Clarification on Blue Dot load
I was worried by some of your comments on the Blue Dot load I was using in the 357 Mag. I have shot many hundreds of them with no problem. But it is worrisome when you hear that the load is an overcharge, so I looked into it further.
Looking at the books I found the data I had used. It is from the second addition of MODERN RELOADING by Richard Lee on page 552. I had loaded 13.8 then 14.2 for testing, then the book max of 14.5 grains. The bullet used is a Nosler 125 grain JHP. The empties fall from the gun(s), a Smith&Wesson 27-2 and a 686. From my records, (not that extensive) I found some notes on firing six rounds over the chronograph. The MV was 1748, 1765, 1733, 1701, 1783 and 1717. The charges were weighed with the RCBS powder dispensing unit. I think the primers were Federal but it could have been some Winchester.
Looking at the books I found the data I had used. It is from the second addition of MODERN RELOADING by Richard Lee on page 552. I had loaded 13.8 then 14.2 for testing, then the book max of 14.5 grains. The bullet used is a Nosler 125 grain JHP. The empties fall from the gun(s), a Smith&Wesson 27-2 and a 686. From my records, (not that extensive) I found some notes on firing six rounds over the chronograph. The MV was 1748, 1765, 1733, 1701, 1783 and 1717. The charges were weighed with the RCBS powder dispensing unit. I think the primers were Federal but it could have been some Winchester.
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Bruce,
Different load manuals offer different max end loads as I'm sure you know. What I find odd is that Richard Lee's book seems to be so much higher than the others in the field; usually it is the other way around.0 -
If you go to the Alliant Reloaders Guide, it doesn't show any loads for a 125gr or 135gr 357. For the 125 loads it shows 1409fps load with 2400. They are onlt pushing a 110gr to 1680fps. 0 -
The Blue Dot mystery continues.
14.5 grains sounds like a lot (too much) to me, the 1700 fps velocity is awesome it is supported by an old 1983 Hercules guide I have on my book shelf that got there with even less powder. I have an even older loose page from a Hercules guide of unknown year that lists even higher velocity and greater powder charges for Blue Dot, they are so unbelievable that I will not post them here.
Man, doesn't it just make you nuts when the data is all over the map.0 -
I thought all Blue Dot 357 125 grain loads were deleted.??? 0 -
When comparing data, be cafeful that you take into account the firearm type, and barrel length, vast differences in performance occur with identical loadings. Listing a load and velocity without stating the firearm type and barrel length is just about useless. 0 -
The old Hercules manual did not indicate barrel length of model of firearm just powder charge, bullet weight and velocity. Later they added pressure. I would guess they used a universal reciever. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Mobuck
I thought all Blue Dot 357 125 grain loads were deleted.???
The recent notice by Alliant was for the 125 grain bullet only. The books still list it but the load is not safe for some reason.
To alleviate further headaches with blue-dot will be easy, I won't use it any more.
I will just go back to loading the tried and true 2400 powder. It has been shot by the ton in many pistol loads. It works well and never gave me any problems.0
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