Rainier 200 gr RN

[Eagle45]

Has anyone loaded the Rainier 200 gr RN in .45? Rainier's web site lists this as one of their products, but no loading data. I've used HP38 with good results with their 185 gr FP .45, and 200 gr SWC .45. I did email Rainier, they recommeded a max load of 5.9 gr of HP38, but no starting load on the low end.

[Dziamski]

Hey eagle 200gr RN Rainiers. I use 5.4grs 231 (same powder as HP-38) hope this works for you. Very accurate in all my SA pistols.

[geneinnc]

jacket is like paper on their bullets. I threw them in the garbage.

[BGregory]

Accurate Arms has data for Rainier TCJs. Try them.

[Herb Clark]

I have tested 230 Rainer - 4.8 231 at 675 fps was accurate, but when I stepped it up 720 fps with 5.1 231 I lost accuracy. 4.5 Bullseye at 720 fps was accurate. Fired in 5" 1911.

[diverabe]

I have used the Rainier quite a bit.I load 7.1 grains of Unique behind it and get about 950 fps out of a Kimber Grand Raptor II. The jackets are crap but they are a cheap plinker and accuracy is good. I like the Unique as it fills the case pretty well.Its a fairly potent load and would not go much higher.

[Herb Clark]

Gents, if I'm not mistaken, Rainers are plated not jacketed (similar to Berrys).

[mike h. buness]

Althoulgh I have'nt tried the round nose from Rainer or Berrys I have tried both of there swc's. Weight varies more than .5 grain for both. As others mentioned the plating is very thin and leads the barrel after 75 to 100 rounds. I've switched to Extreme bullets from Dayton, NV [Carson City,NV]. Much better products. I live not too far away so I do'nt know the shiping cost. Mike.

[Dziamski]

Hmmmm Leading from a plated bullet. Thats interesting. I have been shooting rainier's for 2 years and have not experienced that. Are you loading them hot?

[mike h. buness]

Hi Dziamski. No, 4.0 grs Bullseye or 3.8 grs Titegroup. My Wilson stainless barrel has very sharp edges on the lands. I've used Brownells bore polish which helped but did'nt stop the problem completely. Even the 200 gr Xtreme plated that I use now will leave a little lead after 300 to 400 rds. If you get a chance try the Xtreme bullets. Mike.

[Dziamski]

Who makes the extreme bullets you mention and is there a web site I can go to? I guess I don't notice a problem with leading fron the Rainier's since I clean my pistols after every match or practice session. I am loading the 200 gr RN and SWC's with Win. Lrg Pistol Primers and 5.7 grs of 231. And on average only shoot 150 - 200 rds a session.

[mike h. buness]

Hi again, X-treme Bullets address: PO box 2270 Dayton, NV. 89403.
Tel: 775-246-0836. Fax: 775-246-0836.
They don't have a web page or Email address that I know of. Hope this helps, Mike.

[TonyT]

Eagle45,
Look at the Midway section of the reloading data on the Rainier Ballistics website. They show both starting and maximum loads for their 200 gr. FP, HP and SWC designs.

[Dziamski]

Midway has removed the data info and ask that you contact them via email or phone. But don't hold your breathe they don't respond. We are not important enough. I am changing the bullets I use for that reason. Found a different bullet that is same in price and the folks there are responsive. Precision Bullets in Tx.