Cost of bullet variance

[Roscoe2212]

Been back to reloading after a 30 year absence-tried different loads, bullets, etc.  Finally settled
on plated hollow point 200gr 45acp. Same powder/load as 30 year a go, 4.5gr 231. Did not start there, just wound up there. Now into my 3rd pound of 231, so I have shot a few rounds.
I see some minor differences in price between say Berry's and other makers, but why is Hornaday so much more? Do they hand machine them on foot powered lathes?  I must be missing something.

[aasbra]

Are the Hornady bullets you are referencing jacketed or plated?  Most of the Berry’s I’m familiar with are plated.  Typically, jacketed bullets are more expensive to purchase, so that may be what you are observing?

[IDescribe]

My suspicion right off the bat is that, like the person above said, that Berry's bullets are plated, and Hornady's are jacketed.  And jacketed bullets cost more than plated.

But also, as much as lots of reloaders like Berry's, in the grand scheme of things, Berry's is nobody next to Hornady.

And finally, for the advice you didn't ask for , you should look into coated lead bullets from someone like Acme Bullets, SNS Casting, etc..  They are cheaper than plated, and in my experience, you always get at least equal accuracy to plated, and often better.  AND you use a little less powder for the same velocity.  It's a win win win.

[tdogg]

+1 to ID's comment.

200gr SWC Coated Lead are my go to with my 97BD loads.  They shoot very well.

Precision Bullets 200gr SWC:  $0.114/bullet
Berry's 200gr SWC:  $0.178/bullet

One of these day's I will get out with the 97BD.  I don't shoot it nearly enough anymore.

Cheers,
Toby

[Roscoe2212]

Must be the jacketed vs plated. My plated Extreme are 13 cent ea. I have shot Missouri Bullet
Co's coated SWC, they are ok, not my favorite.  They are below a dime ea, I think.
thanks for the posts.
I will shut up.