Blue dot and 45 colt

[jimster]

I need to use up some blue dot, and decided to load the 45 colt with it.  Used cast 250gr and tried it in a 24 inch rifle, using 12gr of blue dot.  I don't hear much about using blue dot in the 45 colt caliber, maybe because there is better powders for revolvers, but the 24 inch rifle barrel seemed to like it just fine so far.  Has anyone else out there experimented with blue dot in the 45 colt?  I'd like to hear your comments on what you thought about it in that caliber in both revolvers and rifles.  Someone wrote about 12gr of blue dot giving them about 900fps out of a 7 1/2 inch revolver, but I can't vouch for that, and I have not tried it in my revolvers yet,  but my rifle seemed to like that load just fine so far. 

Thanks

Jim

[LaOtto222]

I can not find any reliable load data for Blue Dot with cast bullets. I did find a 225 grain jacketed bullet. This one is from Lyman 48th addition Reloading book. Starting load is 12.4 grains and top load is 15.4 grains of Blue Dot. I would think that the load you are using would be safe. These Lyman loads are conservative made for older guns. If you are getting good results, you are gold. I would think that you are getting around 900 - 1000 fps with your load, this is just an estimate.  A longer barrel does not mean more velocity if the powder is burnt long before it reaches the end of the barrel.

[quickdtoo]

Alliant had 250gr cast Blue Dot data for the 45 Colt. The Lee 2nd only shows one load, 11.5gr for a 250gr cast bullet.

Tim

http://alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeDetail.aspx?title=Pistols%20and%20Revolvers&gtypeid=1&weight=250&shellid=1031&bulletid=110

[Glanceblamm]

My Sierra data places Bluedot ahead of 4227 & 2400 in accuracy when 15.3gr is used with their 240gr JHC and a CCI 350 primer.
Velocity is listed @ 1100fps w/645ft lbs.
 (test firearm is a blkhawk w/7-1/2" barrel)
(Minimum starting load is listed as being 11.5gr)

I tried this, it shot well enough but I cant really say that it shot any better than the 2400. Is probably me.

[Lone Star]

I've used BlueDot in my .45LC handguns and carbine for years with good success.  It gives top accuracy in most of my guns, although not always at top velocities.  Its low bulk density means it fills the huge .45LC case better than most powders, potentially improving ignition.  It gives much less recoil than H110 or AA9, yet in loads with bullets under 260 grains gives me plenty of velocity.  I used to use the similar burning HS-7 too, but that powder is no longer manufactured.


.

[jimster]

appreciate the feedback all.   I wonder why there is not much load data with blue dot and the 45 colt, it's hard to data with cast bullet's compared to other powders.  I guess I just have to experiment with loads.

Thanks

Jim

[Lone Star]

Speer shows data for their lead bullet: 250 LSWC 12.9 gr BlueDot 1028 fps
MAX data, start one grain lower in SAA-type handguns

BlueDot has not been a very popular powder in handguns.  It is overshadowed by H110/AA9 for magnum loads, although in some cases it gives very similar performance with reduced recoil.  IMO it is better than Unique for a great many uses, but Unique is over 100 years old and BD is only about 30 - it is difficult to unseat an established powder.  You could say the same thing about AA9 and H4227(may it rest in peace) or a number of other pairs.  Older handloaders often pick a favorite and stick to it regardless of modern improvements.

BlueDot has a similar burning rate to HS7,  but it is NOT  the same.  If you use HS7 data, consider it a very rough guide.

.