am trying to get straight how to load with each.
My 13th edition Speers manual, and it only shows data for Speers bullets doesn't mention a difference. From Speers.com it seems that Gold Dot are a Plated bullets, and I think the TMJ and JHP are not. The book treats all types the same, and uses the same load data for each weight.
My Lee, 2nd edition, manual has data based on weight, shape, and type (encluding lead, jacketed, and in some cases, copper plated). The loading data on the copper plated rounds are lower than the Jacketed and even lower than the lead.
I tried checking the different bullet manufacturers web sites and few had much loading data. Rainier bullets said to use lead bullet loading information in their plated bullets, or if using jacketed data, reduce it by 10 percent.
I have already loaded and fired some Rainier bullets not realizing there was a difference in plated and jacketed. They seem to work fine but I did start with low loads working up till they cycled the Glock well enough that it didn't jam.
Is there a source that can help me understand this better, or am I over thinking the whole thing?

Well, you can generally use lead bullet data with plated bullets, as the jackets are pretty soft.

The Speer Gold Dot is a uni-cor bullet, the jacket and core are fused together, but the jacket is thick copper.

Most plated bullets have a very thin jacket, but some are literally just copper washed. Berry's and Rainier make very good plinking bullets. If you are in the market for a lot of bullets, I recommend Montana Gold. Its a solid brass jacket bullet that sells for the plated price. www.montanagoldbullet.com (http://www.montanagoldbullet.com)

berrysmfg.com also sells plated pullets that I use in my Glocks. They suggest using loads that are in between lead bullets and jacketed bullets. I use Berry's copper bullets almost exclusively in my 40 cal reloads. They work great for plinking and even practical shooting, and they are much cheaper than most jacketed bullets.

Thanks for the info, I have some Berry and Rainier bullets. As I mentioned I've used the Rainier in my Glock 17, loaded to light jacketed data, but not the Berry. I have some Hornandy 124gr TMJ Round Nose, does any one know whether these should be loaded as a jacketed bullet or something lighter. I couldn't find any bullet loading info on the Hornandy web sight.

Papa if you call Hornady give them your specs and they will give you the info you want I have done it a few time since I don't own a newer Hornady manual and I needed some load data. http://www.grafs.com/index.php has the best deal on the Berry's bullets and the best shipping at $4.95 if you order $30 worth of stuff.


How do I load Berry's Preferred Plated Bullets?
Plated bullets occupy a position between cast bullets and jacketed bullets. They are soft lead, but have a hard outer shell on them. When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual. You must use data for a bullet that has the same weight and profile as the one you are loading. Do not exceed mid-range loads. Do not use magnum loads.