Blue Dot for .357 ?

[hylander]

Is Blue Dot a good powder for the .357, and maybe .38 Spl ?
I ask because I can get a couple pounds tomorrow

[knifemaker]

Blue Dot is a very good powder for the 357 mag. Most reloading books will not give much, if any data for blue dot in 38 special. The Lyman 49th. Edition reloading handbook lists loads for blue dot in both 38 special and 357 mag. in several different bullet weights, 110 gr. to 158 gr. Some reloaders prefer Blue Dot over 296 in 357 mag. because they feel it has less muzzle flash.

[leftiye]

Definite yes. My favorite powder for .357. And very accurate.

[trapper9260]

If you are able to get some I say get it since you will use it in what you asking and also if there is some other cal you have that you might be able to se it in just check your data and go from there.I have not seen any Blue Dot around here for over a year now.But I got all that I need that i got some years ago.

[WRideout]

I use Blue Dot in 357 with 150 gr cast (Lyman 358477) and 158 gr JHP. BD seems to like some pressure to burn clean, so I wouldn't normally use it with light boolits or in small charges. For the 38 spl, I would probably prefer something a little faster; I am working on a four pound jug of Red Dot that is about all I use in 38's.

Wayne

[osteodoc08]

Heck yeah. Snatch it up for your 357. I've got a 5# jug I've been working on lately. At 9gr a time, it'll last a while.

to to sum up how I feel about BD

[Forrest r]

An excellent source for using bd in the 357 & other calibers.

http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/Fre...liant_2005.pdf

[youngmman]

My favorite and most accurate 357 load is the LBT 155gr WFN, CCI Magnum Primer, and 10grns of Blue Dot. Favorite 38 special: 173gn #43 Keith bullet, CCI Magnum Primer and 5.5grns Blue Dot. Its not the hottest load but is extremely accurate yet effective on small critters and even bigger ones on occasian not to mention it's very pleasant to shoot.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

i use it in my 38 / 357 & in my 41 mag

[ubetcha]

I recall a safety issue put out by the manufacture about using Blue Dot and 125gr bullets. The two don't seem to get along with each other. Excessive pressures happen.

[osteodoc08]

I recall a safety issue put out by the manufacture about using Blue Dot and 125gr bullets. The two don't seem to get along with each other. Excessive pressures happen.

Same with the 41. Alliant refuses to elaborate on specifics other than their testing indicated pressure issues.

BD is temp sensitive, esp when cold. I still use it in 38/357/45colt mostly. Quit using it in 41 as I have other powders on hand.

[Ed K]

i use it in my 38 / 357 & in my 41 mag

Blue Dot® should NOT be used in the 41 Magnum cartridge (all bullet weights).
http://www.alliantpowder.com/getting...y_notices.aspx

I have no idea as to why-maybe you do...

[bedbugbilly]

Personally, I've never used Blue Dot but my Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook (3rd edition) has Data for both the 38 Spl and 357 in heavier boolits - 158 gr, 162 gr, 168 gr.

I was "powder shopping" a week or so ago and spotted on 1# container of Blue Dot - almost picked it up. Luckily, I hit the LGS at the right time and was able to get some Bulls Eye, Unique, 700X and Red Dot. I considered myself very lucky as I was able to get some of each so am now well stocked for the time bering. Had they not had those (they had just come in) I would have opted for the Blue Dot.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

Blue Dot is my favorite powder in the .357, .44 Mag and 9mm and it is great in high pressure .44 Special powder. I have used Blue Dot more than any other powder with 2400 and 296 following behind Blue Dot in my personal choice.

Blue Dot has a lot of muzzle flash but it burns real clean which is important if DA .357 revolvers and semi autos. 2400 creates unburnt powder granules which get caught under the extractor star on DA revolvers preventing the cylinder from closing. This works against you if you are shooting on a timed course of fire, but is no problem in SA revolvers.

[Bohica793]

I love BlueDot in both .357 (10gr w/ Lyman 358477) and .45 Colt. (13gr w/ NOE 454424).

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Thanks for the heads up on the 41 mag
but it did shoot good In my gun

[FergusonTO35]

My Marlin 1894 loves Blue Dot with a gas checked Lee 358-158-RF.

[Animal]

I've enjoyed Blue Dot loads in both .357mag with 158 cast and .44 mag with 240 cast. I like it better than 2400, but probably not as much as H110/w296. I felt Blue Dot gave more accurate results than 2400, but didn't pack the same punch as H110/W296. I haven't tried it in any non magnum cartridges and don't plan to. I predict that I'd be wasting powder, time and components if I tried it in a non-magnum round.

[gpidaho]

Blue Dot is one of those powders that work well in a lot of applications. Handguns, shotguns and some rifle loads. Yes very good in .357 GP

[krag35]

I use quite bit of BD. from 9mm to 3" 12 gauge. My go to powder in 9mm, 357, and 44. Works good in 444 Marlin and 30-30. You can make anything go "bang" with Blue Dot.