Unburnt Bluedot in 44 mag lightloads.....

[ILikeLead]

Without hijacking JEB's post about 357 and H110, here's the question.

I loaded 44 Special loads with 8-9 gr of Blue Dot, CCI non magnum primers, and 240 gr JSP bullets. There's plenty of unburnt powder. I have not loaded full house 44 mag loads yet (up to 15grains) but that's next. Should I expect unburnt Bluedot? I will use WLP primers next.

Does Bluedot cause higher pressures with less than minimal loads like H110?
If so when does this occur, as the load range for 44mag is 13-15gr, and 44special is 8-9gr?

Thanks to all!!!

 

[ILikeLead]

Methinks I may try Universal as well.....

 

[gamestalker]

Unless the data calls for a magnum primer, I wouldn't think you should be getting unburned powder like that. If thrre is a lot of space in the case with that 8-9 gr. charge, you might need to use some dacron to keep the powder against the flash hole, a friend used it for some light loads for his 45 LC sucessfully. I've never loaded with Blue Dot for the 44 spcl. So I don't know much about it's reduced charge characteristics as with H110 or 296. I have used it in 44 mag. yrs. ago, but with a magnum primer which didn't leave unburned powder.

 

[murf]

if you are using 44mag cases, use the 44mag reloading data and start at 12 grains. if you are using 44spl cases use the 44spl loading data and 9 grains should be ok.

murf

 

[joneb]

You need to work up the Blue Dot load till it burns clean, or use a faster powder.

 

[ssyoumans]

Operating pressure for 44 Special is pretty low (15,500 PSI) which isn't in what I would consider to be in the ideal working range of Blue Dot. BD likes it higher. Yes, it will work, and per Hornady, gives some of the highest velocities, but you won't ever get a great burn with it with loads this low. 9 gr BD means 56% burn from 4", 64% from 6". I'd still use it if I was looking for max velocity, else consider Unique or Universal if wanting a cleaner burn/load. I like it in 44 Magnum. Can be downloaded compared to 296 but still a good performing load.

 

[Walkalong]

I agree, Blue Dot is not suitable for.44 Spl pressures. Burns super clean at higher pressures though. You need a fast to medium speed powder. Say about from N310 to 3N37, and many in between on Hodgdons burn rate chart. I like AA #2, 700X, W-231, AA #5, Universal, & Unique. I am sure others will work well too.

 

[kingmt]

Does Bluedot cause higher pressures with less than minimal loads like H110?

Where do you get this information? How could less powder cause higher pressure?

This is the warning from Hodgdon:
Reduce H110 and Winchester 296 loads 3% and work up from there. H110 and Winchester 296 if reduced too much will cause inconsistent ignition. In some cases it will lodge a bullet in the barrel, causing a hazardous situation (Barrel Obstruction). This may cause severe personal injury or death to users or bystanders. DO NOT REDUCE H110 LOADS BY MORE THAN 3%.
It says you will get a bullet stuck.

I don't use BD or a 44 but I use a powder with a similar burn rate in rifle loads. While I don't think a MLP primer would hurt I don't think it would help ether. The powder I use lights very easy & I here the same about BD. If you have unburnt powder then pressure isn't high enough for a complete burn. If you can't get a complete burn before max pressure for the case, recoil, or report you are looking for go to a faster powder. BD is a very slow powder for revolver.

Wish I could be of more help.

 

[hancjamk]

I use 231 for light loads, Unique for medium loads and 2400 for mag loads. Problem solved...

 

[ILikeLead]

Thanks to all. These ideas will get me going in the right direction.

 

[the Black Spot]

what grain bullet?