Longshot or Blue Dot

[Sobrbiker]

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?

[Kenk]

10.4gr's of Blue Dot under 180gr XTP or HAP is amazingly accurate

[TXCOONDOG]

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:



...............................................................................
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


........................................................................

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

[TXCOONDOG]

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


...........................................................

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

.........................................................................

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

[TXCOONDOG]

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

[Ridgerunner665]

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).

[Pablo]

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.

[Kenk]

What you are saying is totally true
Thanks Pablo

[Chris183]

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. 

[Sobrbiker]

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.

[Trapper6L]

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.

[Kenk]

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

[Sobrbiker]

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.

[blaster]

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.

[Kenk]

If that's what you like, and are comfortable with, it sounds like the way to go