BE86 in the .44 Mag

elpac3 · Dec 1, 2018

Just got back from the range after load testing some hand loads for the .44 mag. Have historically been a bullseye, Unique and 2400 pistol powder guy.

Have had a .44 mag target load using a Rim Rock 260 grain Keith style SWC over 8 grains of Unique. Have been looking at finding a companion powder for Unique (just in case). Have always had some frustration with the metering of Unique, having to hand weigh each charge (not a bad thing) to insure consistency. In looking at the load data, it appears as though BE 86 and Unique go pretty much grain for grain.

Worked back up to 8 grains unique with a matching load of 8 grains of BE 86. Both load using the 260 grain cast bullet with a heavy roll crimp and Federal LP primers. Both were fired over the RCBS chronograph from 10 feet, using a model 29, 4 inch. All shots (10 rounds each) were fired from the same charge hole.

8 grains Unique, Low= 830, high=862 Avg=843, SD=16

8 grains BE 86, Low= 834, high=839, Avg=835, SD= 3

What amazed me most about this limited test was the high degree of consistency with the BE 86 loads. I am sure additional testing with different temperatures (range was 33 F. at the time of testing) and different chambers will give different results (within limits). But for now, BE 86 may provide a back-up roll to the time tested Unique .44 loads.

SLT223 · Dec 1, 2018

I thought Be86 was slightly faster than unique but appears almost exactly the same. I bet the consistency is due to BE86’s kernel geometry being better suited to meter through a funnel. 86 is like sand compared to unique.

ontargetagain · Dec 1, 2018

I have taken a liking to both BE86 and the newer Sport Pistol. I don't have a chronograph but thank you for sharing your results.
Karl

RDub · Dec 1, 2018

I shot a few rounds with BE-86 and was quite pleased with it.

Shot one of my cast bullets out of a 7½" SuperBlackhawk at 25 yards. Burning rate is very close to Unique. I think you will also be pleased with it in .44 Mag.

Also shot some True Blue.. I you know about this powder, it would completely solve your metering issue! A little slower burning than BE-86, but very useful.

Nevada Ed · Dec 1, 2018

I used Unique and BE-86 in the short cased 9mm in 3.5 and 5" barrels.

With the light 115 and 124 FMJ plated bullets Unique had top fps.

With a large Berry RN plated 147gr bullet.......... BE-86 won Big time.
In the 5"...... Unique at 852 with BE-86 full load possible at 1040fps.

Clean and accurate in lots of weapons.

dr. mordo · Dec 1, 2018

I bought a bottle of BE86 a while back and haven't cracked it open yet.

This thread is motivating me!

Joe4d · Dec 1, 2018

BEe 86 is a newer formula, seems to pair well with the newer Hi tek coated cast bullets.

Mike SC Hunter · Dec 1, 2018

elpac3 said:
Just got back from the range after load testing some hand loads for the .44 mag. Have historically been a bullseye, Unique and 2400 pistol powder guy.

Have had a .44 mag target load using a Rim Rock 260 grain Keith style SWC over 8 grains of Unique. Have been looking at finding a companion powder for Unique (just in case). Have always had some frustration with the metering of Unique, having to hand weigh each charge (not a bad thing) to insure consistency. In looking at the load data, it appears as though BE 86 and Unique go pretty much grain for grain.

Worked back up to 8 grains unique with a matching load of 8 grains of BE 86. Both load using the 260 grain cast bullet with a heavy roll crimp and Federal LP primers. Both were fired over the RCBS chronograph from 10 feet, using a model 29, 4 inch. All shots (10 rounds each) were fired from the same charge hole.

8 grains Unique, Low= 830, high=862 Avg=843, SD=16

8 grains BE 86, Low= 834, high=839, Avg=835, SD= 3

What amazed me most about this limited test was the high degree of consistency with the BE 86 loads. I am sure additional testing with different temperatures (range was 33 F. at the time of testing) and different chambers will give different results (within limits). But for now, BE 86 may provide a back-up roll to the time tested Unique .44 loads.

Aren't your loads 44 special loads? Seems awfully light for a 44 magnum.

ddixie884 · Dec 1, 2018

Sounds like Skeeter's famous "Cow-Killer" loads...............

cowboy4evr · Dec 1, 2018

Elmer Keiths 44 magnum mid range " everyday load " was 8.5 grs of Unique using his bullet , HG 503 , Ideal / Lyman 429421 . He shot his " magnum " load of 22 grs /2400 powder very very sparingly . Regards, Paul

rwsmith · Dec 1, 2018

That sounds like.....

Joe4d said:
BEe 86 is a newer formula, seems to pair well with the newer Hi tek coated cast bullets.

That sounds like a good reason for me to try it.

rwsmith · Dec 1, 2018

This sound like it could pertain.....

Nevada Ed said:
I used Unique and BE-86 in the short cased 9mm in 3.5 and 5" barrels.

With the light 115 and 124 FMJ plated bullets Unique had top fps.

With a large Berry RN plated 147gr bullet.......... BE-86 won Big time.
In the 5"...... Unique at 852 with BE-86 full load possible at 1040fps.

Clean and accurate in lots of weapons.

This sounds like it could pertain to that project I started with trying to get higher velocities out of a 9mm bullet heavier than 147 gains but was stymied by lack of loading data and suitable bullets

dannyabear · Dec 1, 2018

Seems like I read somewheres that BE86 is PowerPistol with added flash suppresant

Nevada Ed · Dec 2, 2018

rwsmith;

I could have tried the 150 and 160 weight 9mm bullets.

The Speer 147 TMJ with the FP had enough volume for me to get
good fps with the bulky Unique powder..........
but then I tried the Berry 147 plated RN bullet and the space for powder, disappeared.

Trying a BIGGER bullet went out the window, since I knew they would
be just a very SLOW target load, at best, in a standard 4" barrel.

That large of a bullet needs a .45 case.

elpac3 · Dec 2, 2018

Mike said:
Aren't your loads 44 special loads? Seems awfully light for a 44 magnum.

These are target range loads on mag cases. No need to beat up the hands or the gun any more than necessary.

M29since14 · Dec 2, 2018

Good information. Thanks. I wonder how your BE86 loads would do if you loaded six in your Model 29 and fired them over the chronograph? I’m always more inclined to that type of “testing” rather than using the gun like a single-shot.

Has anyone tried substituting the Lee factory crimp die for the roll crimp with these light 44 Magnum loads? I’m looking to keep the ignition consistency of the heavy roll crimp without working the mouth of the case so hard. Not sure whether the FCD will really accomplish much in that direction.

yeti · Dec 2, 2018

I tried BE86 in 44 loads (all mag brass) from 7.7gr up to 11.4gr and liked the results. I had wonky results and higher SD when pressures dropped working up lighter/slower target loads using BE86.

Al W. · Dec 2, 2018

I've been using BE 86 for .380. I'm a fan.

elpac3 · Dec 2, 2018

M29since14 said:
Good information. Thanks. I wonder how your BE86 loads would do if you loaded six in your Model 29 and fired them over the chronograph? I’m always more inclined to that type of “testing” rather than using the gun like a single-shot.

Has anyone tried substituting the Lee factory crimp die for the roll crimp with these light 44 Magnum loads? I’m looking to keep the ignition consistency of the heavy roll crimp without working the mouth of the case so hard. Not sure whether the FCD will really accomplish much in that direction.

Will certainly run more loads over the chrono. The purpose in using a single chamber was to eliminate as many testing variables as possible and try to focus on load data rather than gun data

Moe Mentum · Dec 2, 2018

I switched over to BE86 a while ago. I use it for all my handgun loads.

BE86 in the .44 Mag

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