I have grown to really like Blue Dot for 180gr XTP loads (10.4gr's), but am nearly out. Any thoughts on a sweet spot for Longshot under a 180gr XTP? It looks like Hodgdon is recommending 8.5gr – 9.5gr / COL - 1.26 for LS
I run the same cartridge length as you. My guns are all Glock's. Brass is Starline.
After the load development was done I settled in on 9.5gr of Longshot. The load is accurate and quite powerful. Gives 1,320 fps out of a 5.3" barrel and 1,225 fps out of an OEM G20 barrel. I find it abusive in my G29 while giving 1,132 fps.
But I need to explain myself here. Except for my G40, the 9.5gr load is hotter than I like. Near nuclear IMO. It is the arthritis in my right hand that tempers my interpretation of recoil. I find the 9.5gr load simply too much. But I have found the Montana 200gr WFN bullet to be very easy to throttle up and back, accurate and quite apt as a hunting bullet. Not a thing in the world wrong with the XTP's but, for me, I find the 200 gr WFN a much better all around bullet.
But, but.... I think you'll find the sweet spot for the 180gr XTP to be between 9.0 and 9.5gr (CCI std primer) in a Glock.
Would there be any reason I couldn't run around 9gr's using my Missouri Bullet Company 180 Grain TCFP / Brinell 18 alloy bullets? These will be shot from a G20 gen 4 with a KKM stock length barrel. I am currently running 10.4 grains BD with both the 180gr XTP and the 180 alloy and seems to be fine, is why I asked
That charge may be a little light....
A bullet that hard will require a good thump to obturate, and 9 grains of Blue Dot isn't gonna do it. As a result you will get blow by and leading. Especially in a Glock that already has a loose groove diameter.
I had this experience with Lee 175 grain SWCTL that I cast. Unique worked fine, but Blue Dot loaded to the same velocity leaded like crazy. Reason being Unique reach a higher pressure peak, but fell off more quickly. So it obturated the bullet base.
I would start at 9.5 grains of Blue Dot and load up to about 10.5, maybe 11 grains with a 180 grain cast.
No, please reread, I must not have been very clear, Thanks sqlbullet
Nope...Brain cramp on my side. I forgot you were looking to go to Longshot....
9 grains of longshot should be just fine. Maybe up to 9.3 with a cast bullet that fits good.
Thanks man!
While documenting all of the ammo using LongShot the 180 grain loadings ranged 9.0 out to 10.2 grains as found in SwampFox ammo, with stern warnings for fully supported chambers. This would be NEW BRASS for that upper loading and some had issues going that high.
Personally I stop at 9.6 grains with the 180 grain JHP's, FMJ's being slightly shorter can push 9.8 grains if you want to push it...This is plenty enough in my opinion... I push 9.2 - 9.4 grains of LS with my 200 grain JHP's 1235 - 1260 fps in the 5" guns.
Thanks much, so using new starline brass, Win LPP, and my KKM barrel, I should be fine running 9gr's LS under a 180gr XTP, or the 180gr alloy 18 hardness, correct? Also, what would you use for the OAL on both of these?
Thanks Shadow
Quote from: Spudmeister on January 10 2018 11:17:51 AM MST
I run the same cartridge length as you. My guns are all Glock's. Brass is Starline.
After the load development was done I settled in on 9.5gr of Longshot. The load is accurate and quite powerful. Gives 1,320 fps out of a 5.3" barrel and 1,225 fps out of an OEM G20 barrel. I find it abusive in my G29 while giving 1,132 fps.
But I need to explain myself here. Except for my G40, the 9.5gr load is hotter than I like. Near nuclear IMO. It is the arthritis in my right hand that tempers my interpretation of recoil. I find the 9.5gr load simply too much. But I have found the Montana 200gr WFN bullet to be very easy to throttle up and back, accurate and quite apt as a hunting bullet. Not a thing in the world wrong with the XTP's but, for me, I find the 200 gr WFN a much better all around bullet.
But, but.... I think you'll find the sweet spot for the 180gr XTP to be between 9.0 and 9.5gr (CCI std primer) in a Glock.
I just saw Blue Dot on sale for $95 for a 5 pound jug at $95.99 for a 5 pound jug at Reloading Unlimited. I ignored it because I have 2 jugs of it.
https://reloadingunlimited.com/product/alliant-blue-dot/