Al-8

[Newtire]

I remember buying Alcan AL-5 as a 16 yr old and reloading 1-1/4 12 gauge duck loads.

Last month at the San Jose gun show, a guy was selling some AL-8 and I bought some.

Using 8.0 grains and a 150 grain Saeco boolit in the .30-30, this load puts em all inside 2" @ 50 yds. using open sights.

Has anyone else had any luck using this stuff?

I planned on using it for some heavy 20 gauge loads but it looks like it could be great for tin can plinking days at the range.

[BCB]

Newtire,

Funny you should post this today!...

I just got home from my shooting range and I was using AL-8 in my Blackhawk in 45 LC cartridge. The lot # is 72198. I have used it in other cartridges and will post a bit later. I haven't used it in any shotgun loads.

I have mixed feelings about it...

Later...BCB

[RayinNH]

It's been a couple years since I had it, but I loved the smell of it, a sweet smell. Very distinctive, just like .22 rimfire has a distinctive smell...Ray,

[Rocky Raab]

I also use AL-8 in heavy 45 Colt loads - and I also have mixed feelings about it. Actually, the also-discontinued W630 is MUCH better for heavy 45 Colt loads. So I have little use for my last half-can of AL-8, or didn't until you mentioned 30-30 cast loads.

Hmmmmmm.

[felix]

Ah, so! WW630 has an exquisite speed, right smack between BD and 2400. No other powder, old or new, that I know of has that distinction. I'd immediately buy 32 pounds of it sight unseen should some new formulation appear with an equivalent granule size and speed. Best chance would be an off-beat version of WC820. ... felix

[Poygan]

I've acquired some AL-8 recently and have been using it in 30 carbine for pistol and .357 with the Lee 158RF. It works well in both but I've noticed there is a fair amount of unburned powder left, even using magnum primers and small rifle primers. I would buy more given the opportunity.

[BCB]

Newtire,

I checked some of the data that I have used the AL-8 and I am going to post the results. I don’t know if there are other lots, but this info is specific for my lot mentioned in an earlier post….

ALSO NOTE: This data is not found in any reloading manuals that I have, old or new, so be very much aware!!! It might not be good for you!!!...

I have used it extensively with the Lyman 358429 (data shown are very accurate loads) boolit in the 38 Special (Model 10 Victory), the 357 Magnum (Ruger Security-Six—early 1970’s model), and the 45 LC (New Model Blackhawk using the RCBS 45-270-SAA boolit). Results are shown:

38 Special
5.5 grains…547 fps
6.0 grains…624 fps

357 Magnum
11.0 grains…1097 fps
12.0 grains…1154 fps

45 Long Colt
9.0 grains…616 fps
10.0 grains…651 fps
10.5 grains…703 fps
11.0 grains…763 fps
11.5 grains…751 fps

NOTE THE LESS VELOCITY WITH THE 45 Long Colt using 11.5 grains as opposed to 11.0 grains. I am not sure why as the cases showed no signs of excessive pressure and the cases almost fell from the cylinder…

Regardless those are the results. I included a couple of photos of the 45 Long Colt groups at 10 YARDS. That is a far as I can see to shoot with and consistency and the ability to test a load for “accuracy”...

The AL-8 meters terribly and is not one I would want to use all of the time for handgun loads. It might be better in shotguns—don’t know…

The picture on the left is 10.5 grains and the one on the right is 11.0 grains. Both are 5-shot groups—needless to say, 10.5 is going to be my accepted charge if I use AL-8 in the 45 Long Colt with the 45-270-SAA boolit. Other groups with different charges of AL-8 were also coverable with a quarter at 10 yards. That UL circle is about a 2" diameter. CCI-300 primers were used exclusively...

Good-luck…BCB

[Mack Heath]

Rocky,

Happens that I have 5 pounds of 630 and a Redhawk in .45 Colt. Any loads that you might want to pass on?

My apologies to the original poster, I don't mean to hijack your thread.

Mack

[flounderman]

I have a gallon plastic jug of powder I bought at an auction, 30 years ago or more. one jug was green dot and marked as such. the other was a square or diamond shaped powder and it was their heavy load powder. I am thinking it was al8. I have a small amount of al7 and it is fine grained. I intended to use it for shotgun loads but I don't think it works with less than heavy magnum loads. I never thought of using it for pistol powder. is the al8 a large flake, flat, square cut powder?

[BCB]

flounderman

Here is a picture of the AL-8 that I am using...

BCB

[oso]

Ah yes, another one of those powders that meters poorly yet performs well. Dang, only have 2 large jugs left.

[Rocky Raab]

My load notes show 45 Colt loads as follows (255 SWCL in all)

AL-8 12.5 gr, 870 fps sub-inch at 10 yards, some unburnt flakes w/CCI 300

AL-8 12.5 gr, 800 fps and 2" groups, few unburnt flakes w/CCI 350

(No, I cannot explain lower velocity with less unburnt powder when using a mag primer. But that's what I got!)

W630 15.0 gr, 1000 fps (SD of 6!) w/CCI 350 excellent accuracy. This load is lifted from Ken Waters "Pet Loads" I think. I'm not changing one thing!

[Newtire]

flounderman

Here is a picture of the AL-8 that I am using...

BCB

Yup, that's it all right. Looks kind of like little pieces of mica. Feels like it too. I used the good old Lee Dipper method.

[w30wcf]

A few years ago I picked up 3#'s of AL8 from a Gunshop. The only reason that I bought it was the price.......$5! Haven't seen a price like that since the 60's.:-D

I have an older Speer handbook that has a number of cartridges / loads listed for AL8.

Anyway, I find that it burns very close to Blue Dot in my .44-40 rifle which is the only gun I have tried it in to date.

BCB, Rocky,
Thank you for the .45 Colt data. I'll have to give it a try in that next.

w30wcf