New Alliant BE-86. Opinions?

[TDC]

I'm a long term user of 231/HP-38, Unique, BE, Red Dot, etc. I have an opportunity to buy an 8lb jug of Alliant BE-86.

Data is scarce for this new product but it seems to have a wide range of caliber usage from .380 to 44mag. according to the Alliant website.

Any pro or con info from personal experience would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[rsrocket1]

Rule of thumb is that it works in the same league as Power Pistol with lower flash. That means higher end loads which is good for smaller caliber rounds without going over pressure. Not as efficient as the powders you've used, but an 8 pound jug would be a good score.

 

[Nevada Ed]

8 pounds last a LONG time for pistol loads......................

You might want to try just a pond to see if it works for you.

I am a old bull, red dot, unique die hard but have just tried
HS6 and CFE pistol..............
They have their ups and downs and am glad I did not get 8 pounds.

86 is in the same ball park.......... new and could be good....

Hay, if you are young, go for it.............. lots of years to burn it up.

 

[NRA DOC]

snappy

I like BE-86 overall and have found it to be a powder that produces excellent accuracy. Another thing that I would also mention is that is seems to have a very brisk or "snappy" feel to it compared to most of the other powders I use. Some like this, some prefer a "softer" feel. It does have a nice traditional burnt smokeless powder smell to it when shooting. Also, it does not produce too much flash. I have found that a little goes a long way.

 

[TDC]

Rule of thumb is that it works in the same league as Power Pistol with lower flash. That means higher end loads which is good for smaller caliber rounds without going over pressure. Not as efficient as the powders you've used, but an 8 pound jug would be a good score.

Like many others, I'm looking at it from an availability, multi-application viewpoint. I have it on hold until tomorrow afternoon so I don't have much time to make a decision.

Quote -Nevada Ed......

<snip>"You may want to try a pound before you buy."<snip>

I'd love to but I have yet to see a one pound container of this powder in my area. I have to decide on the 8# by tomorrow afternoon...

NRA Doc - Have you found any data source other than the Alliant website? I load for a bunch of handgun calibers.

Thanks guys.... I appreciate the input and advice.. I think I'm going to give it a try....

 

[tomf52]

I've just started using it and so far it looks very promising. Good accuracy in the 9mm. Burns clean, snappy report.

 

[bwxmas]

Buy It..Great powder
I happen to have a bunch of it.
I sold one pound to a guy, he is now coming back, and buying all I can sell him.
I have used it and it is one of my favorites.

 

[johngalt]

Just bought a pound to try out, I'm hoping it will work for .45 auto hardball loads for the 50 yd line. It was $19, which seems to be a decent price these days.

 

[rwsmith]

You're darn right..

Just bought a pound to try out, I'm hoping it will work for .45 auto hardball loads for the 50 yd line. It was $19, which seems to be a decent price these days.

I'm surprised to see ANY powder for $19/lb

 

[MWC2068]

If I were you I'd buy it, BE-86, CFE Pistol and Auto Comp, are in my opinion the "NEW" Bullseye, Unique, universal powders of today, can be used for most any pistol cal. and are cleaner burning if used on the the upper end of called out loads.

 

[3five7]

Buy it you won't regret it. I have used BE-86 to reload 327 Fed Magnum. 9mm. 357 Magnum (midrange loads), 40 S&W, and 45 ACP. I have had good results in all of these calibers.

 

[Moe Mentum]

its on a level with Power Pistol. Great for 9mm.

 

[johngalt]

Buy it you won't regret it. I have used BE-86 to reload 327 Fed Magnum. 9mm. 357 Magnum (midrange loads), 40 S&W, and 45 ACP. I have had good results in all of these calibers.

I got some intending to make .45 230 gr FMJ loads for 50 yd bullseye shooting. The data on Alliant's web site lists 7.1 gr for 943 fps, which is far hotter than I want. I'm looking for 820 - 850, ideally I would like to duplicate Federal Gold Match GM45A.

Judging from past experience, I suspect 943 fps is optimistic, I've read articles from people using 7.0 to 7.1 gr Power Pistol for full power hardball loads, but I don't remember them being in the 900 fps range.

Any ideas where to start?

Thanks.

 

[3five7]

I am sorry I dont load 230 gr FMJ. But just to give you something to work with I do load 225 gr coated lead FP. 5.6 grs of BE-86 behind this bullet will give you a 10 shot average of 787.3 FPS out of a 5 inch barrel. I would think that I would start at about 6.1 grs of BE-86 and work up to the velocity you want with your 230 gr FMJ. Good Luck.

 

[shil]

Not only is data for BE-86 scarce, but BE-86 itself is scarce around my way. I would not be averse to trying some................ if I could find it!

 

[Kalison]

I got lucky walking into a retailer and saw two 8 lb kegs sitting on the shelf. Couldn't believe they were still there... everything else was gone (usually put out powders on Weds mornings, people are waiting at the doors on those mornings). I bought the 8lb keg, haven't used any of it yet, but all my brass is loaded, so I am itching to shoot some to try it out

Glad people are liking it though. It's supposed to start getting more and more available according to the Alliant Rep on another forum.