unburned powder

[Rich_Lather]

I reloaded my first handgun ammo, .45 ACP for a 1911 with 8.5gr of blue dot, pushing a 230grain cast bullet, resulting in ~810fps. After firing a few rounds I noticed that I had unburned powder flakes drifting in the wind across my log book. I got my load info from my lee die set. I don't recall ever seeing unburned powder from commercial rounds. Am I doing something wrong here?

 

[Eb1]

I am not a pistol reloading expert, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn last night, so take this lightly, and I am sure others will correct me.

I don't know if Blue Dot is the best powder for you application. Perhaps Unique would be a better choice.
Also there might not have been enough bell removal of the case (read as taper crimp).

Please excuse me if I am wrong in this, and like I said, others will give you the correct answer if needed.

 

[swiss7.5]

Eb1 is correct. Blue dot spits unburnt powder out of my 44 mag when im loading light loads. Best bet will be to switch powders.

 

[NCsmitty]

I don't load 45 ACP, but my research leads me to believe that Blue Dot needs more pressure to burn clean. It's better suited to jacketed bullets that build more pressure.
IMO, you would be better off with a little quicker burning powder with cast bullets.

NCsmitty

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I've never loaded BD in my .45acp rounds but a shooting buddy has and had the same thing happen.
I use Power Pistol for jacketed and Red Dot for cast slugs.

 

[fireman 9731]

I say give your rounds a heavier crimp or try a different powder...

 

[BLJimmy]

I'm switching to Clays. Burns very clean. I'm tired of the same problem with 231.

 

[Walkalong]

A heavier crimp will not help. Blue Dot is on the ragged edge of useful in .45 ACP.

You would be much better off to switch to W-231, Unique, Universal, WST, Competition, Clays, AA #2, AA #5, WSF, or any of the other powders that will work in .45. The good news is there is a wide variety of powders that will work well in it.

 

[Quoheleth]

AA#5 works very well for me. Next time I have a spare $25 sitting around, I'll pick up another 1# of #5 for the cabinet.

I also like Universal (very similar to W-231, I'm told) very much for across-the-board applications in .38, 9mm and .45. It sometimes leaves a few unconsumed granules with the "Start" .45ACP loads out of lee's manual, so I'm bumping up one disc size (still under max) and going to try that.

I have tried Titegroup, but can't remember how it shot.

Can't say that I care for Bullseye...

Q

 

[Clarence]

Blue Dot is just too slow to burn efficiently in a .45 ACP.

You are going to have to use a faster burning powder.

 

[evan price]

Blue dot is the next thing to useless in low pressure rounds like 45 acp. You are far better off trying Clays, Titegroup, Win231, anything but Blue Dot. Heck, Red Dot works OK in .45 too.

 

[lgbloader]

Amen to Clays, VV320, Unique and Bullseye. W231, Universal, and AA#5 (Thanks Walkalong - I've gone through a couple pounders of this and AA#2)

LGB

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree, Blue Dot isn't a good powder for the 45 Auto, it's just too slow. Walkalong gave you a good list to choose from. My favorite powders for the 45 Auto are W231 and AA#5.

 

[The Bushmaster]

W-231, WSF, AA #7...But Blue Dot...Uh-uh...

 

[rcmodel]

I say give your rounds a heavier crimp

How do you "heavier crimp" a .45 ACP that headspaces on the case mouth?

Anyway, a taper crimp is not going to add anything to help burn Blue-Dot in a .45 ACP.

It's just the wrong powder.

rc

 

[the foot]

Blue Dot is not a great powder for the 45 in my opinion. Blue Dot is great in my Ruger Redhawk 44 magnum hunting loads, but light loads in all calibers loaded with Blue Dot result in a lot of unburned powder.

 

[Martyk]

I've used Unique and BullsEys and had unburned powder with both. Not much but some flakes. Never really thought too much about it or worried about it myself.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Save your Blue Dot for shotgun loads. IMHO

 

[243winxb]

.45 ACP for a 1911 with 8.5gr of blue dot, pushing a 230grain cast bullet,

This load could be on the light side for a cast bullet. If you chamber is fully supported like a S&W 645, you might try hotter. But as said, there are better powders.

 

[bluetopper]

Use a fast burning powder. Blue Dot is for magnum, high pressure loads.

There is some Alliant American Select for sale on gunbroker for cheap. It will work great.

 

[Rich_Lather]

Thanks for your input. I am quickly learning that having a powder listed in the Lee load list that comes with the dies doesn't mean they're a reasonable choice.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

generally cast slugs perform better with the 'faster burning' powders.
all the pistol rounds I load for do.
I'm thinking I'm going to try some American Select when what's left of the 8lb jug of Red Dot I bought years ago runs out.