Powder for Multiple Cartridges

[9mmepiphany]

So I finally got a friend into seeing the upside of reloading. We analyzed his needs and his inclinations, to determine that a Lee Pro 6000 was the way to go. ..with the addition of the Lee Inline Bullet Feeder and the RCBS Powder Cop

For those so inclined, save your suggestions that he should start with a single stage press. For his needs, he'd soon grow bored with the process of loading on a single stage and likely give up on reloading. He isn't interested in Reloading as a hobby, but is rather a shooter who sees the need to reload to maintain his hobby. I started reloading with a progressive press (Hornady LNL) without more than the common issues and will be on hand to mentor him as he learns the process

Before the the introduction of the Pro 6k, a Dillon would have been the obvious choice as that segment of the market is what they have targeted. Please, no "blue" suggestions from Kool-Aid drinkers. The Pro 6K buries the Square Deal in capability (at a lower price point) and buries the 650/750 in value while offering the same, or additional, levels of capability.

Now to the question at hand:
He initially was interested in loading 9mm because he doesn't want to jump through the hoops to buy ammo locally...so no need to bring up the cost factor of 9mm. I was going to start him out with an easy to manage powder like Alliant BE-86 or Winchester 244; which I already have on hand and can easily give him to "prime the pump"...he's looking to load something close to his carry ammo, 124gr Golddot, for practice

During his introduction to the process on my equipment, he mentioned that he was also interested in reloading 10mm for his Glock. I don't reload 10mm and haven't the foggiest of what he needs except a 180-200gr bullet and LPPs

Does BE-86 work well in 10mm as an introduction or should I have him start looking for a more optimized 10mm powder?
His outdoor carry ammo for his 10mm is Buffalo Bore 180gr JHP at 1350fps

 

[CQB45ACP]

Let me say first of all I’m impressed by your fairly detailed attempt to preempt off topic comments.

Can’t imagine it’ll work.

 

[2ndtimer]

Just so happens that I recently converted to BE-86 from Power Pistol as my “performance” powder for 9mm, .38 Special, and .357 Mag mid range loads. Even more recently my son acquired a Glock Model 20 Gen 3SF, which “forced” me to buy a model 20 Gen 5 . I run 8.0 gr of BE-86 behind a 180 gr FMJ bullet for around 1150 fps for my general shooting. It works well. My son spends more time in the mountains (with bears and cougars) so he wants a 200 gr cast bullet pushed hard. We are looking to try some Longshot to see if it beats Blue Dot for him. But I am happy with the BE-86/180 gr combo. If I were going lighter weight bullet, I would be even more confident with the BE-86. Great all around powder, looking forward to trying it in the .357 Mag as well.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Can’t imagine it’ll work.

We'll see.

Besides asking for folks to share their experience and insight, it's partly of an experiment to verify reading/comprehension and other skills

 

[Rimfire McNutjob]

His outdoor carry ammo for his 10mm is Buffalo Bore 180gr JHP at 1350fps

A nice gentle load then. Of the powder you can actually buy today, I would think Power Pistol would put him in that zone. Might be at the top of the pressure limit ... but I'll bet that Buffalo Bore ammo is as well.

 

[Jim Watson]

Although I am locked in with 231/HP38, I think 244 will be fine in 9mmP

I don't see anything that will equal that BB 10mm, a top BE86 will do as well as any for ordinary ballistics.

 

[ParallelCode]

A nice gentle load then. Of the powder you can actually buy today, I would think Power Pistol would put him in that zone. Might be at the top of the pressure limit ... but I'll bet that Buffalo Bore ammo is as well.

Power Pistol seems to work well in 9mm also, which is the other caliber OP's friend is loading. I'm not familiar enough with BE-86 to know how it compares though.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

So I finally got a friend into seeing the upside of reloading. We analyzed his needs and his inclinations, to determine that a Lee Pro 6000 was the way to go. ..with the addition of the Lee Inline Bullet Feeder and the RCBS Powder Cop

For those so inclined, save your suggestions that he should start with a single stage press. For his needs, he'd soon grow bored with the process of loading on a single stage and likely give up on reloading. He isn't interested in Reloading as a hobby, but is rather a shooter who sees the need to reload to maintain his hobby. I started reloading with a progressive press (Hornady LNL) without more than the common issues and will be on hand to mentor him as he learns the process

Before the the introduction of the Pro 6k, a Dillon would have been the obvious choice as that segment of the market is what they have targeted. Please, no "blue" suggestions from Kool-Aid drinkers. The Pro 6K buries the Square Deal in capability (at a lower price point) and buries the 650/750 in value while offering the same, or additional, levels of capability.

Now to the question at hand:
He initially was interested in loading 9mm because he doesn't want to jump through the hoops to buy ammo locally...so no need to bring up the cost factor of 9mm. I was going to start him out with an easy to manage powder like Alliant BE-86 or Winchester 244; which I already have on hand and can easily give him to "prime the pump"...he's looking to load something close to his carry ammo, 124gr Golddot, for practice

During his introduction to the process on my equipment, he mentioned that he was also interested in reloading 10mm for his Glock. I don't reload 10mm and haven't the foggiest of what he needs except a 180-200gr bullet and LPPs

Does BE-86 work well in 10mm as an introduction or should I have him start looking for a more optimized 10mm powder?
His outdoor carry ammo for his 10mm is Buffalo Bore 180gr JHP at 1350fps

Blue Dot if you can find it. There are several older listed loads for BD in the 9mm using 147gr jacketed bullets. If you can’t find Blue Dot - or he wants a less expensive option - Longshot may be your second best choice.

I’m not a 10mm guy but I have used Blue Dot for 9mm HD rounds in the Hi-Power. It’s impressive.

 

[LiveLife]

9mm ... looking to load something close to his carry ammo, 124gr Golddot, for practice

... he mentioned that he was also interested in reloading 10mm for his Glock ... Does BE-86 work well in 10mm

For decades, I bought same bulk component bullets to load duplicate practice rounds for Speer Gold Dot and Remington Golden Saber in 9mm/40S&W/45ACP as my factory ammunition.

After testing different powders, I settled on WSF as it produced higher velocities as other powders yet flexible enough to produce lighter target loads at mid-range load data. WSF was also my powder of choice for producing USPSA major power factor loads with 165/180 gr 40S&W bullets.

When Alliant released BE-86 in canister form, my testing in 9mm and 40S&W proved it was more accurate powder that also produced higher velocities so BE-86 replaced WSF.

Supposedly, BE-86 is the powder that's been in use by various OEM ammunition manufacturers for likes of Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST (But don't quote me on this) due to higher velocities it could produce while also producing accuracy (Some powders lose accuracy when loaded past high range towards max load data).

So my vote is for BE-86 and I noticed recently, BE-86 has come back in availability with "relatively" decent pricing for 8 lb containers like $249/8 lbs at Midsouth and $254/8 lbs at Powder Valley - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...ad-link-required.910908/page-26#post-12880411

 

[CQB45ACP]

We'll see.

Besides asking for folks to share their experience and insight, it's partly of an experiment to verify reading/comprehension and other skills

Ok good luck

9mm but what firearm?

In a govt model 1911, I have used BE-86 and like it but I prefer Sport Pistol. Either one works though likely due to weight.

In the much lighter beretta 92, I don’t like BE-86 but do like SP at same load as 1911.

Now don’t ask about ballistics cause I don’t know nor care much.

 

[Y-T71]

BE-86 or Power Pistol would be my top choices for performance in 9 & 10mm.

 

[LiveLife]

9mm ... I prefer Sport Pistol

Sport Pistol is much faster burning than BE-86 that was formulated to directly compete with N320 (Per Paul from Alliant Reloading on PMs).

I believe BE-86 was released to "replace" Unique as modern version that meters better but truly stands to be versatile in loading various calibers to achieve higher velocities (Higher than Unique) with greater accuracy. And I have noticed like WSF, it is flexible enough to produce accuracy down to mid-range load data.

Sport Pistol on the other hand, like Titegroup/N320 is better suited for loading target velocity practice/match rounds meeting around 125-135 power factor and well suited for "blowback action" PCCs to seal case mouth/neck better with chamber (In comparison, BE-86 leaks more gas and produces more soot on case with less accuracy).

 

[CQB45ACP]

Sport Pistol is much faster burning than BE-86 that was formulated to directly compete with N320 (Per Paul from Alliant Reloading on PMs).

I believe BE-86 was released to "replace" Unique as modern version that meters better but truly stands to be versatile in loading various calibers to achieve higher velocities (Higher than Unique) with greater accuracy. And I have noticed like WSF, it is flexible enough to produce accuracy down to mid-range load data.

Sport Pistol on the other hand, like Titegroup/N320 is better suited for loading target velocity practice/match rounds meeting around 125-135 power factor and well suited for "blowback action" PCCs to seal case mouth/neck better with chamber (In comparison, BE-86 leaks more gas and produces more soot on case with less accuracy).

I’m sure you’re correct—I’m just going on feel and preference

 

[Jim Watson]

Power Pistol will deliver velocity but it has more blast and flash than most powders. My one can of it got me asked "What have you got in that thing?" more than once.

 

[Lennyjoe]

BE-86 shows promise in 10MM, especially with 200 gr loads. I have a near max charge of BE-86 and 200 gr Nosler JHP that performs well in my G40 and S&W M&P 2.0. Still need to chronograph them to get accurate fps.

Longshot also works in both 9MM and 10MM And it’s readily available.

 

[LiveLife]

Power Pistol will deliver velocity but it has more blast and flash than most powders. My one can of it got me asked "What have you got in that thing?" more than once.

First time I saw Power Pistol load shot at an indoor range, everyone stopped shooting because bright muzzle blast lit up the range.

Yes, we all asked, "How HOT are you loading?" as we were afraid the gun was going to blow up.

 

[badkarmamib]

No experience with BE-86 in 10mm, but I used HP-38 in 9mm, 40S&W, and 45ACP. I switched to AutoComp for SD loads in the 40S&W, because it was the available powder with the best velocity. It might be worth a try in the 10mm, as well.

 

[9mmepiphany]

9mm but what firearm?

Not too worried about 9mm
FWIW he's shooting a G19.
I've done work with it in 9mm in various pistols and it is a bit more sooty...not really an issue as I've already got him buying a tumbler too

 

[LiveLife]

used HP-38 in 9mm, 40S&W, and 45ACP

I use W231/HP-38 for target loadings for 9mm/40S&W/45ACP.

switched to AutoComp for SD loads in the 40S&W ... best velocity.

You will love BE-86 for 40S&W. Since I switched to 40S&W for USPSA, I tested various powders and like WSF/BE-86 for higher velocity loads and W231/HP-38 for minor PF loads and "just meeting" major PF loads on warm summer days. Herco, surpringly burns clean (Inside the case clean) and produces decent accuracy for 40S&W - https://reloadingdata.speer.com/downloads/speer/reloading-pdfs/handgun/40_SmithWesson_180.pdf

• 40S&W 180 gr Speer TMJ FN BE-86 COL 1.120" Start 4.9 gr (879 fps) - Max 6.0 gr (1026 fps)
• 40S&W 180 gr Speer TMJ FN AutoComp COL 1.120" Start 5.1 gr (909 fps) - Max 5.8 gr (1011 fps)

From my BE-86 load development testing longer OAL - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/40-s-w-powder.851647/page-3#post-11150251

NOTE: Exceeded published max load data but with using much longer OAL of 1.155" compared to published 1.120"

RMR's own line of Thick Plated bullets

gahunter, the 115/124 gr RN bullet samples were sent out today so you and 9mmepiphany should receive them by Saturday. Disclaimer: Following post lists loads not currently published by Alliant - Use them at your own risk. 40S&W 180 gr RNFP with Alliant BE-86: Recob's order for Alliant's new...

www.thehighroad.org

 

[CQB45ACP]

Not too worried about 9mm
FWIW he's shooting a G19.
I've done work with it in 9mm in various pistols and, as noted by @LiveLife it is a bit more sooty...not really an issue as I've already got him buying a tumbler too

Wet or dry

Sooty, yes, but it’s all relative I suppose.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I believe BE-86 was released to "replace" Unique as modern version that meters better but truly stands to be versatile in loading various calibers to achieve higher velocities (Higher than Unique) with greater accuracy. And I have noticed like WSF, it is flexible enough to produce accuracy down to mid-range load data.

That is my understanding also. Once I discovered BE-86, I didn't see much sense in exploring Power Pistol or Unique (which was fortuitous in the current shortages)

I noticed recently, BE-86 has come back in availability with "relatively" decent pricing for 8 lb containers like $249/8 lbs at Midsouth and $254/8 lbs at Powder Valley

BE-86 was such a deal compared to the increased prices in other Alliant powders that I bought an extra 8lb jug that I didn't really need

 

[Buzznrose]

I would suggest VV 3N37. I use it for both carry level 9Mm and a nice warm 10MM. I also use it for .357 mags.

 

[LiveLife]

I would suggest VV 3N37. I use it for both carry level 9Mm and a nice warm 10MM. I also use it for .357 mags.

You know, traditionally Vhitavuori powders have been more expensive and I stayed away other than N320/N340 for 9mm but in recent past, I noticed Vhitavuori powders to be VERY competitive in pricing and have actually seen them priced BELOW other powders to consider for pistol/rifle load development.

 

[Buzznrose]

You know, traditionally Vhitavuori powders have been more expensive and I stayed away other than N320/N340 for 9mm but in recent past, I noticed Vhitavuori powders to be VERY competitive in pricing and have actually seen them priced BELOW other powders to consider for pistol/rifle load development.

Vhitavori powder is all I use now. The place I buy my powder at is a shooting range that specializes in shotguns and competition, and they are very reasonable on all their powders. VV was not much more than anything else. I used to be a win 231 guy, but after trying N320, I haven’t looked back. 320, 340, 3N37 and N140 have all performed very well for me, while being clean and throwing weight consistently through my Dillon powder measure. If I have to pay up a little bit for it, I will. I don’t buy real expensive bullets, I stick with RMR and I found it to be a winning combination. Your mileage may vary.

 

[jmr40]

I don't hand load pistol rounds but in my experience with rifles trying to make one powder work for multiple cartridges usually results in mediocre performance with both. There are certain cartridges where the same powder works great, but it doesn't usually work that way. It doesn't cost any more to buy 2 different cannisters of powder than 2 of the same.