BE-86

[Old Squid]

Glad to see this post. As a noob here I was very interested in results some of you are posting using BE-86.

I loaded some 135g JHP over 7.9gr of BE-86 for 40S&W, and found that to be a bit snappy. I can't imagine what the posted "MAX loads" are like. I can't complain about the accuracy however, but I would like to find something a bit more comfortable. Don't own a chrono so I can't give you any FPS data other than I tore the center out of the target with 25 rounds, with a couple of fliers that I'm sure were "pilot error."

As an aside, sure glad I ran into this forum!

 

[Walkalong]

Welcome to THR Old Squid.

Have you tried the heavier bullets in .40? You may find them less "snappy". I prefer 165 and 180 gr bullets in .40.

Sounds like you have a very accurate load with your 135s though.

 

[Old Squid]

bds, your 40 S&W report out of a stock G22 hit me right in the kitchen. I also have a G22 but, have a KKM barrel. Your load data on a plated 180gr. is invaluable to me at this point. I wasn't too happy shooting 135gr over 7.9 and had no idea where to start with a plated 180gr JFP. Can't thank you enough for that info and the next time I get to the range I'll take pictures.

 

[Old Squid]

Walkalong, I usually shoot plated 180JFP using Bullseye and find it to be a very nice combination.

180g JFP over 4.5 gr of Bullseye with OAL of 1.128
very light in the crimp dept.

I also load 135g JHP over 5.6gr of Bullseye OAL 1.100

I Just found the BE-86 so I'm still trying it out.

 

[jwalts27]

Squid, Try 6.7g of BE for a 165FMJ @ 1.125. Super clean and relatively mild recoil in my mind. I loaded up some at 6.5g but havent tried yet. Also waiting on some 180FMJ which should be in tomorrow to give those a shot. I tried some at 7.1g but for target load it was too snappy

 

[LiveLife]

Old Squid, glad to helped and welcome to THR!

 

[Buckeye357]

44 Mag with BE-86

I was able to shot some 44 Mag loaded with BE-86 and I was pleased with results. The load consisted of 10.9 grs. BE-86
Nosler 240 gr. JSP bullet
CCI 300 primer
Fed brass
I only shot paper at about 10 yards and I was able to get consistent groups 1.5"-2" shooting standing position. The loads had some snap but not anything like my 23 gr 296 loads. I also had some loads of 2400 at 20gr with same bullet to compare and I have to say the BE-86 loads felt a little milder. The BE- 86 was clean burning and left no unburnt powder in the barrel. I will use this powder again and bump up the load a little and see what happens.

 

[jwalts27]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was able to shot some 44 Mag loaded with BE-86 and I was pleased with results. The load consisted of 10.9 grs. BE-86
Nosler 240 gr. JSP bullet
CCI 300 primer
Fed brass
I only shot paper at about 10 yards and I was able to get consistent groups 1.5"-2" shooting standing position. The loads had some snap but not anything like my 23 gr 296 loads. I also had some loads of 2400 at 20gr with same bullet to compare and I have to say the BE-86 loads felt a little milder. The BE- 86 was clean burning and left no unburnt powder in the barrel. I will use this powder again and bump up the load a little and see what happens.

I loaded a fullhouse load of BE86 for my 357. Performance was good but just didn't give that MAGNUM feel. Ill stick to H110 for that.
However I find that BE86 is snappier than Bullseye. But its wayyy cleaner than Bullseye IMO

 

[Buckeye357]

Jwalts27 what type and weight of bullet did you load and how much BE-86 did you use?
The reason for the question is the lack of data out there. I also loaded some BE-86 for my 357 Mag but have yet to shoot it. The load I'm trying is.
158 gr. Laser- Cast SWC
7.4grs. BE-86
CCI 500 primer
New Win brass
The Alliant load data lists 8.1 grs. max with a Cast RNFP

 

[Walkalong]

This is what I am going to try when I find some BE-86.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=9704956&postcount=5

BE-86 is 7.3 gr with 158 gr Xtreme SWC. excellent accuracy, no crimp
excellent upper midrange load, flash suppressant, and clean with plated bullets.

 

[jwalts27]

Jwalts27 what type and weight of bullet did you load and how much BE-86 did you use?
The reason for the question is the lack of data out there. I also loaded some BE-86 for my 357 Mag but have yet to shoot it. The load I'm trying is.
158 gr. Laser- Cast SWC
7.4grs. BE-86
CCI 500 primer
New Win brass
The Alliant load data lists 8.1 grs. max with a Cast RNFP [/I]

I loaded 7.8g, 8.1g and 8.3g Hi Tek 158LSWC light crimp, new Starline brass in my 686 6". Even at 8.3g above published max I saw no sighs of pressure issues. didn't chrono them, weather is too ---bad---. I just didn't get that Magnum feel I was looking for. Sure they were accurate and clean but..... 10.3g of AA7 had a better feel, but dirtier and prolly just as accurate. I have been experimenting due the lack of Magnum powders in my area. Down to my lst Pound of H110

 

[Buckeye357]

Thanks for the info. Interesting that you are at 8.3 grs and no problems I wonder how far above max it could be pushed. I think if you are after that magnum kick H110 or 296 is the way to go. I still have 2 pounds of 296 left but haven't seen it for sale for a long while. I've shot a lot of 158gr. HP XTP's with 17gr. of Win 296, my 6" Python loved them. Its been a while because I retired the Python. I'm now shooting reduced loads with lead in my new S&W model 66-8.

 

[Artofgolf]

Wharfy BE-86

Artofgolf,......Will be looking forward to seeing your X-Treme FP's results. I really like performance of X-Treme bullets...jell-dog

Finally got to the range this evening - testin' those FP's from Xtreme in the mouse

Standing on 34 degree concrete @ 7 yards, I sent a few downrange with our beloved BE-86 powder
(click on image to expand) 3.5g Alliant BE-86

I'm still yankin' 'em left with my oversized mitts; nonetheless, the shooter, not the load was to blame
3.5g functioned flawlessly out of the Wharf Rat.

(click on image to expand) 3.4g Alliant BE-86

3.4g worked well also and could be the sweet-spot for the G-42. 3.3g load provided two stovepipes and a FTE

Don't shoot the messenger: I think there are better powders for the 380 ACP (...the search continues)

 

[wlkjr]

Art, are you using the crease between the first and second joint of the trigger finger. That's what most of my friends are using with the 42.

 

[jell-dog]

Finally got to the range this evening - testin' those FP's from Xtreme in the mouse
Standing on 34 degree concrete @ 7 yards, I sent a few downrange........
3.5g worked well......3.4g worked well also and could be the sweet-spot for the G-42. 3.3g load provided two stovepipes and a FTE
Don't shoot the messenger: I think there are better powders for the 380 ACP (...the search continues)

Artofgolf,
I appreciate your sharing these findings!!
BE-86 may not meet the requirements of the WARF RAT (G-42), but MAY be good for 380's that do not require the loads our WARF RATS do.
BUT, (everyone has one) as to BE-86 not being the "go to" powder for 380,(and you are most likely correct), I am going to do more tweaking with this powder in our BERSA FIRESTORM 380 and post findings here.
(good or bad)
Respectfully,
jell-dog

 

[Artofgolf]

Artofgolf,....BE-86 may not meet the requirements of the WARF RAT (G-42), but MAY be good for 380's that .....jell-dog

Just giving an opinion, as my previous VV N-310, 320 & 330 loads provided better groupings while testing than the BE-86 has for me

I'm sure if it works well for you, by all means stick with it!

wlkjr, that's where the trigger falls for my index finger (which is too long for the G-42
The pistol is just too small for my big hands I'd like to find a slip-on grip that is bulkier

 

[wlkjr]

I've got the small Hogue on mine and it is perfect..........well almost. Zombie green. Only one I could find at the time.

 

[Dudedog]

Ok I was having a so so day today, not great not bad but here are some BE86 pics. Both .45 loads were 5.4 grs. I am happy with it so far am I am testing loads on the lighter end.

 

[Artofgolf]

I've got the small Hogue on mine and it is perfect..........

Yup, I think that's going to be a big help ........ any suggestions on after-market slip-on grips for the G-42 are certainly welcomed, especially for large hands

BE-86 is a worthy choice for 9mm, 40 & 45 cal. & 357mag based on the tests posted so far ~ still on the fence for 380 Auto, IMHO
(ZIP, anyone ????)

 

[jell-dog]

PREVIEW BE-86: Handloading 380auto for Accuracy

A preview of my results for BE-86 powder from my "Handloading 380auto for Accuracy" thread for the THR members following the BE-86 thread.

These are my opinions, using my gun, working up 380auto loads for moderate recoil and accuracy.Your Mileage May Very

Basic info: Here are the guidelines I used: 7 yards, standing, open sights, no pistol rest, target has 1/2" grid lines, 5 rounds at each powder weight.
I shot a BERSA FIRESTORM 380 with 3 1/2" barrel for all range work, using the 2 bullets I have on hand:100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN & 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN.

My definition of Good Accy is 1.5" or less
My definition of Fair Accy is 1.5" up to 1.75"
My definition of Poor Accy is greater than 1.75"

Below Left: BE-86 3.5gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, 0.1gr Over Start load, Mild/Moderate recoil, Good Accy, Group 2.0" W/Flyer, 1.5" WO/Flyer
Note: this data, using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN W/O flyer, is equal to my accuracy when using BULLSEYE 2.8gr under 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN BULLET W/O flyer.
Below Right: BE-86_3.5gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Start load, Mod. recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.75"
[

Below Left: BE-86 3.7gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Snapy recoil, Poor/Fair Accy, Group 2.75" W/Flyer, 1.75" WO/Flyer
Below Right: BE-86_3.7gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.Snapy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 4.5"


Below Left: BE-86 3.9gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, VERY Snappy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.75" W/Flyer, 2.0" WO/Flyer
Note: I will not use this VERY SNAPY load again in my wife's Bursa Firestorm 380.
Below Right: A SURPRISE BE-86_3.9gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.Snapy recoil, Good Accy, Group 1.5"
Note: Felt recoil using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN was not as snapy as the same 3.9gr BE-86 powder charge under a 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN bullet, we will do further testing of this load in wife's Bersa Firestorm
PREVIEW

 

[Old Squid]

I managed to endure some cold weather and finally got to the range to tryout some test loads using BE-86. 135g bullets were all over the place.(no pix) I had much better luck with the 180gr. plated.

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[jell-dog]

I managed to endure some cold weather and finally got to the range to tryout some test loads using BE-86. 135g bullets were all over the place.(no pix) I had much better luck with the 180gr. plated.

Thanks Old Squid!
GREAT SHOOTIN'
BTW I'm guessing .357Mag? or .45auto?
jell-dog

 

[Artofgolf]

That 6.2gr load looks pretty good, Old Squid Nice shootin'

 

[Walkalong]

BTW I'm guessing .357Mag? or .45auto?

I assumed .40 S&W.

 

[Old Squid]

I'm sorry. Yes, it was 40S&W. Glock G22 with a KKM barrel.
All shots were at 21', no bench rest.
Fairly well pleased with BE-86. Cleaner than Bullseye or the 800X.
I need to work up a better load for the 135gr or just leave that bullet alone!