BE-86

[RussellC]

Hey RussellC, ya gonna post some pix?

Sure, changing out the 9mm dies for .45 tonight.

 

[RussellC]

OK Artofgolf, here's your requested pics.....

Bullet isnt crooked, its just the pic BTW.

 

[RussellC]

Only made 50, hopefully, (and they should be) not kitty poots, but I was cutting myself slack on all parameters. They are 185 grain X-treme Flat points, 7.2 grains of BE-86. Oal of 1.20. Hopefully I will get to the range this afternoon, then will begin scaling them up powerwise.

The only FP info I can find was with Accurate Powders with No. 2 and No. 5, which I have already tried. By measuring other bullets I have used with .45 and BE-86 and calculating the same remaining case space, I began calculating.

Alliant info with 185 grain JHP, ( which I found were just slightly longer than FP) Alliant showed 1.195 OAL. They showed standard loads max at 7.9 grain, subtracting 10% is about 6.7. I also noticed the +P went up to 8.8 at 1.21, so my final load of 7.2 at 1.20 is well within safe area....probably too safe powerwise but is a good start point.

Russellc

 

[GBExpat]

Only made 50, hopefully, (and they should be) not kitty poots, but I was cutting myself slack on all parameters. They are 185 grain X-treme Flat points, 7.2 grains of BE-86. Oal of 1.20. Hopefully I will get to the range this afternoon, then will begin scaling them up powerwise.

Hmmmm, interesting ... I always approach load/accuracy testing in a different manner.

Since I use a Chrony (you may not), I only load 10-round(max) Test Strings (as I refer to them).

Using your info as an example, I would probably roll 3 or 4 Test Strings, each with a .2-.4gr difference in propellant and then shoot them thru the Chrony in order to capture a variety of both accuracy and velocity load details in one outing.

I find it to be a much quicker way to zero-in on the best "production" recipe for a particular load/bullet/pistol.

 

[Blue68f100]

Crony data has very little to do with accuracy. Yes it give you info but the bottom line (deciding factor) is the target. I do a latter test using 0.1gr increments for pistol, 0.5gr rifle for starters.

 

[RussellC]

I've already used it in several loads. Yes, a Chrony would help. but I was right on the money with these. They were far from "powerful" but no kitty poots. Since I am just over 7 grains for a load that can be taken to 8.8, plus added just a tad more OAL, I am well within safety margin. I loaded 50 of them, came home and made 50 more. Ejection was mild, but not "fall at your feet."

They shot well when compared to the 230 grain loads I did with this same powder, which just were not that accurate. These were much better with the 185 grain bullets. I also had some of my 230 grain RN Unique loads, they are just as accurate, as were the 185 grain FP rounds I loaded with No. 2, which were slightly more powerful than my last 185 grain FP No. 2 loads. They are still not at the top of Westerns "regular" load range, and not even in the +P range of their recommendations. They were more powerful than the 185 BE-86 loads however, and every bit as accurate.

Next is some slightly more powerful rounds just like these bullet and OAL wise. By the time I need to approach 8 grains I will need a chrony, but plenty of fun and accuracy well below that, let alone 8.8 grains.

I am pleased with BE-86 with .45 now, Need more info from Alliant about that 185 grain factory Match ammo they spoke about which uses BE-86!

Russellc

 

[GBExpat]

Crony data has very little to do with accuracy. Yes it give you info but the bottom line (deciding factor) is the target.

...and the sky is blue.

When developing loads I am always targeting a general velocity window (preferably with low SD & ES) that also produces accurate results. For me, the most efficient way to accomplish this is to capture both speed & accuracy data at the same time.

Once I identify what looks like a winner, I put up the Chrony, load a batch and give'em a go to see if the results match the initially testing.

Just the way I do it ...

 

[Toprudder]

Did not see much load information for .380 100gn bullets, so thought I would extrapolate from the Alliant data for 90gn (4.1gn) and 95gn (4.3gn) jacketed bullets.

I will be starting out with 100gn Xtreme plated, and 95gn Bayou Bullets. I was thinking of a ladder load starting with 3.5gn BE86. I will be shooting from a Bersa Thunder for chrono work, looking for a max of 850fps for the 100gn, which should be well below the max for BE86. My pet loads of other powders thus far from this gun are in the 750fps range.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

[Artofgolf]

OK Artofgolf, here's your requested pics.....

And excellent pics they are, RussellC Thanks for takin' the time to post 'em .

 

[Artofgolf]

...about powders......If I'm reading this thread correctly, BE-86 & Power-Pistol should both give good accuracy in 380, 9mm, 38spl & 357mag?...

Yes, BE-86 gives better-than-good accuracy in 380 ACP & 9MM IMO; can't vouch for the other two, but I betcha TT will

 

[RussellC]

There was little concern with this load, other than it might not operate the action. It certainly did, and confirmed my belief that a low powered load in .45 would be accurate with 185 grain. .45 is a low pressure load, combined with the fact that based on other published data by Alliant with this powder, I had more volume in the case than required and finally, I was at 7.2 with a load that tops out at 8.8. Setting up a chrony may have been instructive, but basically a waste of time at these levels. Velocity wasnt at issue here and the only threat was that a bullet might stick in the barrel!

Power was sufficient, and they functioned fine. While safety is always on topic, this isnt a thread about how to work up a safe load, and this load was far from being a threat. If those with chrony out there have any BE-86, please load some up and post your results, would be appreciated by all. It is safe to say that all parties here are not rank beginners and know when something is safe or not, and would not be taking chances. Moreover I think it is safe to say most participating in this thread are well aware of how loads are worked up. It is also safe to say that most here have sufficient experience to extrapolate info from other data when such low pressure loads are concerned.

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

Newbie question about powders.
I have Power-pistol & Bullseye on hand, with BE-86 on the way.
If I'm reading this thread correctly, BE-86 & Power-Pistol should both give good accuracy in 380, 9mm, 38spl & 357mag?
Working up each powder from start load, using same components (just changing powder)
to find best accuracy from my pistols/revolvers?
I am not suggesting same grain weight to be used for each powder.
This could reduce the number of powders I would have to stock for the calibers I reload.

My 9mm rounds were shockingly accurate. A very pleasant surprise. As stated before, my mid power 230 grain .45 left something to be desired in terms of accuracy. Switching down to 185 grain improved things, again at lower mid level loads. Nice powder, I need to find an 8 lbs jug.

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

And excellent pics they are, RussellC Thanks for takin' the time to post 'em .

Not a problem, I am cranking out some more while everything is set up. Anyone else using this fine powder with 185 grain .45?

Russellc

 

[RussellC]

...and the sky is blue.

When developing loads I am always targeting a general velocity window (preferably with low SD & ES) that also produces accurate results. For me, the most efficient way to accomplish this is to capture both speed & accuracy data at the same time.

Once I identify what looks like a winner, I put up the Chrony, load a batch and give'em a go to see if the results match the initially testing.

Just the way I do it ...

Please work up some BE-86 loads and report your Chrony data it would be appreciated by all on this thread. That way, it will also be on topic as well. If you have no BE-86 please get some, work them up and report, again, that would be much appreciated, as that is the thread topic.

 

[GBExpat]

I have several 9x19 & .45acp strings prepped, but, with the tasks stacked up against me right now, setting up shop out back and running the process may have to wait awhile ... but ...

... once I collect some BE-86 data I will certainly share it here.

Like many here, I have high hopes for this stuff (bought 3lbs from Wideners).

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Yes, BE-86 gives better-than-good accuracy in 380 ACP & 9MM IMO; can't vouch for the other two, but I betcha TT will

Yes, I will vouch for the .357mag loads, 7.3 gr seamed to be a sweet spot with my model 28 6".
In my GP100 4" 7.0 gr was a more comfortable load that seemed very accurate and clean also. It was easier to handle with out having to outright eat the recoil of the 7.3 gr loads in that lighter revolver, shooting quickly in double action.
I didn't keep the targets but they were about 3" groups. I was very pleased with them.

I don't load 38spls so I can't comment on that. I would think it would work very well with them.
I haven't been shooting lately, the thumb on my right hand has arthritis in the both joints and when it flares up shooting magnum loads is a "must not do".

The 7.3-7.6gr BE-86 loads didn't aggravate it, the 158gr, 14.9gr loads of 2400 in the GP100 did, right before I left for Wisconsin to go equipment shopping.

It's almost back to normal so if I don't get called into work, I may just head for the range today. I will be shooting BE-86- 7.3 gr. 158 gr Xtreme plated SWC again and see if I can duplicate my past experience with it.

I'll post pictures of them if I get to go.

 

[Walkalong]

Mid-Range .357 loads is exactly what I want to try BE-86 for.

 

[Potatohead]

I just received 2 lbs, how is it working for you guys in 380? Ive yet to find what Im looking for in a 380 load and am wondering how be86 will do here.

( this may have been touched on in this thread but it's grown to large for me to read all of it at the moment)

 

[Artofgolf]

....Ive yet to find what Im looking for in a 380 load and am wondering how be86 will do here....

Tater, it worked well for me w/XTP's - http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=204983&d=1415996654

 

[RussellC]

@GBExpat: Yes, I understand. It took me well over a week from the time I started talking about these 185 grain rounds until I actually got time to make them. I was surprised I was able to get to the range as quick as I did! Looking forward to your .45 load results. If you dont have any 185 grain flat points and wish to try them, let me know and I can send a few.

Russellc

 

[Potatohead]

Thanks AoG-and I see you hit the middle!

 

[wlkjr]

I just received 2 lbs, how is it working for you guys in 380? Ive yet to find what Im looking for in a 380 load and am wondering how be86 will do here.

( this may have been touched on in this thread but it's grown to large for me to read all of it at the moment)

Exactly what are you looking for in a .380 load?

 

[Potatohead]

"Broad side of the barn" accuracy would be nice.. im better off drop kicking my ammo at the target with my wifes little p238 than actually shooting it. I think it may be shooter induced though.

 

[anothernewb]

liking this thread. have a little VV340 left, but when that runs out I have a pound of BE-86 ready to go for developing 9mm loads with 147gr bullets!

 

[Potatohead]

HOLY MACKEREL! I just shot the nicest group ive ever shot with a 9mm during my first go around with be86. Wow, im a believer.. Leaving range, will post pic.



(Pic posted below in post #252)