medic15al
Member
Thanks BBQ, I was on my tiny phone away from home and couldn't see it well. I appreciate the info!
BE-86
- Thread starter tightgroup tiger
- Start date
- Status
alexcue
Member
I've seen all kinds of numbers for 124gr bullets with the BE-86, some in the 4.6gr range, but as far as accuracy goes 5.5 has been just incredible for me. After 20 shots it's just one ragged hole about 2' wide! Just love the stuff.
LiveLife
Member
Many European pistols have oversized groove diameter barrels with longer leade/freebore lengths and will require higher powder charges.
For tighter .355"/.356" groove diameter barrels with shorter leade, lighter charges down to 4.6 gr of BE-86 has worked well with 124 gr bullets. For my pistols/barrels, 5.2 gr has worked well and produced 2" groups at 25 yards with 4 shot cluster promising even smaller shot groups (Will be testing this load at 50/100 yards in the carbine thread) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=10245856#post10245856
For tighter .355"/.356" groove diameter barrels with shorter leade, lighter charges down to 4.6 gr of BE-86 has worked well with 124 gr bullets. For my pistols/barrels, 5.2 gr has worked well and produced 2" groups at 25 yards with 4 shot cluster promising even smaller shot groups (Will be testing this load at 50/100 yards in the carbine thread) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=10245856#post10245856
Dudedog
Contributing Member
RMR 124 FN 4.4 BE86 OAL 1.10
983.00
971.00
989.00
968.00
982.00
Average 978.60
ES 21.00
SD 8.79
PF 121.35
RMR 124 FN 4.7 BE86 OAL 1.10
1088.00
1077.00
1091.00
1085.00
1079.00
Average 1084.00
ES 14.00
SD 5.92
PF 134.42
5" Springfield 1911 "Loaded" 9mm
I tend to think Alliant MAX of 5.8 with a 124 is a bit on the hot side.
As I recall in my pistol with the RMR bullet 5gr was about 1120 fps and 5.2 was 1160.
I have a new jar of BE86 so I need to retest, Makes me wonder if the first lot of BE86 I had was just a little hotter than normal.
983.00
971.00
989.00
968.00
982.00
Average 978.60
ES 21.00
SD 8.79
PF 121.35
RMR 124 FN 4.7 BE86 OAL 1.10
1088.00
1077.00
1091.00
1085.00
1079.00
Average 1084.00
ES 14.00
SD 5.92
PF 134.42
5" Springfield 1911 "Loaded" 9mm
I tend to think Alliant MAX of 5.8 with a 124 is a bit on the hot side.
As I recall in my pistol with the RMR bullet 5gr was about 1120 fps and 5.2 was 1160.
I have a new jar of BE86 so I need to retest, Makes me wonder if the first lot of BE86 I had was just a little hotter than normal.
OP
OP
tightgroup tiger
Member
When you proportionally compare them with the max loads of other powders, I agree.
I seem to be always surprised by the recoil.
With my Shield I've tuned my BE-86 loads down to 5.3 gr. I was shooting 5.7gr 124 FN but they are way to hard on it.
I seem to be always surprised by the recoil.
With my Shield I've tuned my BE-86 loads down to 5.3 gr. I was shooting 5.7gr 124 FN but they are way to hard on it.
Range report
Was able to get back out to the range today for a follow up test.
9mm STAR30M 4.33 inch barrel
Xtreme 124gn FMJ bullets OAL 1.160
Win Brass, TuLammo SPP
82 degrees
124gn Xtreme FMJ RN, 5.5 BE-86, 10 shots
Avg 1116
SD 9
ES 27
High 1122
Low 1101
124gn Xtreme FMJ RN, 5.5 BE-86, 10 shots
Avg 1120
SD 12
ES 41
High 1151
Low 1110
For these bullets, 5.5 gave the best accuracy shots from 5yd, 10yd, 15yd all within 2" groups other then flyers which were my fault.
LeftyTSGC
Was able to get back out to the range today for a follow up test.
9mm STAR30M 4.33 inch barrel
Xtreme 124gn FMJ bullets OAL 1.160
Win Brass, TuLammo SPP
82 degrees
124gn Xtreme FMJ RN, 5.5 BE-86, 10 shots
Avg 1116
SD 9
ES 27
High 1122
Low 1101
124gn Xtreme FMJ RN, 5.5 BE-86, 10 shots
Avg 1120
SD 12
ES 41
High 1151
Low 1110
For these bullets, 5.5 gave the best accuracy shots from 5yd, 10yd, 15yd all within 2" groups other then flyers which were my fault.
LeftyTSGC
alexcue
Member
I've shot the BE-86 5.5gr with Xtreme and Bayou 124gr bullets out of 2 Glocks and a Ruger P89. All have given me Great off hand accuracy. The only one that was a so-so was out of my LC9 Ruger. It felt snappy out of this one. I have factory ammo that isn't as consistent or accurate as this load. I started at 5.0 and it tightened up as I went up to 5.5gr. Stopped there!
I'm tempted to go back down to the 4.6 range and see what it does.. But, I've never had this kind of accuracy without tinkering, out of a powder. My only load so far that I didn't like was out of a .380ACP, just didn't seem to work for me, but that's no big loss. I have a very good powder that goes a long way with it. 9mm, 40S&W, .357 and light .45's all have worked well.
I'm just thankful that after this work, I can actually find BE-86 around.
I'm tempted to go back down to the 4.6 range and see what it does.. But, I've never had this kind of accuracy without tinkering, out of a powder. My only load so far that I didn't like was out of a .380ACP, just didn't seem to work for me, but that's no big loss. I have a very good powder that goes a long way with it. 9mm, 40S&W, .357 and light .45's all have worked well.
I'm just thankful that after this work, I can actually find BE-86 around.
JamieC
Member
Finally got out to the range with some reloads, trying out BE85 and HP38
Bayou Bullet 200gr LSWC, OAL 1.245". BE86, 6.1gr avg 900fps, 6.5gr 949fps, 6.9gr 1000.2fps. HP38 4.7gr 774.2fps, 5.1gr 825.2fps, 5.4gr 879.2fps. These were shot out of a 5" fusion 1911. 9mm, 124gr Precision Delta JHP, OAL 1.100", BE86, 4.8gr 1058fps, 5.2gr 1093fps, 5.6gr 1151.3fps. HP38, 4.3gr 1050.3fps, 4.7gr 1109.3fps. These were shot out of a S&W Sigma. These were all 5 shot averages. I tried shooting different targets using the Sigma and my M&P, couldn't really concentrate on accuracy, (other than the fact the M&P is more accurate than the Sigma, DUH!), along with testing these loads, I was sighting in a new set of ghost ring sights on my 870 12 gauge and a new trigger on my AR...probably too much to do on one HOT day! The BE86 was real consistent velocity wise which made sense, it meters SO well and consistently. I now understand the reputation HP38/Win 231 has developed. I've used the Sigma for all my 9mm chrono testing, it's decent, accuracy wise, out to 15 yards, then it's all over the place with most loads. I'll load up some more for both the M&P and the 1911, concentrate on seeing which might be the most accurate.
Bayou Bullet 200gr LSWC, OAL 1.245". BE86, 6.1gr avg 900fps, 6.5gr 949fps, 6.9gr 1000.2fps. HP38 4.7gr 774.2fps, 5.1gr 825.2fps, 5.4gr 879.2fps. These were shot out of a 5" fusion 1911. 9mm, 124gr Precision Delta JHP, OAL 1.100", BE86, 4.8gr 1058fps, 5.2gr 1093fps, 5.6gr 1151.3fps. HP38, 4.3gr 1050.3fps, 4.7gr 1109.3fps. These were shot out of a S&W Sigma. These were all 5 shot averages. I tried shooting different targets using the Sigma and my M&P, couldn't really concentrate on accuracy, (other than the fact the M&P is more accurate than the Sigma, DUH!), along with testing these loads, I was sighting in a new set of ghost ring sights on my 870 12 gauge and a new trigger on my AR...probably too much to do on one HOT day! The BE86 was real consistent velocity wise which made sense, it meters SO well and consistently. I now understand the reputation HP38/Win 231 has developed. I've used the Sigma for all my 9mm chrono testing, it's decent, accuracy wise, out to 15 yards, then it's all over the place with most loads. I'll load up some more for both the M&P and the 1911, concentrate on seeing which might be the most accurate.
Last edited:
au_prospector
Member
9mm ZERO Bullet 125gr JHP
This thread is HUGE and a bit overwhelming. I received 1000 9mm Zero 125 grain JHP and I have a pound of BE-86.
Alliant wants me to use 5.8 grains seated to 1.12 inches.
I can go with that, but why when I got you guys? J/K
Anyway I know some of you guys are developing loads, they are here somewhere in the 600+ posts. Must be some 9mm data 125 grain JHP loads here somewhere././././. shuffles through thread looking for posts
I am using a short barrel SR9c and I have been seating these bullets to 1.10 inch.
This thread is HUGE and a bit overwhelming. I received 1000 9mm Zero 125 grain JHP and I have a pound of BE-86.
Alliant wants me to use 5.8 grains seated to 1.12 inches.
I can go with that, but why when I got you guys? J/K
Anyway I know some of you guys are developing loads, they are here somewhere in the 600+ posts. Must be some 9mm data 125 grain JHP loads here somewhere././././. shuffles through thread looking for posts
I am using a short barrel SR9c and I have been seating these bullets to 1.10 inch.
bbqreloader
Member
Don't have any experience with zero bullets so unaware if they are lead, plated, fmj. But I have used 124 gr data, 1 gr in the bullet weight will not make a difference for plinking/target loads.This thread is HUGE and a bit overwhelming. I received 1000 9mm Zero 125 grain JHP and I have a pound of BE-86.
Alliant wants me to use 5.8 grains seated to 1.12 inches.
I can go with that, but why when I got you guys? J/K
Anyway I know some of you guys are developing loads, they are here somewhere in the 600+ posts. Must be some 9mm data 125 grain JHP loads here somewhere././././. shuffles through thread looking for posts
I am using a short barrel SR9c and I have been seating these bullets to 1.10 inch.
Last edited:
au_prospector
Member
thanks bbq, yes as stated in my post they are JHP or Jacketed Hollow Points not plated. So I am looking for loadings with 125 JHP, they look similar to Hornady XTP bullets.
sellersm
Member
I'd start with loads for 124gr JHP and go from there. You can use 124gr FMJ starting loads also. Otherwise I'm no help cuz I haven't worked up FMJ/JHP loads yet, only plated. I'm sure you'll like this powder though!!!
Sent from my fat fingers using Tapatalk
Sent from my fat fingers using Tapatalk
OP
OP
tightgroup tiger
Member
With anything but lead bullets I have found that with the 9mms I have that 5.3 and 5.5 grains seems to be a universal constant of accuracy if you can handle the recoil.
I don't like wimpy loads so I started with 5.2 grs when I started this post and 5.2-5.3gr in 124 gr. plated or jacketed and 5.5-5.6 gr. in jacketed anything seems to be the most accurate loads I have found.
But all guns are different and I only have 3) 9mms so this is hardly a testimonial to what works best in all 9mm.
The lower power loads that a lot of you shoot makes me wonder but BDS's posts with his loads keeps me from trying the lower loads.
I get bored with low powered loads quickly, must be something in my aggressive nature. I don't know.
I'm interested in the lower loads and their accuracy, like the 4.8 loads I seen on here that seem to do well but I can't seem to bring myself to load them that light.
I seem to have to feel something serious happening in my hand or I'm disappointment. (problem with me not any of you).
My Shield doesn't like the 5.5 -5.6gr loads with 124 anything but my SR9 (full size 9mm) eats them for supper and just smiles (full size 9mm).
You just have to learn to shoot them.
I don't like wimpy loads so I started with 5.2 grs when I started this post and 5.2-5.3gr in 124 gr. plated or jacketed and 5.5-5.6 gr. in jacketed anything seems to be the most accurate loads I have found.
But all guns are different and I only have 3) 9mms so this is hardly a testimonial to what works best in all 9mm.
The lower power loads that a lot of you shoot makes me wonder but BDS's posts with his loads keeps me from trying the lower loads.
I get bored with low powered loads quickly, must be something in my aggressive nature. I don't know.
I'm interested in the lower loads and their accuracy, like the 4.8 loads I seen on here that seem to do well but I can't seem to bring myself to load them that light.
I seem to have to feel something serious happening in my hand or I'm disappointment. (problem with me not any of you).
My Shield doesn't like the 5.5 -5.6gr loads with 124 anything but my SR9 (full size 9mm) eats them for supper and just smiles (full size 9mm).
You just have to learn to shoot them.
OP
OP
tightgroup tiger
Member
I bought 2k Precision Delta JHP so that is my next venture with BE86 since I'm on my feet again. (knee surgery that went bad).
I had to pay for the surgery myself completely so I won't be buying the chrony that I have been pining for, for a while but I'm a patient man so it's coming.
I still have to rely and my shooting skills (scary) but right now, as in the past, that's all I have.
I'll post pictures as soon as I can get to the range. I was there about a week ago and did well for not shooting for 6 months, but had to leave due to pain, but I got my knee shot up and it's doing much better.
I'm getting stoked again and am getting excited again about, well, just plain living again without being in constant pain.
It just plain sucks to get old.
I had to pay for the surgery myself completely so I won't be buying the chrony that I have been pining for, for a while but I'm a patient man so it's coming.
I still have to rely and my shooting skills (scary) but right now, as in the past, that's all I have.
I'll post pictures as soon as I can get to the range. I was there about a week ago and did well for not shooting for 6 months, but had to leave due to pain, but I got my knee shot up and it's doing much better.
I'm getting stoked again and am getting excited again about, well, just plain living again without being in constant pain.
It just plain sucks to get old.
JamieC
Member
The post right before you made this one, 125gr Precision Delta JHPs, 1.100" OALThis thread is HUGE and a bit overwhelming. I received 1000 9mm Zero 125 grain JHP and I have a pound of BE-86.
Alliant wants me to use 5.8 grains seated to 1.12 inches.
I can go with that, but why when I got you guys? J/K
Anyway I know some of you guys are developing loads, they are here somewhere in the 600+ posts. Must be some 9mm data 125 grain JHP loads here somewhere././././. shuffles through thread looking for posts
I am using a short barrel SR9c and I have been seating these bullets to 1.10 inch.
JamieC
Member
Looking forward to your results. Also planning on buying 2K more of the Precision Delta 124gr JHPs. 2K gets the price down quite a bit. Yeah, gettin' old ain't for sissies!
OP
OP
tightgroup tiger
Member
yeah, $8.80 per hundred ain't bad for JHPs these days, best price I've seen in a long time. I'd like to see some expansion tests on these but I've seen a lot of posts over the years about members saying "why buy plated when you can buy jacketed" but I never knew where they were buying them, they never said.
I have to load them up and hopefully I will be in good form when I try them.
You all know how that goes. I'll be trying 5.3-5.3 and 5.5-5.6 gr. loads.
Hope I have some good targets for you all.
I have to load them up and hopefully I will be in good form when I try them.
You all know how that goes. I'll be trying 5.3-5.3 and 5.5-5.6 gr. loads.
Hope I have some good targets for you all.
Toprudder
Member
The Zero 9mm 125 JHP are very similar, if not identical, to the Hornady HAP bullet. They are NOT made for expansion.
The HAP bullet is listed as .356", and if you look at the online data from Hodgdon for that bullet, it is loaded to a much lower charge than similar 124-125 gn bullets.
The only loads I worked up using the Zero bullet was with Longshot and BE-86. I had to seat them to 1.080" to keep them ~ 0.015" off the lands in one of my pistols (Witness Elite Match). The Hodgdon data lists 1.100" as the COL. Note that the highest velocity for most powders was shown to be ~950-1096 fps, so I decided to limit my testing to those velocities.
******* Disclaimer - My data, my equipment, my results - yours may vary ********
Longshot powder, Win small pistol primers.
3.9gn, 879.5fps, 15.3sd, 52 spread. 1.5" @10. FTF, no mag lock
4.1gn, 924.7fps, 13.0sd, 37 spread. 1.2"@10.
4.3gn, 958.4fps, 17.0sd, 54 spread. 1.0" @10.
4.4gn, 974.6fps, 11.6sd, 32 spread. 1.5" @10.
BE-86 powder, Win small pistol primers.
4.0gn, 917.0fps, 11.5sd, 37 spread. 1.72" @10yd
4.2gn, 961.8fps, 17.7sd, 51 spread. 0.65" @10yd
4.4gn, 986.5pfs, 14.2sd, 50 spread. 2.0" @10yd
4.6gn, 1033.4fps, 13.2sd, 39 spread. 1.9" @10yd
These were all 10 rounds each.
I did not try increasing the charges past this point. I would do so with caution and definitely watch for pressure signs.
The HAP bullet is listed as .356", and if you look at the online data from Hodgdon for that bullet, it is loaded to a much lower charge than similar 124-125 gn bullets.
The only loads I worked up using the Zero bullet was with Longshot and BE-86. I had to seat them to 1.080" to keep them ~ 0.015" off the lands in one of my pistols (Witness Elite Match). The Hodgdon data lists 1.100" as the COL. Note that the highest velocity for most powders was shown to be ~950-1096 fps, so I decided to limit my testing to those velocities.
******* Disclaimer - My data, my equipment, my results - yours may vary ********
Longshot powder, Win small pistol primers.
3.9gn, 879.5fps, 15.3sd, 52 spread. 1.5" @10. FTF, no mag lock
4.1gn, 924.7fps, 13.0sd, 37 spread. 1.2"@10.
4.3gn, 958.4fps, 17.0sd, 54 spread. 1.0" @10.
4.4gn, 974.6fps, 11.6sd, 32 spread. 1.5" @10.
BE-86 powder, Win small pistol primers.
4.0gn, 917.0fps, 11.5sd, 37 spread. 1.72" @10yd
4.2gn, 961.8fps, 17.7sd, 51 spread. 0.65" @10yd
4.4gn, 986.5pfs, 14.2sd, 50 spread. 2.0" @10yd
4.6gn, 1033.4fps, 13.2sd, 39 spread. 1.9" @10yd
These were all 10 rounds each.
I did not try increasing the charges past this point. I would do so with caution and definitely watch for pressure signs.
Dudedog
Contributing Member
Alliant lists 5.8gr as a MAX. (all they list are MAXs) The recommendation is to back off 10% to start which is .6 reduction =5.2gr charge. If it was me I would start lower, around 4.4-4.6gr and work up from there.
arisch
Member
Warning, I worked these loads up carefully in my guns. However please follow precautions and use the listed data provided by Alliant, and all instructions.
I've worked up two loads that have performed amazing. Using Be-86 and 124gr and 147gr speer gold dot bullets.
For the 124 I worked up and settled on 6.3gr, winchester small pistol primer and 1.120" OAL.
Using a Glock 19 gen 4 I had amazing accuracy. Once I noticed that the cases were barely expanded, .387-.388 just above the extractor groove, I decided to send some through my chronograph.
1250 low
1259 high
I thought maybe my readings were a fluke so I tried again. Almost identical results.
So I ran three full mags through my shield 9mm which has horrible case support and max expansion on the case was .389"
I have to believe it's one of the best performing loads I have used.
The 147gr used 5.4gr, winchester small pistol primers, and 1.125" OAL.
Loads chronographed at 1050fps from the Glock 19. Case expansion was around .389". Mild recoil, and just as accurate as the 124gr.
When sizing I use a RCBS full length sizer that just above the extractor groove, measures .386". So again I have found a hell of a velocity and powder combination that works wonderfully for me. And with the numbers I've seen feel I'm nowhere over pressure.
The factory speer 124gr +p load expands to .391" in my glock 19 and to .392-.393" in my shield.
I like the powder to the point I picked up 16lbs worth here locally in central Ohio.
Side note: the two cartridges i mentioned I used new Star line brass.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
I've worked up two loads that have performed amazing. Using Be-86 and 124gr and 147gr speer gold dot bullets.
For the 124 I worked up and settled on 6.3gr, winchester small pistol primer and 1.120" OAL.
Using a Glock 19 gen 4 I had amazing accuracy. Once I noticed that the cases were barely expanded, .387-.388 just above the extractor groove, I decided to send some through my chronograph.
1250 low
1259 high
I thought maybe my readings were a fluke so I tried again. Almost identical results.
So I ran three full mags through my shield 9mm which has horrible case support and max expansion on the case was .389"
I have to believe it's one of the best performing loads I have used.
The 147gr used 5.4gr, winchester small pistol primers, and 1.125" OAL.
Loads chronographed at 1050fps from the Glock 19. Case expansion was around .389". Mild recoil, and just as accurate as the 124gr.
When sizing I use a RCBS full length sizer that just above the extractor groove, measures .386". So again I have found a hell of a velocity and powder combination that works wonderfully for me. And with the numbers I've seen feel I'm nowhere over pressure.
The factory speer 124gr +p load expands to .391" in my glock 19 and to .392-.393" in my shield.
I like the powder to the point I picked up 16lbs worth here locally in central Ohio.
Side note: the two cartridges i mentioned I used new Star line brass.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
Range day with BE-86
Thanks to Dudedog for providing me with some generous Bullet PIF's i was able to go to the range and test a few different loads.
All of these (except FMJ) were shot with:
.9mm STAR30M 4.33 inch barrel, BE-86, TulAmmo SP primers.
All shots at 5 yds shooting 10 rounds.
124gn Missouri Bullet SWC -coated
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.120
Avg 1007, ES 28, SD 7
124gn RMR THP
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.110
Avg 1100, ES34, SD 12
124gn RMR FN
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.110
Avg 1100, ES29, SD 8
124gn Xtreme FMJ , WIN brass for these only (yes i got a few to work)
5.5gn powder, OAL 1.160
Avg 1154, ES38, SD11
124gn Xtreme HP
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.10
Avg 1082, ES10, SD 9
I have attached some target photos, i was pleased that all bullets were accurate from 5yds, i took some 10yd shots but do not have photos, it was hot and i was ready to go, but all groups from 10yd were within 2". All groups are 5 shots, yes the THP group hole has 3 in it. This was all standing free hand.
LeftyTSGC
Thanks to Dudedog for providing me with some generous Bullet PIF's i was able to go to the range and test a few different loads.
All of these (except FMJ) were shot with:
.9mm STAR30M 4.33 inch barrel, BE-86, TulAmmo SP primers.
All shots at 5 yds shooting 10 rounds.
124gn Missouri Bullet SWC -coated
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.120
Avg 1007, ES 28, SD 7
124gn RMR THP
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.110
Avg 1100, ES34, SD 12
124gn RMR FN
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.110
Avg 1100, ES29, SD 8
124gn Xtreme FMJ , WIN brass for these only (yes i got a few to work)
5.5gn powder, OAL 1.160
Avg 1154, ES38, SD11
124gn Xtreme HP
5.0gn powder, OAL 1.10
Avg 1082, ES10, SD 9
I have attached some target photos, i was pleased that all bullets were accurate from 5yds, i took some 10yd shots but do not have photos, it was hot and i was ready to go, but all groups from 10yd were within 2". All groups are 5 shots, yes the THP group hole has 3 in it. This was all standing free hand.
LeftyTSGC
Attachments
sellersm
Member
Thanks LeftyTSGC and arisch! I've found that this powder is most accurate when loaded at its upper end. I believe your results show agreement with what I've found.
Definitely my favorite 9mm powder right now...
Definitely my favorite 9mm powder right now...
arisch
Member
Hey welcome, that's what I've found, it's like some other powders in that it likes to be pushed. I use another one for that, Autocomp, it's just like BE-86, it does okay in lower charges, but performs amazingly well when pushed to max or slightly above.
Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
bbqreloader
Member
Althouth my last results were lack luster, i pushed up my charge a couple of tenths and am starting to like how it reacts in my 45 with Xtreme 185 FP. Just loaded some 200gr FP (xtreme) and liked those also. Trying to find a nice 45acp powder besides the CFE i am using for my 40 and 9.
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