BE-86 and 44 spl

[CZ9shooter]

Anyone tried this combo yet? Alliant's website lists some loads for other cartridges with this relatively new powder, but none for the 44 special.

Unique is normally my go-to powder for the relatively low powdered "special" revolver rounds, but I havent found any for sale at resonable prices for a many months, maybe years. I have heard, on multiple occasions, that BE86 is very similar to Unique. My LGS seems to have a steady supply of this BE86 so I'm gonna give it a shot.

Data is scarce with this powder, especially in 44spl. I have a feeling it will work well if I can just find a good starting point. If nothing else I may try some slightly reduced Unique numbers and go from there.

I will be using 200gr cast bullets from SNS, special brass, in a 44 mag Redhawk, 7.5 inch barrel. Any pointers would be appreciated.

 

[Artofgolf]

IIRC, back in the BE-86 thread started by Titegroup Tiger, there might be a mention & more.

 

[CZ9shooter]

It is a twenty some page thread. I skimmed the first half-dozen or so pages. I didn't see anything, but I could have missed it.

 

[Artofgolf]

Ran a search for 44 spl thru the BE-86 thread. One mention in post #388; no load info ~ dang it
There is a member that works for Vista Outdoor that chimes-in from time to time in the BE-86 thread.
I think he uses the screen name Alliant Reloading (Paul) & has been helpful with questions. I would suggest sending a PM with your question. Good luck

 

[burrhead]

I'd call Alliant.

 

[GBExpat]

I have done a little BE-86/.44spl CHRONY testing, but with 200gr plated (including GoldDots) and 240/250gr lead ... no 200gr lead, sorry.

 

[Artofgolf]

In post #2 of the BE-86 thread, Paul left this contact information:
We worked up a good amount of data for this powder, but if we have left any applications out that you think might be interesting, send a message in through our "ask the expert" on our website, www.alliantpowder.com
Thank you for your interest in our new pistol powder BE-86.
Shoot well,
Paul

 

[Hondo 60]

How about emailing Alliant.

I emailed Accurate's ballistician when I wanted to reload 45 Colt with Accurate #5.
I gave them the bullet size, profile & weight & they sent a lower & upper charge limit.

 

[CZ9shooter]

I sent an email yesterday. Maybe I'll hear something on Monday.

 

[Alliant Reloading]

mboe794,
I have not heard from the ask the expert guys yet, but expect to soon on your request.
I see I neglected to work up loads for 44Spl after development, but it makes sense to develop those, as we actually use BE-86(TM) in our one and only 44Spl load at Federal. The C44SA load is a 200gr semi-wadcutter HP, but I have 200gr cast bullets I can test easily enough.
Thanks for your interest in BE-86.
Paul

 

[CZ9shooter]

Thanks for your concern. There is a chance that my email was not received properly. I was navigating the website with my phone and there seemed to be some sort of hangup when actually sending the information. I figured I'd give it a few days and then maybe try again.

 

[CZ9shooter]

The expert has replied to my email stating that they have not done any testing with a 200 grain bullet. And that's it. No other advice offered.

I have now asked for ANY data for BE86 and the 44 special. We'll see if anything turns up.

Looks like I might be blazing my own trail when my Unique runs out.

 

[Artofgolf]

mboe794,... but I have 200gr cast bullets I can test easily enough. Thanks for your interest in BE-86. Paul

I got the impression that Paul was going to test 200gr cast for 44spl. based on his reply.....
I remember when I requested information on the 165gr Xtreme 9mm using BE-86;
Paul actually got some from the manufacturer / supplier and ran 'em through their test rig & reported back to THR.

Maybe a little patience is in order; I'm optimistic that you'll be pleasantly surprised

Paul is a good guy & a welcome resource for us

 

[CZ9shooter]

Alliant's response to my second inquiry:

"Check back in a couple of weeks. I was just informed by my engineer that they are working on such a load now."

I think maybe we have Paul to thank?

This is excellent news

 

[Artofgolf]

...I think maybe we have Paul to thank?...

Yep

 

[Alliant Reloading]

mboe794,
I gave our ballistician Dave a list of 44S&W Spl loads to test, but he shot the BE-86 with a 200gr cast RNFP first.
With Federal brass and Federal #150 primer, the MAX load of BE-86 is 7.7gr. That is at COAL of 1.450". That MAX load is below the SAAMI MAP of 15,500psi, so back that down 10% and work up to a suitable load below the 7.7gr MAX.
I won't have a revolver velocity on that until next week, as Dave is shooting all unvented test barrel ballistics for safe pressures.
Good luck and be safe,
Paul

 

[CZ9shooter]

Awesome! Thank you very much. I am sure there are others out here in internetland that will find this and appreciate your effort too. And the work of Dave and the rest of Alliant as well.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I love it for the 44 mag. I use titegroup for the 44 spl loads I make my wife.

 

[Artofgolf]

Awesome! Thank you very much. I am sure there are others out here...

Paul's help again Life is good!