Be-86 Cast Boolit Loads

[BenW]

Hey Y'all

I got an 8lb keg of BE-86 this week, and am looking to load some higher end 40sw and 9mm with it in cast.

Looking at Alliant's website, I don't see any cast loads. 9mm, I have something to go on, but 40 there's nothing cast-wise. My plan is to use reduced data for Unique from the Lyman Cast 4th edition, but I'd still like to hear from others on what they have tried and what results they've gotten.

I will be using hollowpoints weighing 168-173 grains (still playing with alloys at this point) that are made in a modified Lee 401-175-TC mold.

I know this is a new powder, and there will have to be some trailblazing, but I'd like a little guidance before setting off into the wild. Specifically, what charges have y'all tried with similar boolits, and what velocities have y'all gotten?

Based on Alliant's data, I believe I can get 1050-1100 fps, but I recently tried working up full power 10mm using Hornady data and had to stop near their MIN. I had started with Lyman data for the 10mm, about 2 grains lower and so I didn't jump into a higher load, but I have no other data to reference to know if Alliant's data is on the "hot" end.

Thanks!
-Ben

[JeffG]

Ben, I did a write on my experience with it here http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?273165-9mm-and-Alliant-BE-86-Chronograph-Results

I'm actually going to load my next rounds at 5.0 instead of 5.2 and see what that does.

Jeff

[BenW]

I will be working up some BE-86 loads tonight and will test them tomorrow or next weekend.

Here are my thoughts:
For any given bullet, BE-86 data will be between Unique and Power Pistol. It *might* be faster than Unique in rare instances. Therefore, I will use Unique as a guide.

Looking at Lyman Cast 4th Edition, the starting load for Unique is between 4.6 and 4.8 grains for cast 175-180 grains. I will be using Lee 175-TC hollowpoints that weigh around 170 grains as cast.

Alliant's website has 180 grain jacket max loads for BE-86 at 6.3-6.6 grains. While they day to reduce 10%, I will be starting at 4.8 grains. I will see if I can get to 1100-1150 fps, but it will likely take several range trips to get there. 1st trip will consider 6.3 grains as max. If the velocities are still low and there are no danger signs, I will push a little more.

Wish me luck!

[JeffG]

I actually loaded up some today using 5.0 grains behind a Lee 356-120-TC lubed with Glen Larson's 50-50 lube and they toned down, feeling not quite as stiff as the 5.2 loads. There was no primer flattening on Federal primers and they ejected about 4 feet away. I didn't put these over the chrony yet but may tomorrow. Glens 50-50 Lube worked very well.


I will be working up some BE-86 loads tonight and will test them tomorrow or next weekend.

Here are my thoughts:
For any given bullet, BE-86 data will be between Unique and Power Pistol. It *might* be faster than Unique in rare instances. Therefore, I will use Unique as a guide.

Looking at Lyman Cast 4th Edition, the starting load for Unique is between 4.6 and 4.8 grains for cast 175-180 grains. I will be using Lee 175-TC hollowpoints that weigh around 170 grains as cast.

Alliant's website has 180 grain jacket max loads for BE-86 at 6.3-6.6 grains. While they day to reduce 10%, I will be starting at 4.8 grains. I will see if I can get to 1100-1150 fps, but it will likely take several range trips to get there. 1st trip will consider 6.3 grains as max. If the velocities are still low and there are no danger signs, I will push a little more.

Wish me luck!

[BenW]

Tried any in 40 cal yet?

[JeffG]

No sorry, don't have that caliber.


Tried any in 40 cal yet?