I've read load recipes until my head is spinning the last month, so forgive me a newb question.
I'm an AA#9 fan for my 44mag and have started using it for my foray into 10mm. I want good accurate general purpose powder for 180XTPs, hardcast HiTek 180TC's, 200 hardcadt WFN's and XTP's. Looking for 1250fps+ in the former and 1150+ in the heavier. Shooting a 5" Rock Island.
That said, I'm not keen on the compressed loads to get where I want to be with the 200gr billets and would like a little more economy than #9.
Every time I think Longshot sounds like the way to go I find a bunch of people saying BlueDot is the way to go.
Thoughts and inputs?
10.4gr's of Blue Dot under 180gr XTP or HAP is amazingly accurate
Haven't worked up any loads with Blue Dot but I'll copy and paste some data from my RIA with a 6" barrel so you will lose 50-75 fps in a 5" barrel.
200 grain TC cast with a BHN of 16 sized at .401 from ACME and seeing some potential.
Pistol: RIA Pro Match, Model 52,000
Benchrest: 25 yds
Bullet: 200 grain TC PB cast, .401"
Lube: 45-45-10
Case: Starline .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: 8gr of Longshot
COL: 1.250"
Velocity: 1227 fps ES: 10 SD: 3
30 shots at 25yds off the bench:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v91/kennygates/Mobile%20Uploads/BC3FBB07-D6B0-42C1-B3A0-15501A1CD7A6_zpsfieby9qn.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/kennygates/media/Mobile%20Uploads/BC3FBB07-D6B0-42C1-B3A0-15501A1CD7A6_zpsfieby9qn.jpg.html)
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RIA, M1911 A2, Pro Match Tac Ultra 6", Model: 52,000
No signs of pressure
Bullet: Hornady 155 gr XTP HP
Case: TopBrass .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: Longshot 7.5 gr
O.A.L: 1.260"
Velocities: Average
No signs of pressure
Bullet: Hornady 155 Gr XTP HP
Case: TopBrass .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: Longshot 8.5gr
O.A.L: 1.260"
Velocities: Average 1360 FPS
Bullet:Hornady 155gr XTP HP
Case: Remmington .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: Longshot 9.5gr
O.A.L: 1.260"
Velocities: Average 1460 fps -Started seeing swipes and flatting of primers
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Not Longshot or Blue Dot, but posting as FYI
RIA, M1911 A2, Pro Match Tac Ultra 6", Model: 52,000
My Hunting Load Data
7-17-16, 7:02 am @ 81 degrees
Some signs of pressure (minor flatting of primers around edges).
Bullet: Hornady 180 gr XTP HP
Case: Remmington .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: AA# 9 - 14.5 grains
O.A.L: 1.260"
Velocities: Average 1360fps
RIA, M1911 A2, Pro Match Tac Ultra 6", Model: 52,000
7-17-16, 8:25 am @ 83 degrees
No signs of pressure.
Bullet: XTP 180 gr HP
Case: Remmington .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: Longshot 7.5 gr
O.A.L: 1.260"
Velocities: Average 1173fps
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No signs of pressure
Bullet: XTP 180 gr HP
Case: Remmington .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: Longshot 8.5 gr
O.A.L: 1.260"
Velocities: Average 1309 fps
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Started seeing light swipes and minor flatting of the primers
Bullet: XTP 180 gr HP
Case: Remmington .985"
Primer: WLP
Powder: Longshot 9.0 gr
O.A.L: 1.260"
Velocities: Average 1344 fps
My favorite plinking range load
BULLET WEIGHT: Lee 401- 175 grain powder coated cast using WW alloy
CASE MFR.: Starline
PRIMER: WLP
POWDER: Longshot
CHARGE WEIGHT: 8 grains
OVERALL CARTRIDGE LENGTH:1.260"
VELOCITY: 1205 FPS, ES: 24. SD: 8
OTHER DETAILS: RIA 1911, Model 52,000 with a 6" bull barrel
Note: 8.5 grains of Longshot was identical to 8grains
I use Power Pistol for such loads... Longshot will work too, as will Blue Dot... I have all 3 powders but I'm using the Power Pistol because it is the oldest (11 years old).
All IMHO.
Longshot, AA #9, Blue Dot. They all work fine for me for hot loads. Use what you have or is common for your other calibers. And frankly accuracy varies more for your gun/chamber/barrel than it does for powder choice - comparing somebody else's platform with one powder to your platform - it you follow me. Just saying you might have to try all three powders to see what gives you the best results.
What you are saying is totally true
Thanks Pablo
Hey there. In my experience, AA #9 was cleaner burning with a good amount of muzzle flash, whilst longshot had no muzzle flash with a bit of smokiness.
Thanks for the input guys, esp txcoondog-that's some good stuff I'll work up to.
I'll probably wind up with AA9 for my hunting loads as well. I have probably four pounds, but I use it to feed my 44mag Redhawk and my 44mag Win 94.
Since our bear aren't huge here in AZ, I went to the 10mm 1911 to replace the Redhawk in the hunting cougar and bear defense role. I'm way more practiced with a 1911 than a big revo, and realized that even after shooting 1k+ rounds in the year and a half of having the Redhawk, I can get two magazines from a draw on target through the Rock faster than I can get 6 through the 44.
Longshot is pretty available currently around here and is more economical for training and "working" loads.
I have used Blue Dot, 2400, Power Pistol, and Unique for the 180's and got decent velocities and accuracy. You really know when you're shooting the 2400- fireball, LOUD, but it sure meters great thru the powder measure. Considering I think I have at least one pound of everything made, I'm trying to cut back on how many different ones I work with. Not sure how this is going to work out but for everyday range shooting it'll be probably 2400 or Power Pistol. I have a lot of each. My carry ammo is with a 155 gr Remington HP using 11.5gr Blue Dot= 1275'ps per manual. It shoots it at max into a quarter size hole at 25 yds.
Yea, there's a lot of great recipes for loading 10's out there. As for carry ammo, I'll stick with the factory stuff for legality reasons; 155 or 180gr Underwood to be specific
Not to be contrary, but until "for legal reasons" is backed by case law and not internet lore I'm perfectly happy carrying what I roll and know works.
I've been cert'd as an AZ CCW instructor and NRA Instructor for a few years, and cringe every time I hear that tired old line.
I also carry only my reloads. they are what I practice with and I know how they shoot. if my life ever depends on it, I want what I know works best.
If that's what you like, and are comfortable with, it sounds like the way to go