Low-flash replacement for Blue Dot?

[Pantera Mike]

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!

[The_Shadow]

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...

[Kenk]

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

[Mike D]

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

[5pins]

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

[Pantera Mike]

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!

[hunter5567]

Here is some loading data from Shooting Times.


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

[Kenk]

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

Ken