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3/17/2014 5:32:41 PM EDT
Hey guys. Recently got into reloading and as you all know, can't find powder anywhere. Local gun shop had 5lb jug of blue dot today for 80$ so I had to pick it up.. Looking to reload 9mm and 40 s&w. I know it's not ideal because it's slow burning etc but that's all I have. Looked at a few manuals and there is data on them, however being new to reloading etc is this stuff ok to use?? I notice people complain of a flash and being dirty but I could care less about that. Just want to make some plinking ammo and have fun doing it. Any advice on this powder and my intentions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
3/17/2014 5:45:49 PM EDT
[#1]
I haven't had any trouble with it. Works pretty well in 10mm. I believe the data I have seen for 9mm is for heavier bullets.
3/17/2014 5:52:12 PM EDT
[#2]
It will work fine in 9mm.



But only with 3/4 to full loads will it burn anywhere near clean.




It does have some muzzle flash, but I found it very accurate in my CZ 85.




For "the only thing you could find" you did ok.
3/17/2014 6:00:13 PM EDT
[#3]
I only ever used it in 10mm but it worked well.

I believe you're better off sticking to the hotter loads for better consistency.
3/17/2014 6:03:48 PM EDT
[#4]
I have used blue dot for maximum effort 124 and 147gr 9mm before and it works well.

I have it and use in in 10mm currently, but I've switched to faster powders for 9mm now a days because you use less.    Less powder/round = cheaper.  
3/17/2014 6:17:10 PM EDT
[#5]
Oh yeah I skimmed your post at first and didn't see the price you paid.

$16/lb for any powder is a dang good buy now a days.
3/17/2014 6:18:55 PM EDT
[#6]
I love Blue Dot.

I have developed flame throwing 10mm loads that are a hoot in indoor matches.

I also load some .40 and heavy 9mm with it.


3/17/2014 6:21:44 PM EDT
[#7]
I hate it personally in 9mm.  Spews unburned powder all over creation.  Even with large charge.

Best results,  heavy charge and heavy crimp under a heavy bullet
3/17/2014 6:39:54 PM EDT
[#8]
I have used it in my 9mm loads under 147 grain boolits with no issue.  Only complaint I have is that it meters poorly.

3/17/2014 7:03:34 PM EDT
[#9]
Thanks for the replies. Anyone have Speer load data by chance? Think I'm going to go with 147g
3/17/2014 8:16:47 PM EDT
[#10]
Will it work? Yes


Is it great?  No





I picked up some Blue Dot to experiment with, I thought it was doing OK, I had noticed some unburned powder, but not a lot.





Then One day I shot my 40 S&W with Blue Dot loads at a pistol range that has a bench in front of the shooter, painted white.  WOW!  After about 20-30 rounds I looked down, there was so much unburned powder on top of that bench, you could write your name in it, that white bench was almost black with unburned powder, and it was fairly thick.  Taking a wild guess, it was only burning about half the powder in the case.  Normally at that point  you might look down and see a few specks, not the entire area directly in front of you carpeted with unburned powder!





Blue Dot is intended for Magnum shotshell loads and Magnum pistol loads, its just not very good outside Magnum calibers.





Principal Purpose: Magnum shotshell loads, 10, 12, 16, 20 and 28 ga.



       Secondary Uses: Magnum handgun loads


http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/blue_dot.aspx

 
3/17/2014 8:39:01 PM EDT
[#11]
Just shot some Blue dot/175gr cast bullet loads from a friend's 40S&W Sub2K today that were going 1400fps.

Yeah this powder works when it's right.
3/17/2014 10:19:18 PM EDT
[#12]
I got a bit if it to use with five seven rounds but got some True Blue for that, so the Blue Dot is being used in my 9mm. I use about 6 gr Blue Dot with 124gr plated RMR bullets. It shoots. But not real accurate.  With 5.5 gr it won't work well in my Glock or MP5 clone. It works with a suppressor, though...
3/18/2014 2:21:47 AM EDT
[#13]
Don't mess with it, send it to me. My 10mm loads love it.

Sure wish I could find some more around here.
3/18/2014 6:14:14 AM EDT
[#14]
i like it in 9mm with 147 gr bullets.
3/18/2014 8:18:16 AM EDT
[#15]
I use only blue dot for 38super, 9mm, 357sig.   it's a good powder, can be dirty but it runs well.

I have loaded a crapton of 147gr subsonics with blue dot too. Love it love it love it.
3/18/2014 8:27:23 AM EDT
[#16]
To those of you running subsonic 147gr 9mm with Blue Dot -- does it make your suppressor excessively dirty? I have been looking around for some Blue Dot locally to make some subsonic loads, but if it makes the suppressor extremely dirty, I might look for something else instead.
3/18/2014 9:13:15 AM EDT
[#17]
I know it isn't a caliber you mentioned, but I believe there is a recall/warning out there somewhere about using BD with 125 gr loads in .38 spcl. You will have to look it up as do not nor ever have used BD and I don't have the info on hand.
Just thought I would throw that out there just in case you had a .357/.38 gun and decided to load up some with that BD you may have. 5lbs of BD will last a while and it may be easy to forget.
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