Blue Dot question

sniper · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:46 am Post subject: Blue Dot question

Hey, all:

Before the warning, I used Blue Dot in some of my 357 Magnum loads, 125gr.-162gr. jacketed and cast bullets, with no problems.

I liked the powder, with loads from 9 to 11.5 gr. , which were not maximum, but gave a reasonable velocity and accuracy, and didn't leave much residue. The loads filled the case better Bullseye, which made a double charge easier to discover.

I was at the bottom of the can when the warning was issued, so I just disposed of the remainder, and didn't buy any more.

Reading what info I can find, I am not sure If Blue Dot is a good idea any more.

What have been your experiences, post-warning?

I use Unique and and have replaced the Blue Dot with 2400 for the time being, and don't feel underprivileged, but what would be a better replacement powder for the Blue Dot, of about the same bulk?

chambered221 · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 10:12 am Post subject: Re: Blue Dot question

Take a look at H4227, AA#7, and AA#9.

I'm assuming you want to keep the velocity up but not at the levels of H110 or W296.

gelandangan · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject: Re: Blue Dot question

Umm.. what warning?

sniper · Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: Blue Dot question

gelandangan wrote:

Umm.. what warning?

Gelan:
Early last summer/fall, Alliant had started re-evaluating Blue Dot loads previously published for handguns, due to recent changes in manufacture, which are said to make it cleaner burning. (I personally never noticed a problem before.)

They have changed the powder in some way, and it is now said to be some "hotter" than the old mixture. Soo... in a grand CYA maneuver,
Alliant decided to warn everyone that "old" Blue dot loads, if used with the "new" Blue Dot, would possibly cause weapons to spontaneously disassemble, with associated collateral damage, in addition to frightening the horses and causing old ladies to faint. Razz

Now, If I have understood correctly, there is a total prohibition of Blue Dot for .41 Magnum loads, and only a few recommended for the 357 magnum, 44 Magnum and Special, and .45 Colt, and no new data have appeared on their web site. HANDLOADER magazine, February issue, has a very short article, and about a half-dozen recommended loads. They appear to be on the mild side, although the velocities are respectable.

Chambered 221; you got it!

sniper · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 10:38 am Post subject: Re: Blue Dot question

Update:

Called Alliant, it was suggested that changing to 2400 powder would be a better solution, for a wider range of bullets.

Grumulkin · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:08 am Post subject: Re: Blue Dot question

There is not something mystical about 357 & 41 Mag. cases that makes Blue Dot unsafe to use in them. The published loads were too hot. If the powder charge is reduced appropriately, Blue Dot is still fine to use.

Vince · Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:54 am Post subject: Re: Blue Dot question

Gidday Grumps.

Back in the day when I was loading pistol exclusively there were those that used Blue Dot for some of their loads, but more so for the IPSC Power Factor loads, and a couple of guys used it for Revolver IHMSA. As a general rule though, the "Coloured" Dot powders were seen more as shotgun powders than anything else.

The two main target powders in use were Bullseye and 700X, with Unique sneaking in for a more universal type powder...a good compromise between the fast and slow pistol powders.

I used Bullseye for all my target loads, but for my Magnum loads I went exclusively to 2400. It was only after I bought myself a TC Contender in 30.30 that I started branching out into the rifle powders.

From what I can see, there are a number of useful compromise powders out there, but in some calibres that is all they are...a compromise. There are powders that are much better suited to the job at hand.

But then again, this is what handloading is all about. Load development through careful experimentation, within the bounds of commonsense and safety, and guidance from the powder manufacturers (had to add that). Oh yeah, and from the knowledge of those that have "been there, done that" and have learnt from the experience.

Cheers, Vince