Blue Dot an some loads for .38/.357/.44M

mark5pt56 · #1 05-05-2009, 04:00 PM

Hello, Checking in to see what you guys are using Blue Do tfor if at all.

With Powder being scarce as far as what you want vs. what's there, I'm checking various powder types to see what will work well. I picked up a pound of it today.

Interested in both .38 and .357 low to high with 158 LSWC and 158 JHP

Also .44m 240 LSWC and Hornady 240 XTP HP.

I appreciate any data you have

Mark

Rule3 · #2 05-05-2009, 04:45 PM

Here is a thread I started a while ago. Might give you some info. I still have 2 lbs of it and will just use it for "light" mag loads in my 357 and 44. When it's gone, it's gone, never to be again.

(not that bad, I just think it's dirty)And, do not use it for any 125gr bullet in 357 mag.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/e...?r=78010052#78010052

mark5pt56 · #3 05-05-2009, 05:04 PM

looks like I will do the same after reading that. IMR 4227 was available, maybe I should try that.

Rule3 · #4 05-06-2009, 06:50 AM

It doesn't seem to have a large following of statisfied users.

musicmanbass · #5 05-06-2009, 12:27 PM

I'm another who's not a big fan of Blue Dot. It's just too fussy for me.

Like OCD, I just use it for lightweight mags and only in .44 now, after the 125gr .357 debacle from awhile back. That was enough to scare me away from it. I only load rounds for very casual plinking with it, and still have about 1/3 poundof it left. I'm about to go on a binge of loading .44 this weekend. I hadn't really thought about it before this thread, but now I think I'm going to just finish it off and be done with it. I can always use the space for some more Bullseye, 2400, H110, Unique, or HP38/W231!

625smith · #6 05-06-2009, 07:59 PM

I use Blue Dot in my .357 Desert Eagle. 10.6 grains behind a 158 grain copper coated flat point. I find that Blue Dot is clean in the Desert Eagle. Blue Dot was the only powder I used in the Wildey that I had. Wildey's web site actually recommended it. Wildey data Maybe it just works well in semi autos.

mark5pt56 · #7 05-07-2009, 06:18 AM

I may trade with a buddy who does the auto reloading. I did find some v110 yesterday, that looks pretty good.

It's amazing how much there is to know about reloading.

Steve C · #8 05-07-2009, 05:28 PM

Blue Dot is good for full power magnum pressure loads in the .357 mag and .44 mag. Its dirty if run at low pressures and you'll find that out if you load .38 spl or .45 acp with it.

doctorxring · #9 05-07-2009, 06:43 PM

.

Color me a Blue Dot fan. I have found it
to be extremely versatile.

I use a lot of Blue Dot. But mostly in
reduced jacketed loads for rifles. It is
supremely accurate for this purpose. This
powder is NOT position sensitive.

I also use it for 80% loads in
magnum revolvers. I agree with Steve C in
that you need to use enough of it to get
a clean burn.

dxr

.

rg1 · #10 05-08-2009, 10:35 PM

Do not use Blue Dot in a .38 Special. Way too slow. You'll get wild erratic velocity and if you aren't careful a blooper load with a bullet stuck in the barrel.

Drail · #11 05-10-2009, 11:03 AM

Be aware that heavy loads of Blue Dot will erode the top strap of a revolver faster than any powder I have ever used. The flame from a hot .357 Blue Dot load will cut steel just like a cutting torch. This is not what I heard, I have done it and seen others guns damaged with heavy Blue Dot loads. It is also pretty sensitive to temperature variations. Consider some other powders. Blue Dot was originally marketed as a magnum shotgun powder. Shotguns don't have cylinder gaps.