Question about Blue Dot

The Terminator · December 2, 2008, 09:42 AM

I just got my Lee dies in for my 45/70. Checking the load sheet, I was amazed that it listed 15.5gr of Blue Dot for a 385gr LEAD load at 1100 fps, a real mild load. 16.5gr is the max load listed. Nothing else was listed for Blue Dot in any weight or load.

Has anybody tried this powder in a 45/70? Currently, I am using 50gr of IMR 3031, and the Blue Dot load seems awfully low in case capacity. Could there be a pressure problem?

Loader9 · December 2, 2008, 11:46 AM

Alliant has been reformulating powders across the entire line. Blue Dot is no exception. They now have a warning about use in certain cartridges:
http://www.alliantpowder.com/safety/safetynotice.htm

I have all but eliminated Alliant powders from use at my place. I don't have the time to rework loads up every time they decide to change their formulation. I can't tell you if it is good data or not, but I will tell you it isn't on the Alliant website anymore for use in a 45-70. Load at yer own risk!

The Terminator · December 2, 2008, 11:50 AM

Point well taken. I don't think that I will ever use it in the 45/70. I bought it for a .41 magnum. Also, I want to use it for some .357 mag. Best -

joneb · December 2, 2008, 12:25 PM

I have used Blue Dot for .308 Win. with very good results. I found that 16gr of BD with a Nos 125gr BT and standard primers will shoot 1" groups at 100yds from a Howa 1500. I use this load for rock chucks, I can shoot a bunch and the barrel stays cool and very clean.

CowTowner · December 2, 2008, 12:38 PM

Quote:

I bought it for a .41 magnum. Also, I want to use it for some .357 mag. Best -

* Blue Dot® should NOT be used in the 357 Magnum load using the 125 grain projectile (Blue Dot® recipes with heavier bullet weights as specified in Alliant Powders Reloading Guide are acceptable for use).
* Blue Dot® should NOT be used in the 41 Magnum cartridge (all bullet weights).

Taken from the above linked Alliant Safety Notice.

crowbeaner · December 2, 2008, 05:22 PM

I've used about a 1/2 keg of BD over the years, and one thing I've noticed is that it varies a LOT between cans and lots. If I had to buy more, I'd get a 5# container and work up my loads; at least that way I'd know what to expect until I needed to buy some more.

73-Captain · December 2, 2008, 08:46 PM

Have a lot of data using Blue Dot, Unique and other handgun and "non-traditional" powders in the .45-70 and many other common cartridges.

Can't PM you though.

C.

ryalred · December 3, 2008, 11:07 AM

I use Blue Dot for reduced loads in my .243, .257 Wby Mag, .30-30, and .30-06. It works great. However, you have to know what your doing and have good data. It is easy to get too much and it is possible to get a double charge. You must pay attention when using it for reduced loads.

johnsonva · December 7, 2008, 06:31 PM

The Terminator,

I have hade excellent results with Blue Dot in my 45-70 which is a Remington rolling block. I'm using 20.0 grains with a 300gr Hornaday H.P. I've been using this load for about the last year or so and have used several different lots. I have no pressure signs at all and the load has very little recoil. As always stary low and work up.

Johnsonva

The Terminator · December 7, 2008, 07:21 PM

johnsonva,
I looked your load over, I am going to log it. If I get to load some of these, I'll be sure to chrono them as I saw you do. I have some 300 gr solid copper-plated on order. I have two boxes of Sierra 300 gr hollow points, I just don't want to use them to plink with. I'm saving them for hunting. I have taken some 350 grs to the range this weekend. Shoulder stompers, 50 gr of IMR 3031. Me no like after 50 rounds for range time. I just put together a few 350 grs at 40 grains of IMR 3031, Just a few grains above the old Shiloh speed and load, according to Hogdon.

Best - Ted

amamnn · December 7, 2008, 10:19 PM

Just to re-check Alliant's current versions of powders I went to their loading guide and powder use recommendations.

You can get the same info:

http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/blue_dot.htm

http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/waterfowl.htm

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...terfire%20Load

It looks to me that Blue Dot is still NOT a rifle powder.

joneb · December 7, 2008, 10:54 PM

Quote:

It looks to me that Blue Dot is still NOT a rifle powder.

Apparently you have not been following Alliant's data for very long. I have older Alliant data that gives rifle data using Bullseye, Red Dot,Unique, and Blue Dot for cowboy action and silhouette.

Powderman · December 8, 2008, 05:47 AM

Friend, if you want to put the very best in your .45-70 rifle, try what it was meant for: 70 grains of good 1F Goex, or 1.5F Swiss Black Powder, compressed lightly, with an overpowder wad and a grease cookie, under a good cast bullet. Make the grease cookie and the lube on the bullet SPG. You'll have a blast!

December 2, 2008, 09:42 AM	#1
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	Question about Blue Dot I just got my Lee dies in for my 45/70. Checking the load sheet, I was amazed that it listed 15.5gr of Blue Dot for a 385gr LEAD load at 1100 fps, a real mild load. 16.5gr is the max load listed. Nothing else was listed for Blue Dot in any weight or load. Has anybody tried this powder in a 45/70? Currently, I am using 50gr of IMR 3031, and the Blue Dot load seems awfully low in case capacity. Could there be a pressure problem? __________________ The Terminator John 3:16 (I hope to see You over there.)

December 2, 2008, 11:50 AM	#3
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	Point well taken. I don't think that I will ever use it in the 45/70. I bought it for a .41 magnum. Also, I want to use it for some .357 mag. Best - __________________ The Terminator John 3:16 (I hope to see You over there.)

December 2, 2008, 05:22 PM	#6
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	I've used about a 1/2 keg of BD over the years, and one thing I've noticed is that it varies a LOT between cans and lots. If I had to buy more, I'd get a 5# container and work up my loads; at least that way I'd know what to expect until I needed to buy some more. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

December 2, 2008, 08:46 PM	#7
73-Captain Junior member Join Date: December 14, 2007 Posts: 199	Blue Dot data in .45-70 Have a lot of data using Blue Dot, Unique and other handgun and "non-traditional" powders in the .45-70 and many other common cartridges. Can't PM you though. C. Last edited by 73-Captain; December 2, 2008 at 08:47 PM. Reason: correct spelling

December 3, 2008, 11:07 AM	#8
ryalred Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2008 Location: SE Oklahoma Posts: 491	I use Blue Dot for reduced loads in my .243, .257 Wby Mag, .30-30, and .30-06. It works great. However, you have to know what your doing and have good data. It is easy to get too much and it is possible to get a double charge. You must pay attention when using it for reduced loads. __________________ ryalred rifle & muzzleloader -- exhilarating bowhunting -- obsession reloading -- addicted

December 2, 2008, 11:46 AM	#2
Loader9 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2008 Posts: 949	Alliant has been reformulating powders across the entire line. Blue Dot is no exception. They now have a warning about use in certain cartridges: http://www.alliantpowder.com/safety/safetynotice.htm I have all but eliminated Alliant powders from use at my place. I don't have the time to rework loads up every time they decide to change their formulation. I can't tell you if it is good data or not, but I will tell you it isn't on the Alliant website anymore for use in a 45-70. Load at yer own risk!

December 2, 2008, 12:25 PM	#4
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	I have used Blue Dot for .308 Win. with very good results. I found that 16gr of BD with a Nos 125gr BT and standard primers will shoot 1" groups at 100yds from a Howa 1500. I use this load for rock chucks, I can shoot a bunch and the barrel stays cool and very clean.

December 7, 2008, 07:21 PM	#10
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	johnsonva, I looked your load over, I am going to log it. If I get to load some of these, I'll be sure to chrono them as I saw you do. I have some 300 gr solid copper-plated on order. I have two boxes of Sierra 300 gr hollow points, I just don't want to use them to plink with. I'm saving them for hunting. I have taken some 350 grs to the range this weekend. Shoulder stompers, 50 gr of IMR 3031. Me no like after 50 rounds for range time. I just put together a few 350 grs at 40 grains of IMR 3031, Just a few grains above the old Shiloh speed and load, according to Hogdon. Best - Ted __________________ The Terminator John 3:16 (I hope to see You over there.)

December 7, 2008, 10:19 PM	#11
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	Just to re-check Alliant's current versions of powders I went to their loading guide and powder use recommendations. You can get the same info: http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/blue_dot.htm http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/waterfowl.htm http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...terfire%20Load It looks to me that Blue Dot is still NOT a rifle powder. __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

December 8, 2008, 05:47 AM	#13
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Friend, if you want to put the very best in your .45-70 rifle, try what it was meant for: 70 grains of good 1F Goex, or 1.5F Swiss Black Powder, compressed lightly, with an overpowder wad and a grease cookie, under a good cast bullet. Make the grease cookie and the lube on the bullet SPG. You'll have a blast!