AL-5 and AL-8 in .45 auto?

[jarhead jim]

Hey studs,

I got 2 kegs of this powder and load 230 grain cast (is there any other) boolits. Does anyone have any loading data for this old relic powder? The internet hasn't been much help. I read that AL-8 is pretty much the same burn rate as Red Dot. But haven't had much luck finding likewise equivelents for the AL-5.

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

Jim

[Rocky Raab]

You have been given bad info about AL-8.

AL-5 is roughly comparable to Unique. AL-7 (just to give a complete picture) is roughly like Blue Dot, and AL-8 is slower yet, at nearly 2400 speed. The Alcan powder that is most like RedDot is AL-120.

The closest I could get to your load combo is in Speer #9. The 45 ACP using a 225 JHP shows AL-5 at 7.9 to 8.5 grains for up to 918 fps. For comparison, it also shows HS-6 at 8.0 to 8.4 grains for similar speed.

[RayinNH]

The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 3rd Ed., as well as the older versions, has load data for the Alcan powder...Ray

[jarhead jim]

Thanks for the update Rocky! I'll start some loads and work on them.

Jim

[jarhead jim]

I loaded some rounds with 6.5 grains and got 760fps with the subgun. I like the ROF at that speed with this weapon. With the 1911 I like the hotter rounds and will work on some hotter stuff this evening. Seems like good powder even though it's older than hell. When I get some more boolits melted up I'll load a hundred and see how dirty it is.

Jim