Reloading and hunting with copper plated bullets

[Current Resident]

I have a rather extensive history hunting with handguns. I've taken alot of game, all with revolvers.
My question for the gang is would it be ethical to hunt with copper plated 180 grain bullets. I've reloaded and shot a great deal of .40SW and 10mm. Currently I'm sitting on a selection of Xtreme and Rainier 180 grain. I also have a selection of 155 and 200 grain XTPs, Longshot, 800X, Blue Dot and others powders.
I've got a G29 and intend to get a KKM barrel for it. I also have an RIA, my plan for this one is to change the sights for next year hunt and practice with it this upcoming year.

I look forward to read your opinions and conversations.

[The_Shadow]

Not sure I mess with the Xtreme and Rainier 180 grain for hunting purposes unless very close up where the velocity can help the impact.
The XTP's are better jacketed types and would be better for accuracy because of the longer bullet to bore contact and hold together better even while expanding.
I have used Blue Dot and Longshot for many of my 10mm cartridges over the years.  Developed my very first 10mm ammo with Blue Dot before data was published.  10.4 grains was my accuracy loading from my S&W1006 at the start of 1990.
Longshot can yield slightly higher velocities when pushed but the pressures will be up there doing so.
Best of luck and enjoy the 10mm performance!

[Current Resident]

Most of the hunting where I hunt here in Michigan is usually under 40 yards.
I made a pact years back that I don't take any handgun shots farther than I would an archery shot. I do shoot and practice enough to make the longer shots but I don't.

[Kenk]

I?m kinda fond of those 15 to 20 yard shots myself, they usually fall over pretty quick 😊

[Current Resident]

Yes, the older I get the less I want to track them.
I did hit a large doe 4 times with a .44 Magnum. The left lung blown out, 2 more to the chest and I blood trailed her 200 yards through the thickets only to find her eyeing me as I walked up to finish what I started. I never did figure out how that lung shot didn't put her down from the start.

[RDub01]

It has been my experience with copper plated bullets is that what little accuracy you can get with them deteriorates rapidly when velocity gets above 900 fps or so. Even with an aftermarket barrel. Don't bother with those. Stick with jacketed or homogeneous (copper) bullets.

[tommac919]

copper plated bullets is that what little accuracy you can get with them deteriorates rapidly when velocity gets above 900 fps or so

Personally, haven't seen this with  Xtreme HPCB in 10mm and stock barrel ... I push these to a max of about 1300fps and they still group very well.
( think they are rated by xtreme to 1500 )

I get the same accuracy in a similar group as XTP heads on a bench rest.  Of course this head is a heavy plated and the range is < 100ft
It's one of the reasons I use them...  Tho I'd prob use the XTP in hunting.

[Kenk]

I?ve hunted MN whitetail with 180, and 200gr XTP?s, and have proven to be a fantastic bullet choice. Another great deer option would Speer?s 200gr Gold Dot

[Current Resident]

I do appreciate the responses and talk about the XTPs, but my intent is to have the discussion directed about copper plated ammunition.

My last outing with with my RIA proved that the sights were far off and I didn't have a proper screwdriver to correct them. I'm hoping this weekend to go out and tune it in with my reloads with Blue Dot.

If I can't get an acceptable group with these sights I am going to change them out for something better.

[czgunner]

Most plated bullets that I have seen have velocity restrictions. It would seem you will limit yourself to a slower load. Will your load have enough energy to ethically kill what you are hunting?

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[Current Resident]

It's a great point, I believe that the two I have are 1250 fps. I realize that isn't taking the 10mm to its full giddyap potential. I tend to take game that's close I now realize that shot placement is going to be even more critical. I have about a year to develop a load and practice. Thanks for the conversation.

[Alaska]

In Glock 20 for thin skin game like deer

200gr XTP or Nosler JHP and the Speer Gold Dot 200gr

Loaded anywhere in the mid 1100?s is perfect with the 4.75? barrel.

[tommac919]

The only one I know of re plated AND hollow point are Berry's ;
.40 180 gr Hybrid Hollow Point

Once again they rate the plated as follows ;

Berry's max recommended velocity is not exceeded. (This info is displayed on bullet boxes and product webpages.)

    Standard Plate Bullets Max Velocity: 1,250 fps.
    Thick-Plate Bullets (TP) Max Velocity: 1,500 fps.

[Current Resident]

The only one I know of re plated AND hollow point are Berry's ;
.40 180 gr Hybrid Hollow Point

Once again they rate the plated as follows ;

Berry's max recommended velocity is not exceeded. (This info is displayed on bullet boxes and product webpages.)

    Standard Plate Bullets Max Velocity: 1,250 fps.
    Thick-Plate Bullets (TP) Max Velocity: 1,500 fps.

I've heard of these Hybrid slug but never seen them. It's worth it to me to find some as I shoot alot of .40 also. I have a Sub 2000 that I shoot alot. Thank you.

[Kenk]

You could always try some 200gr Gold Dots, pushed to around 1,200 fps would work well for whitetail