For handguns, is Blue Dot good for anything other than magnum loads?

[Rule3]

As the title says, are there any calibers other than the magnums that Blue Dot is good for? Say some higher pressure calibers such as 9MM and 40 SW?

 

[MrPhil]

At one time I used Bluedot in 9mm. I don't remember the load. There was quite a bit of unburned powder using Winchester small pistol primers. Currently using HS-6 but my supply is running low. I've got a couple pounds of Bluedot left so I may use it for 9mm again.

 

[Paul5388]

Lyman's 49th edition shows loads for the 9mm and .40 S&W. Since I've tried about everything else in the 9mm, I guess it's time to give Blue Dot a go.

 

[Bruce51]

I still occasionally load BlueDot in the 9MM. With some bullet weights it can be very consistant. It does produce a lot of flash. I have noted in the reload data that Blue Dot usually gives higher velocities at lower pressures than a powder such as Unique. My data is from the older loading manuals so I will refrain from posting the data.

I still will load 11 grains with a JHP in the .357 magnum for 1225fps in a 4" 686. Ten grains works well with a 158LSWC producing similar velocity. It is one of those powders that can be inconsistant. You may want to load some rounds and run them over a chronograph. Bruce

 

[mesabi]

Blue Dot is my favorite powder for 147 gr JHP loads in the 9mm and .38 Super. I also like it with the Speer 146 gr SWCJHP in .357.

 

[dwhite53]

I use it in 40 S&W with 180 grain Montana Gold bullets. Gives good accuracy. I've not noticed a lot of unburned powder. It seems to like the higher pressures to burn completely. It also fills the case very well resulting in little airspace left between bullet and powder. It's very flashy though.

Go to Alliants web site and check their load recipes.

I tried Blue Dot in 38 Special and was not happy. It left a lot of unburned powder on the bench.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[Landric]

When I first started handloading I loaded thousands of 9mm 115 grain JHP and FMJ bullets in front of 8.5 grains of Blue Dot with excellent results. It had a lot of flash, but it duplicated my carry load at the time quite nicely.

I load mostly lead bullets now, but if I were still loading 115 grain jacketed, I'd probably still be using Blue Dot.

 

[Rule3]

Thanks, my Lyman as Paul stated, lists it and also the Lee Modern. Just seems to be lots of powder in those little cases so I imagine there is unburned powder. I have a few lbs I would like to use up so I shoot a lot more 9's and 40's than 357 or 44. I wish it was better in 45 auto as I rather shoot that.

 

[Paul5388]

I have a few lbs I would like to use up

I think I have about 8 pounds and never think about just using it up.

Even if it never works in a handgun, it's a wonderful powder for reduced loads in rifles and in .410 shells.

Here's a recent 100 yard 3 shot group #1 son shot with 100 gr Rem Core-Locs and Blue Dot in 6mm Rem, which pretty well convinces me it's better than most people give it credit for.

 

[Rule3]

Well since it is listed as a magnum powder, how's about you work up a load for my 30 carbine??

Then I can use it there and save my H110 and 2400 for 357 and 44 mag.

Nice group!

I loaded some 9's with 7.5 grs BD with the 115 plated bullet. Just about fills the whole case. Will see Friday how it works.

 

[2sigs]

I use it in .41 special cases pushing 215's

I don't use much it would seem since I am still using a Cardboard can

shoot straight
-2sigs

 

[Skip Sackett]

There is a warning out about it in some handgun cases. Check their website.

Paul has found a use for it. I never have.


Those little "blue flakes" sure look cute in the powder measure though, but in my book, that's about all it's good for.

For magnum rounds you will never do any better than Lil' Gun, Longshot, SR4756, AA#9, WC820 and a multitude of others that exhibit none of the unwanted characteristics of Blue Dot.

FWIW

 

[Bruce51]

Originally posted by OCD1:
Well since it is listed as a magnum powder, how's about you work up a load for my 30 carbine??

Then I can use it there and save my H110 and 2400 for 357 and 44 mag.

Nice group!

I loaded some 9's with 7.5 grs BD with the 115 plated bullet. Just about fills the whole case. Will see Friday how it works.

Your not going to beat H110 in the .30 carbine with Blue Dot. At least with any reasonable load. However I have loaded 8.5 grains with a 110gr SP. I never did chronograph that load in the rifle but it does function perfectly. The load was taken from an old Hercules guide. The listed velocity was 1620fps. I still use that load in a Blackhawk and I did chronograph it at 1250fps. That is about 100fps slower than a factory load in the Blackhawk.
If you want a copy of the old Hercules guide I will email it to you if I can still find it. There are a couple of other loads listed and I feel that the data is still good.

Your 7.5 grain 9MM load should be good. My records show that a 115JHP and 8.6 grains of Blue Dot produced the most consistant velocity in a four inch barrel. 1277/1271/1262fps. The same was true for 6 grains of Unique and a 115 JHP 1228/1228/1223fps. The old guide even goes higher but you will be pushing the envelope pressure wise. I personally don't load to these levels anymore but it was fun 20 years ago. These loads were a little hard on the gun and I should have replaced the spring sooner.
I mostly use Blue Dot for 147 plated HP's from Ranier. I load just 6 grains and it seems to work well enough. Bruce

I need to make a correction to my above statement. The load data for Blue Dot and the 115JHP is listed in the Hornady Handbook, Third Edition. Hercules/Alliant does not list loads to that level in their guide.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Your not going to beat H110 in the .30 carbine

Bruce,
Of course I pulled this part or your saying out of context but your original line is quite accurate.

I want to address the fact that you can beat H110 in the .30 Carbine by using WC820. It was originally designed for that caliber and is available now through military surplus. It beats H110 all to bits when it comes to muzzle flash, something important in a military setting.

I have been reloading for a while now and there are only two powders I will not purchase anymore as I have found powders that are much better in my opinion, H110 and Blue Dot.

For some applications WC820 replaces them in others Lil' Gun does and both do it quite well.

 

[DJINCO]

I use Blue Dot for 45GAP.

 

[Bruce51]

Thank you for that good information Skip. I wouldn't mind replacing Blue Dot in my powder line up. That is mostly due to information I have read here, provided by members like you, who reload. I have reload data which supports the notion that it can be erratic. It does seem to shine in the 9MM at max loads with 115 grain bullets. When my current supply of powder runs low I will make a change. Bruce

 

[NiklasP]

Blue Dot has long been one of my favorites for 45 Colt and 44-40 loads in 4-6 inch barrels, both standard SAAMI and somewhat +P loads. Initial test shooting with slightly +P loads with 158 grain soft lead SWC bullets in 38 Special suggests I will find it quite good for them too.

Niklas

 

[Paul5388]

In my estimation Blue Dot is a very good powder, just not for maximum published loads in 125 gr .357. Of course, in handguns, I just think of it as a slightly slower Green Dot and that sorta keeps me out of trouble.

 

[Rule3]

Originally posted by smith crazy:
There is a warning out about it in some handgun cases. Check their website.

FWIW

I looked and looked and can not find any warning??

Bruce, I sent you a e mail. Thanks

 

[Skip Sackett]

http://www.alliantpowder.com/g.../safety_notices.aspx

Safety Notice

At Alliant Powder, we take safety seriously. That's why we periodically test our products in different situations to be sure our use recommendations stay current. Check here for any safety notes or recall information. Stay safe and keep accurate.

Alliant Powder periodically reviews and tests their published reloading data to verify that our recommended recipes have not changed over time.

During the latest review Alliant Powder discovered that Alliant Powder's Blue Dot® should not be used in the following applications:

* Blue Dot® should NOT be used in the 357 Magnum load using the 125 grain projectile (Blue Dot® recipes with heavier bullet weights as specified in Alliant Powders Reloading Guide are acceptable for use).
* Blue Dot® should NOT be used in the 41 Magnum cartridge (all bullet weights).

Use of Blue Dot® in the above cases may cause a high pressure situation that could cause property damage and serious personal injury.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.