some of us at the local range that just started reloading are wondering about the copper plated pistol rounds. are they any good? it seems not many guys know about their performance. they seem a happy medium price between cast and jacket. but then some of the guys badmouthing them said they hadn't tried 'em. any input would be great, brands, etc. good too. thanks in advance. i know casting is the cheapest, but we don't have the resources or time.

thanks again, nate

A few years back I bought a few thousand copper coated bullets in 38 and 45 calibre.
I wanted to use the 38 in competition to avoid the lube smoke.
Neither bullet performed as well as my cast bullets to be honest. The accuracy was not there and the groups opened up measurably @ 50yds.

I believe the copper plated bullets are mostly meant for the guys that are shooting indoors where the EPA requires the plated bullets to reduce the lead particles in the air..."airborne lead particulate". Other than that I don't see any benefit. If you are shooting outside, I wouldn't consider them. I would eith use cast lead, or jacketed, which ever you prefer.

I use them, and like them. For me, the big advantage is that I don't have to scrub lead fouling out of my revolver at the end of the day. I can't tell any difference in accuracy between my good lead bullets and my copper plated.