Any experience with Alliant BE-86?

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Bob Wright

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Jun 24, 2004
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Memphis, TN USA
I've scanned through Alliant's site and am interested in trying their BE-86 powder. Anyone have any loading data/experience with this powder?


I'm currently using Hodgdon's HS-6 and think I could fit this in. I load nomimal bullet weights at medium velocity in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt.

Bob Wright
 

ditto1958

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Jun 23, 2012
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Wisconsin
It's claim to fame is that it's a really versatile handgun powder. I've used it for both .357 magnum and .38 special, and it worked just fine for me.
 

Jimbo357mag

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Feb 22, 2007
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So. Florida
Interesting article mostly about pistol calibers but a lot of info there.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/reloading/performance-of-alliants-new-be-86-pistol-powder/
 

Rclark

Hunter
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Jan 1, 2009
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Butte, MT
Meters better than Unique. A bit slower powder than Unique, but close enough that you can use Unique load data (IMHO). I consider lumping it into the Unique, Universal, 20/28 group of powders.

Example:

.45 Colt
250g RNFP
8.0g Unique, 922fps
8.0g BE-86, 886fps

.44 Special
240g SWC
7.5g Unique, 1033fps
7.5g BE-86, 995fps
8.0g BE-86, 1049fps

I like it, and would not hesitate to use it ... but have a good quantity of several other powders on hand that work just as well....
 

mhblaw

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Jan 15, 2009
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North Dakota
I have used it in 41 and 44 Special. Works fine, but can't say is superior to many other powders for those calibers. As RClark says, it meters well.
 
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