I have been using 12 Gr of Blue Dot and a 215 Gr Cast for many years. This was always in my 41 Mag Freedom Arms Model 83. I was never concerned about all of the warnings about the potential problems with Blue Dot and the 41. I always thought it would be extremly difficult to harm a F/A. I have now moved the F/A and replaced it with a mid 1970's blue steel 57. I am wondering now if I should pull about 400 rounds of this loading or would I be safe using them in my S&W 57?

Thanks for any advice.

Art

I recall when that warning first appeared. Don't remember the details. It was issued for a reason. The 57 is tough, but not as tough as say, a Ruger or FA or perhaps other SA revolvers. If it were mine, I'd use the Blue Dot ammo in something else.

I think I have read that Bob Palermo (a forum member) of Penn Bullets prefers Blue Dot in the .41 Magnum.

The 12gr of Blue Dot load is probably not a hot load. I've shot 13.5 gr of Blue Dot with a 215 gr Valient SWC bullet and that load made 1125fps from my six inch model 57. The same bullet with 10.7 gr of Blue Dot made 950fps from my four inch 57.
Most times, I use 6.5 gr of Red Dot with the same bullet. That load makes 950fps from my model 58. Shoots very well. Dean

Blue Dot was the powder of choice for my Blackhawk .41 in Alaska. Never a problem. Then the warning came out and the BH was stolen, soooo...

You know the correct answer, body parts are worth more than ammo.

I shoot 12.0gr/B-D in my 657 all the time & it's an accurate load.

Sierra #5 Reloading manual list 13.0gr as max.

The 2004 Alliant Reloading Guide listed 13.5gr as max. @ 33.8K PSI.

.

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Waiting for the break of day

IIRC part of the problem was erratic burning in cold weather. I only used it a few times way back when. Other powders just worked better for me so I don't miss using Blue Dot in the 41. I never could figure it out... a warning for the 41...but not for the 44?

Well gentlemen , if you refer to the latest manual by Speer #14 , They have a load using blue dot powder listed . It lists a 210 gr GDHP bullet using 12-13 grs . It's interesting that Speer and Alliant are both owned by the same main company . I guess they don't talk to each other .
I have used the 13 gr load for many years with the 220 gr Keith swc and yes , it is my powder of choice for the 41 magnum in my S&W 57's and 58 . In fact it is one of two powders I prefer in the 45 Colt (S&W 25's )as well . The other is not unique .

This thread may be of interest:

bluedot in .41 mag ?

When I loaded .41 Magnum, Blue Dot used to be one of my main "go to" powders. Immediately after Alliant issued their "sky is falling" warnings years ago, I called them and talked to an engineer about the less-than-max load I'd settled on: he told me, "That's acceptable." He also said that new load data would be forthcoming shortly.

Nice to see that's finally happened.

Incidentally, I picked up a new can of Blue Dot last Friday - the first one I've bought in this century, I think.

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Now go make God proud...

Never really agreed with the BD admonitions. It's a great powder for moving 200-220gr bullets in a 10mm but not a 41mag????? If you are worried about your M57, load a few up at 11.5gr & see how that works, but 12gr w/ 215grLSWC wouldn't worry me.
10 mm 37,500psi
41 Magnum 36,000psi

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

Blue Dot has been my favorite full-power 41 Mag load for over 20 yrs. I have a Ruger Redhawk 41 but I also used the load in a 4" 57-1 with no problems. I haven't bought any BD powder in a long time since I have a keg. I don't have my load data handy but it was certainly in double digits.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

I don't understand how BD is ok in both the .357 and .44 but a danger in the .41. I used to use it in my Blackhawk but found that I liked AA9 better. I use Unique for a mid range load .

Same thing here!
Qc

There was a story that it was a " one time " incident . He used a heavier powder charge listed for a heavier bullet . He didn't look at the OAL . That heavier charge was supposedly with the " Keith " bullet which has a shorter shank ( more case capacity) . True or not I can not confirm .
But I thought the same " it's ok in the 357 and 44 so should be fine in the 41 . I started low , 12 grs and worked up in 1/2 gr increments for my 2 favorite cast bullets , the 220 Keith swc and the 210 LFN LBT . I found the " sweet spot " and have continually used it , with much success and happiness . For what's it's worth , it gets a lot of use for me in the 45LC with the std 255gr Keith swc ( HG 501 ) and the Lee 45-255 RNF .