Preliminary test: New T&B 64gr Polymer Coated 32 ACP bullets

Last week, Travis (T&B Bullets) sent me some of his new experimental 32 ACP SWCs in 32 ACP. For those of you who already are familiar with his 60g SWC this is very similar, except coated with a substance from Hi-Tek (?), and with the groove ring eliminated (which is why they are slightly heavier).  His goal is to improve accuracy. 

These bullets are coated jet black, and look and feel really nice. I loaded them without gloves, no lead on my fingers! I tested them back to back in my Pardini in my Ransom Rest  with my reloads using both the Hornady 62gr JHPs, as well as few of his regular uncoated 62gr bullets. I was using Starline brass, and 1.8g of N310, and shot 40 rounds of each as well as 20 rounds loaded with the the regular uncoated T&B bullets.  All testing was at 50 yards.

First, a couple caveats. I never get as good results as some other using a RR.  I have concluded this is due to my reloading skills, as well as the art of using a RR, and the fact that the RR bench available to me is not perfect. Also, I have no financial interest whatsoever.

My initial results were very promising. I was getting very similar results with both the Hornady and the coated T&B bullets:D.   2 1/2 -2/3/4" groups with both, noticeably larger with the uncoated bullets. I was having some difficulty with the RR brand inserts, getting an unusual amount of outliers with both bullets, so I don't consider these results as convincing as I would like, but still, at such a significant price differential I am definitely excited.  

I cleaned the barrel before the test, and afterward noticed it was pretty dirty. However, it cleaned up pretty easily with a couple strokes with the cleaning brush and some Kroil, so I don't think this is an issue. I am guessing it is from the coating material which I believe also works as a lube.

Based on some comments by Dr Don on a previous post, I have ordered a different RR insert for the Pardini (3D from the guy who makes the 3D grips). As soon as they arrive I plan to do some more tests.  Travis also indicated he was planning to contact some of his current customers and offer them a few of these for their testing. I would suggest that anyone who would be interested in testing these to contact Travis at T&B. Finally, Travis indicated that, if he goes forward with these coated bullets, the additional cost would be very minor.

You should have good success with the Hi Tek coated bullets.

I've been using Hi Tek coated bullets from Missouri Bullet Company for about two years.
I see no reason to ever buy traditionally lubed bullets again.

There's zero leading in any of my loads.
Accuracy is just as good as the traditionally lubed bullets.

Greg, is there any difference in the reloading process? Did you have to change the powder funnel to a larger size?
Also, according to Travis, 1.8gr may be a bit too hot, he recommended 1.6gr.

Other than the slight increase in weight, the coated bullets measured the same as the non coated bullets. I suppose there must be some difference but my micrometer didn't seem to see it.  I didn't change anything in the reloading process (other than not wearing gloves), and all seemed good.

I didn't take my Labradar with me, not sure of the velocity.  I used 1.8 since a couple others have reported better accuracy with that load, and that's what I was using for the XTPs. I haven't done much RR testing with the ACP, mostly with the 32 Long. 

Hopefully as some others test this bullet they will post their results and loads.

I know there are few a you who are in process of getting/testing some of these new black bullets, so thought I would share some velocities I got today.  Using by Labradar at the local indoor range, I tested 10 each of both the original .. 62 gr .314 lead T&B swc and the new coated 64 gr bullet using 1.6, 1.7 and 1.8 gr of N310.  I also recorded the last 5 of my 1.8 gr Hornady XTPs as well as some of my SL load, 1.4 N310.  I will give the average velocity as well as the standard deviation.

1.8 N310. JHP XTP.      905,   61
               Black TB.     1011,  17
               lead.           1030.  16

1.7 N310.  Black.         969,    28
                lead.           993.    15

1.6 N310.   Black          933,   25
                 lead.          941.    31

1.4 N310.    Lead.         842,    30

Greetings,

Valuable information.

A bit more detail please.

What pistol was used?
Custom or Factory barrel?
Brand of brass?
Magnum or Standard primer? Brand would be useful.

Overall loaded length, IMPORTANT, as this varies the velocity greatly.

Many thanks for your testing data.

Cheers,

Dave

Greg,
In addition to Dave's questions, I'd be interested what expander did you use to load coated versus lead.  I presume, it was one of mine.  So, I'm very interested to know if there is a difference.  I had quite a bit testing done with 10mm loads, and came to conclusion that coated projectiles do not require any increase in expander diameter over lead.  I wonder if you concur with that.
Thanks,
AP

Pardini, standard barrel. Starline, CCI. 0.839 OAL

AP, yes definitely agree.  Coated actually fit "smoother", perhaps to be expected, offsets any increase in diameter.

I shot a match yesterday using these new bullets. First, I was all over the target, but then I realized it's completely my fault, it turns out that my Pardini requires a lot of follow through at 50 yards, almost a second after the bang. Once I figured it out, I started shooting some very tight groups and my shots were all on call. The 25 yards stages were even better, my scores were comparable to my .22 timed and rapid, all in 95 to 99 range (but no clean ones this time!)

 I used the same 1.8 N310 load, .840 OAL, .330 taper crimp and PhotoEscape's .3175 funnel. All good stuff!