I have some Blue Dot I want to use up. My load book only lists 230 gr jacketed with a load of
8.5grains.
Can I use the same for 230gr lead?? Or what should it be. Just for light target.

Thanks

I've never used Blue Dot in .45 ACP but the older Lyman "Pistol and Revolver Handbook" lists it for use with cast bullets on the heavier end of bullet weight ranges for both the .45 ACP and the .45 Auto Rim. Mention is made of 8.5 grains as maximum for a 238 grain cast lead bullet in .45 Auto Rim and up to 10.7 with a very slightly lighter 225 grain cast lead bullet in the .45 ACP.

Seems like a reasonable choice of powders. Work up to maximum charges.

Thanks, all my info is for Jacketed for heavier and lighter bullets. How much difference in powder between a jacketed vs lead when the weight is the same?

OCD1, I wouldn't hesitate to use that load with a cast lead bullet.

quote:

Originally posted by NKJ nut:
OCD1, I wouldn't hesitate to use that load with a cast lead bullet.

You are saying 8-8.5 grains would be OK?

Thanks

As sort of a general rule you will get higher velocity with the same powder charge when shooting lead bullets. In most cases this means you can get the same velocity with less powder.

quote:

You are saying 8-8.5 grains would be OK?

Yes.

quote:

Originally posted by NKJ nut:
As sort of a general rule you will get higher velocity with the same powder charge when shooting lead bullets. In most cases this means you can get the same velocity with less powder.

Thank you, That was what I was trying to determine but didn't know how to say it.

I'd recommend you look at the Alliant website for load data but unfortunately it is currently down for maintenance. If you don't see a load specific to your needs [i.e. bullet & powder] send Alliant an email and you will get a response in a couple days. Not all load data Alliant has is listed online or in the Reloader's Guide [particularly lead bullets loads].

First place I looked but as you say it says try back in a week.

My 2005 hard copy of the Alliant data says a 230 FMC can use 8.5 gr at 16.2 kpsi. The 230 gr JHP uses 9.8 gr at 19.3 kpsi. Both are 900 fps or so.

Because there are so many swaged bullets around, the powder companies tend to shy away from any meaningful lead loads. They want them to be 1000 fps or less to keep those soft bullets from leading so bad.

lighter pressure loads can be extremely accurate with blue dot, and can tie up a close toleranced pistol in one shot (semi or revolver)

It may be difficult to get a very high pressure load witrh 230 grain bullet and blue dot in 45 acp.

Way back when I was shooting a lot of .45acp in IPSC I used Blue Dot. I don't recall the exact grain weight, but with a 230 grain jacketed bullet I had no problem making the then 'major' power factor in a M-1911/5.5" bbl/with compensator. It was a very low apparent recoil load and very accurate. I do remember that the muzzle flash at night was a little bright. Big Cholla

Looking at a Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook , I'm seeing 10.7grs Blue Dot as max with a 225gr cast RN , Lyman mould # 452374

They are specifying Federal cases though.

Well, I loaded them at 7.5 grains and will find out tomorrow how they work.