BE-86 and smoke

[peterk1234]

I am noticing I get a lot of smoke with BE-86 and my plated bullets. Is this because my charge is on the low end? I am loading 4.6 grains at an OAL of 1.110 (9mm). If so, why does low charge cause smoke?

Thanks

Pete

 

[JO JO]

Just curious what brand of plated bullets

 

[Dudedog]

Are the cases sooty?
(black soot around case mouth)
The soot would mean pressures are not high enough to give you a clean burn, not really an issue if the load shoots well for you.
What bullet weight are you using? 115, 124 (or something else)? Bullet type?
I haven't noticed that BE86 was smokey with any of the plated bullets I have shot and I have loaded around that charge weight with a 124gr bullet.
String: 4
Date: 3/31/2017
Time: 2:57:54 PM
Grains: 124
Hi Vel: 991
Low Vel: 958
Ave Vel: 975
Ext Spread: 33
Std Dev: 15
RMR 124 RN 4.5 BE86 1.11 OAL
Velocity Power Factor Ft/Lbs
982 121.768 265.489
991 122.884 270.378
961 119.164 254.255
986 122.264 267.656
958 118.792 252.67
This was with a RMR 124 FMJ, light load did not make 1000fps but I don't recall it being smokey. (but it might have been I just didn't make a note of it)
I have found that BE86 seems to be happier towards the higher end of charge weights, not as happy in the middle.

 

[peterk1234]

Missouri Bullet Company. You think it could be the coating? Really is not an issue, more of a curiosity.

 

[JO JO]

Plated and coated are different animals, I get zero smoke with plated, coated have not tried any yet

 

[snakeye]

That load is kinda low and will give you incomplete burn...try raising is up in steps until the smoke stops but don't exceed max. I run my 124gr fmj at 5.5....5.8 is max and I have never had any smoke

 

[buck460XVR]

There's a reason they call it "smokeless" powder. I doubt it's the powder. With incomplete burn, you get flakes and kernels of partially burned powder and residue. I didn't think Missouri even handled plated bullets, only lead and coated.

 

[JO JO]

The OP said in his last post they are coated I think the OP made a mistake in his first post calling the plated when he is shooting coated lead

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have loaded the same MBC bullet both plain and coated using the same charge of BE-86. The coated smokes less, but still smokes. The coating burning smell reminds me of overheated brake pads.

 

[peterk1234]

Sorry, yes coated. I never really thought about it but you are right about the smell.

 

[Dudedog]

If they are coated, then the smoke makes more sense. Not a problem but the uncoated ones will smoke more and the coated ones some.
Coated smell sort of reminds me of burning electric wiring.

 

[ReloaderFred]

Shoot some black powder rounds and you'll never complain about smokeless powder again.............

Fred

 

[eo1bart]

I run Acme 124gr coated bullets over 4.7gr of BE-86 for steel challenge matches at my club. The time keeper has told me that there's a lot of smoke when I'm firing. I don't notice it though.