BE-86. What a mess! UPDATE

[andyo5]

I haven't loaded 9mm Luger ammo since 1995, but recently started again after acquiring a Glock G26. I previously used Unique and WAP (Winchester Action Pistol), but I figured I would try the newer Alliant BE-86 powder after reading a few reviews. I followed Alliant's published data for 124g jacketed hollow points. I was surprised at the high level of recoil I experienced, even at mid level charges. But what really surprised me was the mess it made in my powder measure. When I decided to remove the BE-86 from the powder measure to try another powder, I found that it was clinging to the inside walls and could not be removed without disassembling the powder measure, washing it in soapy hot water, and then mechanically removing it with a brush. The next day, I decided to load some more rounds with BE-86 and had the same problem when it was time to switch powders.
For this reason alone, I will not use it again. I also found that I got much better accuracy with Unique, the powder that everyone loves to hate. Everyone except for me, that is.

 

[rwsmith]

Not all that it's cracked out to be, huh?

I have only seen 1 (one) (ONE) pound of BE 86 in my life so I'm glad I'm not missing anything.

 

[mtgianni]

If you rub a dryer sheet fabric softener on the inside of your measure it eliminates the static charge that keeps powder there.

 

[flyrobb]

BE 86 is very available around here. I have loaded several sessions with it and never had any issues with it in my Uniflow.

It seems to shoot fine but I have only plinked at 7 and 10 yards so can't really vouch for it's accuracy.

 

[TAROMAN]

It's Bullseye 86. Similar chemistry.
Nitroglycerin/nitrocellulose.
Never leave it in your plastic hopper longer than necessary.

 

[andyo5]

Neither Bullseye nor Unique stick in this powder measure. BE-86 does.
Strange, but there it is.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Neither Bullseye nor Unique stick in this powder measure. BE-86 does.
Strange, but there it is.

Yeaa,and I'll stick to BE Uniqul Also
Must be that old timers thing.....

 

[Wise_A]

I'm no old-timer, and the first powder I ever loaded with was Bullseye. The powder I have in largest supply is Unique, and I just picked up 2400 to try because I enjoy .44 Magnums and big ol' fireballs.

I mean, I also have HP-38, WST, Titegroup, IMR 700-X, Universal, and Accurate #2 and #5, but still.

And yes, I really do use ten different powders to load four different handgun cartridges.

And yes, I think it's time to admit I have a problem.

 

[cadmike]

The dryer sheet is good advice. Much better than taking soap and water to your reloading equipment. You didn't really do that, did you???

 

[JBnTx]

...But what really surprised me was the mess it made in my powder measure. When I decided to remove the BE-86 from the powder measure to try another powder, I found that it was clinging to the inside walls and could not be removed without disassembling the powder measure, washing it in soapy hot water, and then mechanically removing it with a brush.
For this reason alone, I will not use it again...

BE-86 is not the problem.
Sounds like you have a problem with your powder measure.

I use BE-86 in everything from 9mm to 45 Colt with outstanding results.
It's very close to Unique in load charge weights and burn rate.

It has become my favorite powder. I buy a pound of it every payday.
If I could have only one powder, it would be BE-86.


.

 

[msauter]

I use BE-86 and have had no issues. I even leave it in the powder measure with no problems (livin' on the edge!).

 

[series guy]

I take a sheet of white paper from my copier and roll it up and slide it in my powder measure. Eliminates any problems.

 

[andyo5]

The dryer sheet is good advice. Much better than taking soap and water to your reloading equipment. You didn't really do that, did you???

Only the clear plastic part that contains the powder, not the metal parts below it.
I will try the drier sheet approach and report back when I have results.

 

[andyo5]

Yeaa,and I'll stick to BE Uniqul Also
Must be that old timers thing.....

What is BE Uniqul?
Actually, I don't buy the 'old timers' explanation regarding the continued popularity of Unique. There is a reason why this product is still popular other than a bunch of old luddites who refuse to try anything new. So I guess I exaggerated when I said that Unique is the powder that everybody loves to hate except for me. Obviously there is still strong demand for it. But it is probably the most often dissed powder on the internet.
Of course, this has nothing to do with BE-86.

 

[BE Mike]

I think he was abbreviating Alliant Bullseye and Unique. Could you enlighten us with the brand of powder measure you are having trouble with?

 

[andyo5]

I think he was abbreviating Alliant Bullseye and Unique. Could you enlighten us with the brand of powder measure you are having trouble with?

I have a Dillon RL550B. I have five different powder measures that I use for all the rifle and pistol calibers I load. They are all of similar construction: a clear plastic hopper attached to a metal charging mechanism.

 

[BE Mike]

I have a Dillon RL550B. I have five different powder measures that I use for all the rifle and pistol calibers I load. They are all of similar construction: a clear plastic hopper attached to a metal charging mechanism.

I have Dillons as well. Could it be that wherever you are reloading has high humidity? I have no experience with BE-86, but some powder are more hygroscopic than others. At the other end of the spectrum, maybe your reloading area is super dry and as a result there is a high propensity for static charge buildup. I also use dryer sheets to try to remove the static from my Dillon powder measures.

 

[andyo5]

I have Dillons as well. Could it be that wherever you are reloading has high humidity? I have no experience with BE-86, but some powder are more hygroscopic than others. At the other end of the spectrum, maybe your reloading area is super dry and as a result there is a high propensity for static charge buildup. I also use dryer sheets to try to remove the static from my Dillon powder measures.

I live in Arizona. Humidity was 65% on the day this happened, but I was reloading in an air conditioned room so it was probably a bit lower. I am checking results with a different, older powder hopper that has never had this problem. I will report on this later today.

 

[andyo5]

OK. I loaded an older powder measure with BE-86 to about half full and let it sit for an hour. After this time, all the powder was able to pour back out without any left clinging to the inside. So it must have been the new powder measure. I will try the drier sheet trick on it. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[JBnTx]

Give BE-86 a chance. I think you'll be impressed.