Be-86

[RobS]

Alliant BE-86

Well did some testing with this powder and let me tell you I was not getting the velocities I though I might. Even at the lower side of velocity and having unburnt powder it was still cleaner than most powders I've tried in this burn rate. Surprisingly it was also consistent across the chrono with only a ES of 12 fps. I was loading 5.8 grains and was only getting 760 fps from a 4.5" barrel which I figured I would be getting better as Alliant has the Speer 230 grain lead RN at 1.27" with 6.2 grains giving a rather impressive velocity of 929 fps (standard pressure). I'm reloading my Accurate mold 230 V at 1.25" so didn't think I would see a 170 fps drop in velocity.
http://www.accuratemolds.com/lib/timthumb.php?src=/img/bullets/catalogue/45-230V.png&w=114&h=0&zc=0
http://www.accuratemolds.com/bullet_detail.php?bullet=45-230V-D.png

[fecmech]

The Alliant powder guide shows some very impressive velocities in the .38 spec at both std and +P pressures. I'm wondering if they aren't somewhat inflated. If I ever find any I'll give it a try.

[Tim357]

The Alliant powder guide shows some very impressive velocities in the .38 spec at both std and +P pressures. I'm wondering if they aren't somewhat inflated. If I ever find any I'll give it a try.
From what I've chrono'd, the Alliant velocities are pretty much spot on. Don't know what bbl length they used, but in .38 spl w/ 158 boolit and 5.4 gr charge, 4" bbl in S&W 686 I recorded 903 fps avg, where Alliant posted 948 fps. Plus p load of 6 gr I recorded 994 fps, whila Alliant posted 1037 fps.

Ok, I'm a dumba**. This is for power pistol, not BE86.

[mhblaw]

Anyone try this in 44 Special or 45 Colt?

[Chev. William]

Here is Alliant's answer to my inquiry:
"RE: Alliant Powder - Ask the Expert Form
Date: May 11, 2016 10:19 AM

William,
Alliant has no tested load data for the 25 Auto using the BE-86 propellant.
Thanks,
Shoot Straight
DuaneVB
CCI/Speer/Alliant
2299 Snake River Ave.
Lewiston, ID"

So it seems I, and other Experimenters, are in "Uncharted Territory" to use of BE-86 propellant.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[fecmech]

Chev--FWIW I finally found some BE86 and tried it in my .38. I use bushings on a CH autoChamp loader and BE 86 meters EXACTLY the same weights as Power Pistol and chronographs the same as Power pistol. I wonder if it is not simply a flash suppressed PP. I realize powders do not act the same in different cartridges but if I was working up loads I would be treating it like a PP cousin.

[runfiverun]

everything I see points to it flipping back and forth between unique and herco in burn rate depending on bullet weight and case size.
PP does pretty much the same thing.

[Chev. William]

Chev--FWIW I finally found some BE86 and tried it in my .38. I use bushings on a CH autoChamp loader and BE 86 meters EXACTLY the same weights as Power Pistol and chronographs the same as Power pistol. I wonder if it is not simply a flash suppressed PP. I realize powders do not act the same in different cartridges but if I was working up loads I would be treating it like a PP cousin.

I see .38 Special has a case internal volume listed as about 3.5 times that of the .25 ACP so it might not be an indicator of Propellant Sensitivity to 'small charge combustion instability like H110 and W296 are reported to exhibit.

I have not searched for either Power Pistol or Herco loads in the .25 ACP so I will do that, hopefully this evening.

At least I am not trying this in a 'Blow-Back' action pistol.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

PS: I am talking charge weights below 3 grains and nearer 1 grain in the .25ACP Cartridge, with somewhat higher charges in Longer cases of the same diameters. Chev. William

[TXGunNut]

Sounds promising, OP. I like the low ES. How's the accuracy? What are you going to try next?

[jonp]

everything I see points to it flipping back and forth between unique and herco in burn rate depending on bullet weight and case size.
PP does pretty much the same thing.

Can anyone tell me the point to the powder, then? Is it just the flash suppressor? that would make it better for indoor ranges I guess.

[Chev. William]

Here is Alliant's reply to my Queries:

"Subject: RE: Alliant Powder - Ask the Expert Form Date: May 18, 2016 10:13 AM
William,
We are not aware of any of the issues you are bringing up with the BE-86.
The next time we do some testing of this powder, we will look into testing it for the 25 Auto.
Thanks,
Shoot Straight
DuaneVB
CCI/Speer/Alliant
2299 Snake River Ave.
Lewiston, ID

-----Original Message-----
From: chevwilliam@earthlink.net [mailto:chevwilliam@earthlink.net]
Sent: Sunday, May 15, 2016 7:29 AM
To: Alliant Reloading
Subject: Alliant Powder - Ask the Expert Form

William J. Stewart ETC USN Retired
chevwilliam@earthlink.net
8376 De Garmo Avenue
Sun Valley California 91352-3586 USA

Dear Sirs:
RE: BE-86 Use and Characteristics.

I am interested in this propellant for use in small charge weight applications in
the Range of 0.5 grains to 5.0 grains.

My Questions:
1. Does BE-86 exhibit any small charge combustion instability problems?

2. Does BE-86 exhibit any Ignition problems in small charge Weight use?

3. Does BE-86 exhibit any low charge volume to case powder chamber volume ratio
instability such as demonstrated by "H110" and "W296" propellants?

4. Is there Any Lower limit of Charge weight or Volume of charge for BE-86
indicated by your testing to date?

5. Is Alliant planning to test this powder for use in .25 ACP size range Cartridges?

My Intended use is in .25 ACP and a series of "Mildcat" longer cases based upon
reduced (to .276" outside) diameter .22 Hornet or 5.7x28mm parent cases in lengths
including 1.055", 1.125", and 1.250" among others.

Regards,
William J. Stewart ETC USN Retired
818-767-8082

Handgun -
Firearm Make/Model: Ruger "Single Six"
Cartridge: .25 ACP /6.35 Browning and similar "mildcat" designs
Bullet Brand and Style: Various FMJ-RN of .250"-.252" dia.
Bullet Weight (Grains): 50 Grain, 65 grain, and others
Primer: Various Small Pistol
Powder: Alliant Bullseye or BE-86, Bullseye, Unique and Similar."

It seems they WILL be Testing for the .25ACP in the future and may test for my concerns.
Now to await their Testing - - patiently.
Chev. William

[Chev. William]

As of August 10th 2016: Alliant still has no data Posted on using BE-86 in .25 ACP or similar size Cartridges.

Chev. William