Testing 38spl p+ loads (be-86)

[Forrest r]

I've read allot about this powder so I bought a # of it last year. Never did any test loads with it until I did these 38spl p+ loads testing with it. I used the data from the alliant website for these loads. I'm sure they were on the safe/weak side but that's all I had so that's what I used. That being said here's the results:

h&g #51 146gr swchp 848fps
Cramer #25 (hunter) 158gr rnfphp 836fps
Cramer #26 150gr swchp 863fps
358439 156gr swchp 852fps
358156 148gr gc swchp 848fps
Mihec 640 158gr rnfphp 844fps
Mihec 148gr hbwc loaded backwards/crimped in top lube groove 846fps
150gr jacketed hp made from 380acp cases 846fps
358431 145gr hbswchp 827fps
Raphine 145gr hbrnfphp 841fps

The be-86 did surprisingly well and averaged 845fps over the 100-shot/10 different bullet string. It meters excellently, recoil was more of a push like unique and gave extremely consistent fps readings from shot to shot. Some powders do better in longer bbl's than other powders. This powder was impressive, need to do more research and see if there's some metter testing/data out there.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I have tried it in 38 spl and 357 sig . In the 357 sig it performed very well . In my 38spl loads the accuracy was not that great , it told me I needed to do more testing to get the charge weight matched to the bullet and gun . I have complete faith it will all come together and perform well as it did in my 357 sig rounds . The burn rate is supposedl a fit in between unique and power pistol .

 

[GavinLee]

I have been using BE-86 in my .44 mag pre 29. 10.5 gr. with a 240 gr.cast is what I have been using. Mid range load. I though I read that it was slightly slower than Power Pistol. I ran out of Unique and BE-86 was available and I'm glad I tried it.

 

[cowboy4evr]

Several years ago , when I ran out of Unique , I switched over to WSF and never looked back .