I recently started using 7.3 grs. of BE-86 for my mid range .357 mag loads under a Sierra 158 gr. JSP. They average just a tad over 1000 FPS from a 4" GP100 but for a reason I can't put my finger on they just feel lighter than that. I'd appreciate hearing from others if you happen to load this approximate recipe and the velocity you are getting. Thanks.
BE-86, .357 Mag Velocities Comparison
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I started using BE-86 in 2018 for 357 Magnum but I tend to use 125 grain projectiles as that was popular when I was a cop.
BE-86 was an excellent choice as Bullseye and Unique were not available to that panic. Now I can not find BE-86.
BE-86 was an excellent choice as Bullseye and Unique were not available to that panic. Now I can not find BE-86.
I got 1170 out of my 6" 686 with 7.5 grains of powder, with a lead bullet
that was very accurate.
It worked very well with a 125 JHP, in one of my test.
Have fun.
that was very accurate.
It worked very well with a 125 JHP, in one of my test.
Have fun.
Usually the slower the powder burn is the "softer" the recoil feels. Compare that load with one using Bullseye to get the 1000 fps.
.38SuperMan
Member
I’ve found just the opposite to be true. I’m using Bullseye in 9mm Springfield 5” 1911 with a 124 grain polymer coated lead RN and loading to just north of 1000fps. Recoil is extremely soft compared to 231 and other slower powders. In addition it burns more completely and cleaner.
When Bulkseye became impossible to find a couple of years ago I started experimenting with Accurate N100NF which is faster than Bullseye. With comparable loads there wasn’t enough recoil to reliably operate the slide on my 1911. I worked my loads up to +P levels and still it didn’t reliably operate my pistol.
I would normally say the heavier the bullet the harder the recoil but in testing 38 special loads I found it dependent on the powder. I loaded 158 polymer using N100NF and 125 Berrys plated using comparable loads as recommended by Hodgdons for lead projectiles with Accurate 2. I’ve tested in three different Pythons and two different King Cobras. Barrel lengths were 3”, 4.25 and 6”. I also tested in a Cobra 38 (2017) and found the 158’s softer shooting with the N100NF than the slower AA2.
I also read an article stating the smaller the volume of powder in the case the lower the recoil.
My results however were not scientific and your results may be different.
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First of all, thanks for your service. As I type this at least 4 outlets have BE-86 in stock. Among those 4 Graf & Son has the best price for an 8 lb jug.
I've been looking for a replacement for my dwindling supply of Unique. I just bought a pound of AA #5, and another of BE 86, and finally tracked down some load data for the 86. The cost of the two pounds of powder was approaching a Benjamin, but it was only money, right?
Expen$ive, but I was thinking about buying another pound or so, just in case, and out of the clear blue, a fellow from another site said he would give me a pound of AA #5! We met, and lo and behold, because he knew I had been unsuccessfully searching for UNIQUE, he had included a pound of UNIQUE. Sealed jugs! I was flabbergasted, and offfered to pay him, which he refused. I then offered to help him fill up his Harley, and he refused that, too! The shooting community has some of the best people on the face of the earth! I'm glad to be a part of it!
Expen$ive, but I was thinking about buying another pound or so, just in case, and out of the clear blue, a fellow from another site said he would give me a pound of AA #5! We met, and lo and behold, because he knew I had been unsuccessfully searching for UNIQUE, he had included a pound of UNIQUE. Sealed jugs! I was flabbergasted, and offfered to pay him, which he refused. I then offered to help him fill up his Harley, and he refused that, too! The shooting community has some of the best people on the face of the earth! I'm glad to be a part of it!
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Your welcome and thanks for the tip.
My Reloading Store recently got in 1# ($44) and 8# ($297) of BE-86. So I am good to go.
I've settled on BE-86 as my "one powder to rule them all". It works really well in 9x19, .45 ACP, and .38 Special +P. I've been looking for data to replicate the old .38-44 load in .357 Magnum brass with 158-grain coated LSWCs, and the above data gives me a good starting place. Thanks!
Model19man
Member
That's a great story. While I remain a big fan of Unique, I have used some AA#5 recently and was pretty impressed by it. I think you too will like it. Great score!
venomballistics
Member
There's likely a time component in perceived recoil.
The standard formula includes half the powder charge added to the projectile to compute recoil energy.
A charge of H110 will be larger than one of bullseye producing the same velocity, thus producing more recoil.
Delivery time is up for grabs, however, where descriptives such as firm push, thrust or snap are likely a product of duration
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Using BE-86 in 357 Magnum brass I had exceptional accuracy with Hornady 125 XTP and 158 XTP in my four inch 686.
Google an online recoil calculator and you will find your answer.
Enter the data for a 7.5 gr load and then compare it to the 20-21 grains you’re using with H110/Win 296.
You’ll find about a 35% reduction with the lighter powder charge. It’s just basic physics.
Enter the data for a 7.5 gr load and then compare it to the 20-21 grains you’re using with H110/Win 296.
You’ll find about a 35% reduction with the lighter powder charge. It’s just basic physics.
Seems like I read somewhere that BE-86 is just Bullseye with a flash suppression, (and maybe copper fouling), additive?
I've never tried it, because I have a good supply of Bullseye, but if it isn't what I thought it to be, maybe I should look for some....
I've never tried it, because I have a good supply of Bullseye, but if it isn't what I thought it to be, maybe I should look for some....
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From what I've read and been told, including from an Alliant rep., BE-86 is pretty close to Unique. While NOT interchangeable, charge weights are pretty close between BE-86 & Unique for mid range .357 Mag and for the .45 Colt loads I now use BE-86 for.
I like 7.8 grs. of BE-86 under a 250 gr. coated cast RNFP in .45 Colt. Makes about 850-875 FPS from a 7 1/2 " Blackhawk. I previously used 8.0 grs. of Unique with that bullet to attain very similar velocity.
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38SPL HV
Member
Ed, pretty much shelved my Unique and replaced with BE-86. I get much tighter extremes and equally good accuracy. BE-86 measures very accurately as well. With 158 gr SWC cast (bhn 12) over 6.7 grs BE-86 in Starline 357 Mag cases I get 1,115 fps avg from my Ruger 4 5/8 Blackhawk.
38SPL HV
Member
I increased, rounded my previous load from 6.7 grs to 7.0 grs BE-86 with 158 gr cast SWC in 357 Magnum cases. Duplicates the old 7.0 grs Unique loading. 7.0 grs BE-86 load yields 1,121 fps (12 shot string, ES 44, SD 12) in my Ruger 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk, and is super clean burning…cases unblemished.
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