Author Topic: Blue Dot (Read 627 times)

tipiguy · « **on:** April 04, 2005, 03:44:02 PM »

I see in the reloading book for Contenders a different load for the 35 rem. It is listed under Alliant powders and says:

Powder charge "15.5 grain" Bullet weight & type "158 grain hornady lead"

No starting or max load was listed. I was hoping to use some 158 Hornady XTPs for just plinking/practice. Is the 15.5 grains a max or starting? A copper jacket has less pressure, correct? So 15.5 grains should be safe (if it is a starting load).

I would appreciate any information from anyone with any experience using blue dot in a 35 rem.

tipiguy

p.s. the book velocity isn't good (1574 fps) but then again the target will never know...

Tad Houston · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2005, 03:52:02 PM »

Copper has MORE presrure than lead.

Curtis · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2005, 04:42:07 PM »

I believe when only one powder charge is given it is the MAX load and you start at 10% below that (except for some powders like H-110 that should not be reduced more than 3%).

Curtis

Bug · « **Reply #3 on:** April 08, 2005, 04:20:48 AM »

Tipiguy,
Saw your post about using Blue dot in the .35 Rem. Decided to reply via P.M. just to keep it off the boards. (Well, I tried, but kept getting an "Invalid Session" error msg.)
The guys over at the Specialty Pistols board have been experimenting with Blue dot in quite a number of cartridges.
http://specialtypistols.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x/a/frm/f/4766056864
Do a search for Blue dot, and you will get quite a lot of info. I don't remember any discussion on the .35 Rem specifically, but it shouldn't be any different than anything else.
The method, worked out by Seafire, for determining where to start is:
1, Fill a fired case with blue dot, level with the case mouth.
2. Weigh the powder. That's right, a FULL case.
3. A starting load will be 20% of this weight. I.e., if your case holds 50gr of powder. your starting load will be 20% of 50gr, or 10gr. Max loads usually wind up to 40-50%. In this case that would be 20-25gr.
You should be aware that these are NOT REDUCED PRESSURE loads, and all precautions should be taken to watch for high pressures. A lot will depend on where you are in the learning curve of reloading, as to whether this is a viable situation for you. You be the judge.
Anyway, I thought I'd share the information. Of course I have to include the disclaimer that I don't recommend this practice, and assume no liability for your actions. I'm simply relating information about my efforts, and that of others. Good Luck, and Good Shooting,,,,,,,,,,,,Bug.