BE-86 only. All in one place.

This thread is to compile real data on Alliant's BE-86 performance. Please present your measured data using this powder. General comments only about BE 86 or how it compares to other powders. Whatever you find out from Alliant please share. Be clear if it is actual data or an opinion. This is not to be used as a loading manual, just to describe what BE-86 actually is and does.

Some data from the Alliant web page

.380 not listed in their table

9mm 115 FMJ 5.1 gr = 1219 fps OAL 1.12"

9mm 124 fmj 5.8 gr = 1167 fps

9mm 125 gr. LRN 5.7 gr = 1179

9mm 147 gr FMJ 5.1 gr = 10290 fps OAL 1.12"

.38 Special 110 fmj 5.7 grain = 1091 fps 1.43" min OAL

.38 Special 125 fmj 5.4 gr = 1002

.38 Special 148 gr HBWC 148 gr not listed

.38 Special 158 gr LSWC not listed

.38 Special +P 110 fmj 6.3 = 1134 AOL 1.42

.38 Special +P 125 gr fmj 5.1 gr = 1065 fps

.38 Special +P 135 gr GDHP not listed

.38 Special +P 146 gr JhpSWC not listed

.38 Special +P 158 gr JHP 5.7 gr. = 845 fps

.357 Magnum 110 jhp 9.6 gr. = 1334 fps AOL 1.55"

.357 Magnum 135 gr not listed

.357 Magnum 158 JHP not listed

(Write more later)

I noticed that todays data only shows a full loading..........
what ever happened to a starting load ?

Did they fire the person that knew how to type ?

If I could get some I would give you data !! Soon maybe ?
( Sorry for the hack )

ah.......
9mm 115 at 5.1...... (6.1) ?
9mm 147 at 10290 fps?
is standard and +p 125 38 data correct per grains loaded?
later

BE-86 Chronograph Data
Chronograph: Oehler Model 35P
Start Screen Distance: 8 feet
Number of shots (data): Typically 10 shots each load (occasionally a shot or two is missed by the chrono)



Cartridge: 380 AUTO
Firearm: Ruger LCP
Barrel Length: 2.75"
Bullet: As noted
Case: Starline
Primer: CCI 500
COAL: 0.965"

Berry's 100 GR HBRN - 4.1 GR BE-86 - 832 FPS - 36 FPS Spread - 13.2 STD DEV - 155 Ft-Lb

Hornady 90 GR XTP - 4.3 GR BE-86 - 897 FPS - 56 FPS Spread - 21.5 STD DEV - 162 Ft-Lb



Cartridge: 38 SPECIAL
Firearm: S&W Model 438
Barrel Length: 1.875"
Bullet: Berry's 125 GR THP
Case: Federal
Primer: CCI 500
COAL: 1.445"

5.4 GR BE-86 - 718 FPS - 35 FPS Spread - 12.5 STD DEV - 144 Ft-Lb

6.1 GR BE-86 (+P) - 787 FPS - 103 FPS Spread - 29.9 STD DEV - 173 Ft-Lb



Cartridge: 9mm LUGER
Firearm: Sig Sauer P229EE
Barrel Length: 3.9"
Bullet: Berry's 124 GR THP
Case: Federal
Primer: CCI 500
COAL: 1.060"

5.0 GR BE-86 - 1,047 FPS - 31 FPS Spread - 11.5 STD DEV - 303 Ft-Lb

5.2 GR BE-86 - 1,076 FPS - 32 FPS Spread - 9.9 STD DEV - 321 Ft-Lb

5.4 GR BE-86 - 1,101 FPS - 28 FPS Spread - 9.4 STD DEV - 336 Ft-Lb

5.6 GR BE-86 - 1,126 FPS - 37 FPS Spread - 11.8 STD DEV - 351 Ft-Lb (pressure signs)

5.8 GR BE-86 - 1,161 FPS - 61 FPS Spread - 17.5 STD DEV - 373 Ft-Lb (pressure signs)



Cartridge: 45 ACP
Firearm: Sig Sauer P227
Barrel Length: 4.4"
Bullet: Berry's 185 GR HBRN
Case: Remington
Primer: CCI 300
COAL: 1.250"

6.0 GR BE-86 - 726 FPS - 43 FPS Spread - 12.1 STD DEV - 218 Ft-Lb (too weak to lock back slide on last shot)

6.2 GR BE-86 - 747 FPS - 21 FPS Spread - 6.7 STD DEV - 231 Ft-Lb

6.4 GR BE-86 - 772 FPS - 23 FPS Spread - 9.6 STD DEV - 246 Ft-Lb

6.6 GR BE-86 - 795 FPS - 24 FPS Spread - 7.4 STD DEV - 261 Ft-Lb

6.8 GR BE-86 - 821 FPS - 40 FPS Spread - 12.0 STD DEV - 278 Ft-Lb



Cartridge: 45 ACP
Firearm: Sig Sauer P227
Barrel Length: 4.4"
Bullet: Berry's 230 GR RN
Case: Remington
Primer: CCI 300
COAL: 1.250"

6.0 GR BE-86 - 742 FPS - 16 FPS Spread - 5.4 STD DEV - 283 Ft-Lb

6.2 GR BE-86 - 763 FPS - 45 FPS Spread - 12.7 STD DEV - 299 Ft-Lb

6.4 GR BE-86 - 790 FPS - 26 FPS Spread - 7.5 STD DEV - 321 Ft-Lb

6.6 GR BE-86 - 813 FPS - 39 FPS Spread - 14.2 STD DEV - 339 Ft-Lb

6.8 GR BE-86 - 837 FPS - 32 FPS Spread - 10.1 STD DEV - 359 Ft-Lb

7.0 GR BE-86 - 860 FPS - 31 FPS Spread - 9.7 STD DEV - 379 Ft-Lb

7.1 GR BE-86 - 876 FPS - 51 FPS Spread - 17.0 STD DEV - 394 Ft-Lb



Cartridge: 45 COLT
Firearm: S&W GOVERNOR
Barrel Length: 2.75"
Bullet: Berry's 250 GR FP
Case: Starline
Primer: As noted below
COAL: 1.595"

8.3 GR BE-86 - CCI 300 - 686 FPS - 38 FPS Spread - 11.1 STD DEV - 263 Ft-Lb

8.3 GR BE-86 - CCI 350 - 711 FPS - 34 FPS Spread - 11.4 STD DEV - 282 Ft-Lb



Hope that helps. I will add more to this post as I get it.

Mike

Hello
Here's a few things I've been playin around with. The only source for BE-86 data currently is the Alliant website. So here is some stuff shot out of real guns.
Data on targets are;

Velocity
Extreme Spread
Standard Deviation
Temp °F

Velocity data taken with a Oehler Model 33. Skyscreens centered 10' from muzzle.
Targets 5½"

Guns used;
4" 686
Sigma 40F
Glock 20-SF
Ruger Superblackhawk 7½"


38 Special;

Lyman #358212 145gr RN;



125gr JHP +P.. Side by side with CFE PISTOL;
Took liberty with the BE-86 data to do a side by side. Alliant lists 6.1grs.



158gr Cast SWC +P; Along with some others.. ;
target #8








158gr Speer LRN; Side by side with CFE Pistol;



40 S&W Sigma;..

180gr Hornady FMJ;



155gr REM JHP; Had a glitch with the chronograph when shooting the BE-86 group. Figured out later what the issue was.
This gun didn't like the 6.6gr BE-86 load behind the 180gr FMJ at all..




10MM Auto;


180gr Berry Plated TC;



180gr HAP; Alliant's recommended 8.5grs..;



In 10mm, BE-86 isn't grouping very well with jacketed bullets as opposed to other powders I use.. It's doing a lot better with cast and plated bullets.

Lyman #401043 cast bullet 170grs.; KKM SS barrel;..



44 MAG;

Lyman 42798 bullet;.. Fairly soft alloy. 220 grains. 25 yards.



Well, I thought this would be more interesting than just raw data..

Guys, in the online Alliant data, the starting loads are covered by this statement at the beginning of the data on the Warning page:

"REDUCE RIFLE AND HANDGUN CHARGE WEIGHTS BY 10% TO ESTABLISH A STARTING LOAD."

The Hodgdon/Win./IMR site used to have a similar statement at the bottom of every page, but it isn't there anymore. It is still in the hard copy.

"Loads Listed Are Maximum. Do Not Exceed. Reduce by 10% To Start."

My everyday plinking loads for 9mm are:
5.6 grs BE-86, 125 gr Zero FMJ/FN, OAL 1.096, 1164.3 FPS Avg, 4.2 inch Barrel
5.2 grs BE-86, 125 gr SNS Coated FN, OAL 1.078, 1133.6 FPS Avg, 4.2 inch Barrel

My everyday loads for 45 ACP are:
5.6 grs BE-86, 200 gr Bayou Coated SWC, OAL 1.250, 779.9 FPS Avg, 4.0 inch Barrel
6.2 grs BE-86, 225 gr Bayou Coated FP, OAL 1.202, 827.5 FPS Avg, 5.0 inch Barrel

All Velocity averages are 10 shot strings. Chronograph was 10 feet from muzzle. All Loads functioned fine in my firearms and are as accurate as I am.

True Reloads

Interesting...when you see Hodgdon`s CFE PISTOL tests on 38 and 357 they use a 10 inch test gun. Apparently the only way they can get decent velocities vs. this newer (and older powders). 4 inch 686 shows why they use 10 inch barrel to publish their velocities.

Also, in last months (or month before) American Rifleman they showed what I thought was a smokin` load for 45 ACP using 230 Gold Dots and BE-86. Mine is gone but if some one has that check it out.

That has been a real gripe.....

much ado said:

Interesting...when you see Hodgdon`s CFE PISTOL tests on 38 and 357 they use a 10 inch test gun. Apparently the only way they can get decent velocities vs. this newer (and older powders). 4 inch 686 shows why they use 10 inch barrel to publish their velocities.

Also, in last months (or month before) American Rifleman they showed what I thought was a smokin` load for 45 ACP using 230 Gold Dots and BE-86. Mine is gone but if some one has that check it out.

Click to expand...

That has been a real gripe for me. I'd have to use a Thompson Center Contender to be able to call the data useful at all.

My old Speer #9 used Ruger Security Sixes and similar to get pistol data. It seems that they want to make it as cryptic and obtuse as possible.

MOST....

moxie said:

Guys, in the online Alliant data, the starting loads are covered by this statement at the beginning of the data on the Warning page:

"REDUCE RIFLE AND HANDGUN CHARGE WEIGHTS BY 10% TO ESTABLISH A STARTING LOAD."

The Hodgdon/Win./IMR site used to have a similar statement at the bottom of every page, but it isn't there anymore. It is still in the hard copy.

"Loads Listed Are Maximum. Do Not Exceed. Reduce by 10% To Start."

Click to expand...

MOST of the data I have shows starting and maximum loads but the 10% rule seems fine to me if the data doesn't have that much detail. It seems that the data on the internet sites is sometimes not as comprehensive, which is a shame.

Since there is no published data for BE-86 in 44 Special, I worked up a load using data for other similar powders. The load I finally settled on was;

7.1 grs BE-86, 240 gr SNS Coated SWC, OAL 1.494, Velocity 822.5 FPS Avg, 3 inch Barrel

I also worked up a mid range load for 44 Magnum;

8.9 grs BE-86, 240 gr SNS Coated SWC, OAL 1.622, Velocity 1087.6 FPS Avg, 7 1/2 inch Barrel

All velocity averages were 10 shots with chronograph 10 feet from the muzzle. As I said as far as I know there is no published data for 44 Special so use the above load for 44 Special with caution. It was fine in my 624.

BERRRY'S 115GR RN = 1.131 OAL 5.6gr is easy load
BAYOU 115GR RN = 1.146 OAL 5.4gr is easy and pleasant to shoot

I updated my original post with 380 AUTO, 9mm, and more 45 AUTO data.

Mike

From Paul at Alliant:

I am very confident you will really like this powder. It is the same magic formulation as Bullseye(R) and Power Pistol(R), and virtually the exact geometry of Power Pistol. It is a little faster burning that Power Pistol though, and very similar to Unique(R), burn speed wise. We have added flash suppressant to this product to moderate the flash response, whereas we do not for Power Pistol.

BE-86(TM) is a high energy propellant though, so do not expect it to be flashless. The FS added moderates what would be maybe a basketball or bushel basket size bloom for a stout load of Power Pistol down to more like a baseball or cueball. I find it very acceptable from the shooter's position, and we have several OEM's that use this material for duty applications.

So to summarize, the "so what" on BE-86 is that it has the outstanding ballistics and ignitability of the BE series powders, in Unique burnrate, with great metering characteristics, with FS to moderate the flash bloom.

Click to expand...

Get and read the latest Handloader.
HL302PARTIAL.pdf
(Does NOT include the article referenced below).
The Propellant Profile is all about BE-86.
As The Alliant guy alluded to Power Pistol is actually BE-84 and has been an OEM powder for quite awhile.
According to the Handloader article, BE-86 is supposed to fit in the narrow gap between Unique and Power Pistol burn rate wise.

The recent thread
86-vs-unique
shows how much smaller the grains are than Unique.
Very similar to Universal.
If and when I run out of Universal I'll definitely be checking out BE-86.

I'll bet....

Nemo288 said:

Get and read the latest Handloader.
HL302PARTIAL.pdf
(Does NOT include the article referenced below).
The Propellant Profile is all about BE-86.
As The Alliant guy alluded to Power Pistol is actually BE-84 and has been an OEM powder for quite awhile.
According to the Handloader article, BE-86 is supposed to fit in the narrow gap between Unique and Power Pistol burn rate wise.

The recent thread
86-vs-unique
shows how much smaller the grains are than Unique.
Very similar to Universal.
If and when I run out of Universal I'll definitely be checking out BE-86.

Click to expand...

I'll bet the flash retardant is one of the main differences as opposed to performance.

Thanks again everybody. This thread is cranking out some useful stuff.

BE 86 work up on YouTube

I just happened to find a fairly decent video that a guy did on be 86 with some rainier 124gr hollow points. It shows velocity and groups he shot with varying charges.

Alliant BE-86 workup with 124gr Rainier CPHP - YouTube

I have a # of BE86 to try, just haven't had down time. I want to run test loads using Unique, BE86 & PP w/ same bullets in ascending charge wts from starting to max. This will give a pretty good idea of the range of BE86 compared to Unique or PP. Caliber really doesn't matter but it will likely be 9mm or 40 for the testing. Stay tuned.

Time to finally open my can and work up some loads...

I was super excited about this powder and bought the first pound I saw, but life took over and I haven't even opened it.

Glock 42 .380 acp

4.2 of BE86, WW case, 90 gr Hornady xtp, WSP primer
.940" OCL = 941 fps ES 37

4.1 BE 86, WW case, WSP, SPEER 90 gr Gold Dot at .940" OCL
936 fps ES 11