In all cases, bullet weight/construction is the name of the game. COL is dependent on you and your gun. COL in loading manuals is just what they used based on whatever their guidelines and SAAMI requirements are for testing purposes only.
Look in the Hornady manual and you'll see that they have all jacketed bullets of the same weight under the same load data.
Load to a longer COL than the manual, start with the lowest starting load you can find, and work up just like always.
If you can't find data for your specific bullet weight, start with the next heavier bullet's data.
In most cases, plated bullets are loaded just like lead bullets. In cases of thick plating, you might be able to load just like jacketed, but the bullet maker's web sight or call will get you that information.
I am shocked at this recommendation, but this is from Rainier's web site:
We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using Jacketed bullet load data when loading our bullets. There is no need for adjustment when using Jacketed bullet load data. Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; Be sur to use ONLY load data that is published in a reputable reloading manual.
***If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend a starting powder charge directly between the listed minimum and maximum load, and you may use published load data found in reputable reloading manuals.
A slight roll or taper crimp may be used with our bullets;
Overcrimping plated bullets may result in decreased accuracy, and fragmentation of copper plating.
I have NEVER seen a recommendation to start anywhere except at the starting load and I know from personal experience that the starting load in one manual could be a max or over max load in my gun with my exact components, but that is what they print. I really hope they meant "traditionally lead load data..."
