BULLETS

Reloading bullets — the projectiles themselves — are where a handload’s accuracy and terminal performance are decided. Choosing the right bullet type, weight, and construction for your cartridge and purpose is one of the most important and rewarding parts of reloading, whether you’re loading cheap plinking ammo, match-grade precision rounds, or premium hunting loads. This page covers the bullet types, how to choose, and how they fit your loads. See our complete reloading components: powder, primers, and brass.

Tatted Tacticals stocks reloading bullets from Hornady, Sierra, Berger, Nosler, Speer, and Berry’s — jacketed, plated, and cast projectiles for pistol and rifle, in popular calibers and weights.

Bullet Types and Construction

Reloading bullets come in several constructions, each suited to a purpose.

Plated and cast bullets keep practice cheap, match bullets like Sierra MatchKing and Berger deliver accuracy, and bonded or copper bullets from Nosler and Barnes handle big game. Match the bullet to the job — and to the right velocity range for its construction. Standards follow SAAMI specifications, and makers like Hornady publish load data for their bullets.

Choosing Bullet Weight and Diameter

Two things must match: diameter and weight. Use the exact bullet diameter your cartridge requires — a .308 rifle bullet, a .355 for 9mm, a .452 for .45 ACP — and select a weight your barrel’s twist will stabilize and your load data supports. Heavier bullets generally offer higher BC and more retained energy; lighter bullets shoot flatter and faster. Always use published load data for your specific bullet, since changing bullets changes pressure. We stock bullets for popular cartridges from 9mm and .45 ACP to .223 and .308.

Buying Reloading Bullets

Unlike primers and powder, bullets are not hazardous material, so they ship by standard methods — buy in bulk to lower cost per round. Review our state restrictions if you have questions before ordering.

Reloading Bullets — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between plated, jacketed, and cast bullets?

Cast bullets are plain lead, economical for low-to-moderate velocity practice. Plated bullets have a thin copper plating over a lead core, bridging cast and jacketed for clean, affordable range use. Jacketed bullets have a thicker copper jacket for higher velocities and better performance, including hunting and match designs. Choose cast or plated for cheap practice, jacketed for higher-velocity, defensive, hunting, or precision loads.

How do I choose the right bullet weight?

Match bullet weight to your purpose and your barrel’s twist rate. Heavier bullets offer higher ballistic coefficient and retained energy but need faster twists to stabilize; lighter bullets shoot flatter and faster. For hunting, choose a weight and construction suited to the game; for target, a match bullet your barrel stabilizes well. Always use load data developed for your specific bullet weight and type.

Do I need different load data for different bullets?

Yes. Bullet weight, construction, and bearing surface all affect pressure, so changing bullets requires load data developed for that specific bullet. Never assume one bullet’s data applies to another, even at the same weight. Consult a current reloading manual or the bullet maker’s published data for your exact bullet, powder, and cartridge combination, and start at the listed starting charge.

What bullets are best for reloading 9mm or .45 ACP?

For affordable practice, plated or cast bullets from makers like Berry’s and RMR keep costs low. For defense, choose jacketed hollow points; for accuracy, quality FMJ or match bullets. The best choice depends on your goal — cheap plated for volume plinking, jacketed for performance. Use the correct diameter (.355 for 9mm, .452 for .45 ACP) and matching load data.

Can you buy reloading bullets online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy reloading bullets online and have them shipped to your door by standard methods, since bullets are not hazardous material. Buying in bulk lowers your cost per round. Confirm any local restrictions before ordering, and pair your bullets with the correct powder, primers, and brass for safe, accurate handloads.