Rocky Mountain Reloading (RMR) Bullet Review

RMR 147 bullets and ATEi's S&W M&P

Reloaders know that you really don’t save any money by reloading, you just are able to send more rounds downrange for the same amount of money. But of course with all that effort you don’t want it to just be about savings, we want quality as well. I recently found that Rocky Mountain Reloading (RMR) helps on both accounts.

I transitioned to copper plated bullets a while back for the cost savings over jacketed bullets. Usually I went with Berrys, Xtreme, or Rainier. Now I admit, the price affects 80% of my decision making. Whoever had it cheapest will get my order. However I found that RMR consistently had the best deals, free shipping, and great quality as well. Price comparison for 9mm 147 bullets was:

X-Treme: $100.66 Free S/H
Berrys: $107.28 (shipping unknown, site crashed)
Rainier (MidwayUSA): $94.99 + $15.49= $110.48
RMR: $87.00 Free S/H

For this range session I used 147 grain plated bullets for my suppressed and match 9mm pistols. I only tested Titegroup powder simply because it was what was in the press with a midrange charge suggested by my Hornady reloading manual. I also used CCI 500 small pistol primers all assembled on my Dillon 650 press. I used my Springfield XDM customized by Springer Precision, suppressed by my Griffin Armament Revolution and topped off with my Trijicon RMR for the accuracy tests. I shot several groups at 30 yards, simply because that’s where the bench was conveniently located at my range. Several groups where 2-3″ but one in particular measured 1.3″ for 5 rounds after I sorted the bulk brass and used only CCI Blazer for this group:

1.3″ group with the Springer Precision XDM and Griffin Armament Checkmate Suppressor from over 30 yards.

For a consistency test I took 12 random bullets and found half of them to be exact weight to the tenth of a grain. Four bullets were from .3-.4 grains different and 2 were 1 and 1.3 grains off . Not what you would want in a long range precision rifle bullet, but it’s just fine for pistol training and speed matches.

In the product description RMR explains that their lead core is harder (11-12 BHN) than any other plated bullet company’s, and that they have a .012-.014″ plating, twice as thick as any competitors. Through their plating process they have an extra step that results in the extra plating being folded onto the base of the bullet that gives it strength and helps seal in gases. This seems that RMR isn’t scrimping on costs and they are honestly trying to produce a quality product and that is evidenced by the extra precious metals on the bottom of your bullets.

RMR 147 grain bullets showing the extra folding of plating at the base.

Besides producing their own bullets, RMR also seeks out great deals on components to pass on to customers. Lots of times there are limited supplies but you can jump on deals like 175 grain .308 Nosher custom competition bullets for $0.25 each.

Finally, they have great customer service. The owners and staff tend to be very active on their RMR page and group. Check them out. I know I’ll be placing several orders stocking up for this scary election season!