Print Page - Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?

Title: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: Pantera Mike on February 16 2020 06:33:32 PM MST

Hi,

I was one of the first buyers of the Colt Delta Elite when they were first introduced. I have used Blue Dot exclusively since then with good results, although its not the happiest thing to go through my Dillon powder measure. I use 180gr cast, 155/180gr Sierra JHP and am about to try 180gr Speer Gold Dots.

I'm considering shifting to a different powder. My goals are to find a powder that meters better, has low flash (zero flash would be best but perhaps not achievable) and delivers high velocities at reasonable pressures the way Blue Dot does. Good accuracy goes without saying.

I was thinking of trying AA #7? I will also be loading defensive loads in 9mm and 45 ACP so ideally the chosen powder would be suitable for all three.

Any testimonials in favor of (or against) AA #7 for this task? Any other powder candidates I should consider which would be superior to AA #7?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: The_Shadow on February 16 2020 07:04:53 PM MST

Alliant BE-86 is one of their newer Flash Suppressed powders and it's been nice to work with, slightly faster burning than Power Pistol.
Accurate #7 is also good power...

Title: Re: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: Kenk on February 16 2020 11:03:52 PM MST

Evening Mike, I've been a 10mm BD fan for sometime, but have been enjoying the benefits of BE-86 lately. You will find that metering is far superior to Blue Dot, as well as the greatly reduced flash..Enjoy!

Ken

Title: Re: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: Mike D on February 17 2020 12:26:51 PM MST

Following. I was perusing through Quickload the other night and noticed they don't have BE86 in their powder library.

Is there a powder that is very similar that could be used as a starting point?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Title: Re: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: 5pins on February 17 2020 03:07:35 PM MST

I have never used #7 but BE-86 and Longshot should work well as a substitute to Blue Dot.

Title: Re: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: Pantera Mike on February 17 2020 08:43:00 PM MST

All,

According to burn rate charts BE-86 is much faster-burning while AA#7 is right next to Blue Dot. Based on that, plus recent happy experience with AA#5 in 38 Special, I decided to give #7 the nod. It will be awhile before I get to the loading bench but I will let you know how it turns out.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: hunter5567 on February 19 2020 04:15:55 PM MST

Here is some loading data from Shooting Times.

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/performance-of-alliants-new-be-86-pistol-powder/99086

Title: Re: Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?
Post by: Kenk on February 19 2020 05:13:12 PM MST

Thanks Hunter, am growing more fond of BE-86 by the day

Ken

10mm-Auto

10mm Ammuntion => Reloading 10mm ammo => Topic started by: Pantera Mike on February 16 2020 06:33:32 PM MST