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Morning Folks,
Hope all had a blessed Thanksgiving,
Some time back there was a poster who posted some loads using Blue Dot powder.Ive tried the search but cant get any results.

Im looking for some for 7mm/08 in particular if anyone has some or can direct me to a source for this type data I would be very greatful.

Thanks a million
Send a PM to Seafire. He has Blue Dot loads for alot of cartridges. If anyone had it, it would be him.
Thanks FC363
I sent a PM
Seafire, your up!
Ich Bin Hier!!!

give me some particulars that you are looking for...

oh like bullets weights and what kind of velocity you are looking for...

what is the application...deer hunting, kids deer hunting.. target work.. etc..

we'd be talking reducing recoil by about 50% for starters...
Thanks for the reply seafire
Im wanting to shoot 100 to 120s for my grandson,
targets for starters and then maybe next year deer hunting.
He hunted with me this year and was with me when we took 2 whitetails, he is hooked on both guns and hunting.
He will be 6 next season and when he is with me we hunt out of a box stand.

I bought him a Handi youth rifle when he was born and he is just now able to reach the trigger with the stock on his shoulder.

I loaded up some starter loads yesterday with H4895 and let him shoot at our range, He is definatly not afraid to pull the trigger and wanted to shoot more, he didnt hit the target but hit the dirt pile.

He has been shooting his cricket rimfire for a while now and does pretty good with it.

Thanks again.
RC...

blue dot is not position sensitive in a rifle case.. I have more detailed stuff, but I guess the best way is just to keep it simple.. especially considering this application...

your max parameters on a 7/08, or any 308 based cartridge, the max charge is 22.5 grains of Blue Dot... regardless of bullet weight... one should still work up to this amount to be safe...

on the low end, you can safely start at 10 grains of Blue Dot without getting a stuck bullet in the barrel..use either a large rifle or large pistol primer.. it really doesn't matter...

there are a lot of good bullets to start out with, particularly if they are going to be used for target work to get him use to them... from 100 grains, 110s, 115s, 120s, 130s and 139/140...playing with the 100 to 115 grainers is a lot of fun shooting for me... and them being varmint bullets, they can take a lot bigger head of game than you'd give them credit for...especially an antelope sized deer...

Accuracy will be a lot better than those H 4895 loads... those loads are only accurate if you can live with 5 inch groups and a lot of muzzle blast and a real loud retort when shot..

the ONLY down side to Blue Dot is load technique... you don't want to double charge a load accidently... the way around that is to charge a case and then seat the bullet before proceeding to the next round... that is the safest and the way I recommend doing it, especially as that is the way I load mine...

in our sue happy world, I can only vouche that they have proven safe in my rifles...but both the young man and yourself will enjoy shooting them... at 10 grains for starters the old 7/08 will recoil like a 22 mag...even at 22.5 grains its recoil will be greater than 50% reduced...especially with the lighter bullet weights...

good luck..
Thanks Seafire,
I agree 100% with those bullets being able to take bigger game.
I appreciate your information and I will be getting some blue dot as soon as i can find some.

My vacation just ended and I travel for a living so I headed out today for a stretch. So time and weather permiting I will give this a shot.

Thanks again and have a blessed holiday season.
This is work done on the 7mm Mauser. it will give a close to potential performance on the 7/08.. the difference is that the 7/08 holds 2 grains less powder for what is the max potential..

the 7/08 is limited to 22 grains max and the 7 x 57 is limited to 24 grains...

however a load of say 18 grains of Blue Dot in one should yield the same velocity in the other, with the same bullet weight...

it is important to work up.. as with any powder...don't start at the max... don't exceed the data I have listed... and it proved safe in my rifles is all I can vouche for...

when loading, charge and then seat a bullet before going onto the next one.. this will eliminate the chance of an accidental double charge...

you can easily go down to 10 grains of powder, but this info is for what I consider the useful hunting velocities...

Blue Dot Range Report: 7 x 57 Mauser

Bullet: 100 grain Sierra Hollow Point

Case: Remington, New

Primer: CCI Large Rifle

OAL: 76.25 mm

Max Capacity: 40.5 grains of Blue Dot

40%: 16.2 grains
60%: 24.3 grains

Tested: 16 to 24 grains

Rifle Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2, 22 inch factory barrel, Sporter Weight

Velocity Results:

16 grains: 2057 fps
17 grains: 2190 fps
18 grains: 2263 fps
19 grains: 2310 fps
20 grains: 2390 fps

21 grains: 2468 fps
22 grains: 2530 fps
23 grains: 2574 fps
24 grains: 2687 fps

Notes:
1. All cases extracted very easily
2. 24 grains was fine, representing the 60% mark. Increases can be made, but I recommend stopping there.
3. The rifle is long throated so the bullets were seated out to take advantage of that fact. If your rifle is not long throated work up to that point.
4. After 10 shots, in short succession, the barrel heat was minimal.
5. This load was tested at the request of someone who was looking to use this load for a Ground Hog load.


Blue Dot Range Report: 7 x 57

Bullet: 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, Sectional Density: .213

Primer: Winchester Large Pistol

Case: Remington, 7 x 57, second time used.

OAL: 79.30 mm

Rifle Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2, 22 inch barrel.

Results:

16 grs: 1884 fps
17 grs: 2029 fps
18 grs: NO Reading, sorry
19 grs: 2187 fps
20 grs: 2275 fps

21 grs: 2327 fps
22 grs: 2406 fps
23 grs: 2466 fps
24 grs: 2529 fps

Notes:
1. 16 grain load was like the recoil of my 223 with Blue Dot loads. According to the Nosler reload manual�s trajectory chart, this would make a decent 150 yd deer load.
2. With the 20 grain load, you get into a 200 yd load for deer. 3.5 inches high at 100 yds will be dead on at 200 yds.
3. The 22 thru 24 grain loads, are definitely good deer medicine. 3.5 inches high at 100 yds, should make it a decent 250 yd load.
4. Nosler Ballistic Tip. I just like this bullet for this type of application, as it does a good job opening up and penetrating at the lower velocities.
5. All cases extracted easily, and overall, had no powder residue around the necks at all, like with some the 100 grain Sierra Hollow Point loads. ( exception was the 16 grain load).

I really liked this bullet and caliber combo for deer. I wouldn�t hesitate to use it on some of the bigger Upper Midwest Whitetails I use to hunt in Minnesota and Wisconsin.


Blue Dot Range Report

Caliber: 7 x 57

Rifle Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2, 22 inch barrel

Case: Remington, 3rd time used

Primer: Winchester Large Pistol

Bullet: 140 grain Remington SP

O.A.L.: 77.50 mm

Case Max Capacity: 40.5 grains of Blue Dot

Date: May 1, 2004

Tested; 40 to 60 % of max capacity


Results:

16 grs: 1731 fps
17 grs: 1856 fps
18 grs: 1912 fps
19 grs: 1958 fps
20 grs: 2051 fps

21 grs: 2146 fps
22 grs: 2194 fps
23 grs: 2256 fps
24 grs: 2335 fps.


Notes:
1.All cases extracted with ease.
2. NO excess pressure signs on primers
3. Recoil was very mild and tolerable for youths or women.
4. From 20 grains to 24 grains would be a good deer load in my opinion
5. 20 grains would indicate a 150 to 175 yd point blank range for deer
6. 23 to 24 grains would be indicated with a point blank range of 200 yds to 240 yds , in my opinion.
7.Nosler Ballistic Tip, Hornady 139 grain SP, and Remington 140 SP would all make very effective deer bullets in the ranges listed here.
While I have shot many, many plinking loads with Bluedot, I have decided to load no more. Even though I'm very meticulous about it, there is a realistic chance of a double charge.

Both Speer and Hodgdon publish very useable reduced loads. Also, the new Hodgdon Trailboss is near ideal as a reduced load powder. There is no need to take the chance of a double charge with a dense powder such as Blue Dot. Yes, I know you'll save a penny or two per shot. I'll just have one less beer on Saturday night... JMO, Dutch.
My wife shot a lot of Blue Dot loads this year in her 30-06 with 150 gr bullets. Recoil and report were low and pleasing, as was accuracy. I had her plinking pop cans at 40-50 yards just so she could improve her time to the shot. It worked well. She bagged her first bull moose this year, and he wasn't wanting to stick around while she got ready for the shot. She did well.

We'll be doing it again next year.
Dutch, do please note that TrailBoss is NOT recommended for use with jacketed bullets.

It's your choice whether to use Blue Dot loads or not. If you follow the procedure of charging a case with a weighed charge, and then immediately seating a bullet, there is a negligible chance of a double charge. If you use any other loading technique, perhaps BlueDot is not for you.
How come every time Blue Dot is brought up there is always a negative remark about double charging a case? I reload over 3,000 rounds a year and have never double charged nor have I ever loaded a round without powder. Doesn't everyone shine a light over their cases in the loading block to ensure the powder charge is equal in all their cases before seating their bullets?
Nope, because some of us haven't used a loading block in decades.

Charge one, seat one. Problem prevented. Besides, it's the only practical method when using an electronic dispenser.
I've always charged and seated, at least ever since a buddy split the cylinder on his Super Blackhawk from a double charge. If anything, I find it faster as I only have to handle the cartridge once for two operations and I know it's safer.
As I recall, the max charges of blue dot will overflow the case moth on the various .308 based rounds. I never would have believed the accuracy of the blue dot loads if I hadn't tried them myself.

But since I started toying with .223's in earnest, I haven't done any reduced loads in the larger bores.
Seafire,
Can you post data for the 50gr bullet out of a .22-250 please?
Thanks!
Originally Posted by Jordan Smith
Seafire,
Can you post data for the 50gr bullet out of a .22-250 please?
Thanks!


II. 50 grain Hornady SP, Win Large Rifle Primer

1. 7 grs: 1722 fps
2. 8 grs: 1911 fps
3. 9 grs: 2057 fps
4. 10 grs: 2206 fps
5. 11 grs: 2328 fps

6. 12 grs: 2473 fps
7. 13 grs: 2627 fps
8. 14 grs: 2729 fps
9. 15 grs: 2856 fps
10. 16 grs: 2940 fps

11. 17 grs: 3116 fps
12. 18 grs: 3181 fps
13. 19 grs: 3271 fps
14. 20 grs: 3354 fps

With this bullet, all the way to 20 grains was reached ( 60%). However, I would recommend max being set at 19 grains or less.


III Sierra 52 grain Hollow Point Match Win Large Pistol Primer

1. 7 grs: 1676 fps
2. 8 grs: 1841 fps
3. 9 grs: 1998 fps
4. 10 grs: 2127 fps
5. 11 grs: 2311 fps

6. 12 grs: 2416 fps
7. 13 grs: 2551 fps
8. 14 grs: No Read
9. 15 grs: 2795 fps
10. 16 grs: 2935 fps

11. 17 grs: 3029 fps
12. 18 grs: 3127 fps
13. 19 grs: 3252 fps
14. 20 grs: 3297 fps

This bullet also reached the 20 grains mark ( 60 %) . However once again I recommend max being set at 19 grains or less.

I've been shooting a load of 18.5 grains of Blue Dot in a 22.250 lately and it has proven to be quite the tack driver... another good thing about it, is that the brass does not even have to be resized frequently... I just deprime and then reprime and it is ready to go again.. doesn't even need neck resizing...

I am using this load as a test on stretching out brass life.. so far on 10 test batches of 10 cartridges each, several have hit the 20 reloads mark and are still going strong..

I am finding this will have an advantage when gone out of state on a prairie dog shooting trip if you can reload the cases without the need to neck size them even...they are averaging needing a neck size about every 5th shot only...
Seafire,
That's awesome! Thanks for the info!
Originally Posted by 458 Lott
As I recall, the max charges of blue dot will overflow the case moth on the various .308 based rounds. I never would have believed the accuracy of the blue dot loads if I hadn't tried them myself.


DO NOT TRY THIS!

As a rule of thumb maximum Blue Dot loads in .308 based cases are about 60% of case capacity.

Maximum Blue Dot loads in -06 and x57 cases are about 50% of case capacity.

GE
I'm not saying to double charge cases, just that there should be an indication if you do.

As with any round and powder you reload, you need to pay attention to what you are doing, or damage to your gun and/or injury can result.
Originally Posted by Gaviidae_Esq
Originally Posted by 458 Lott
As I recall, the max charges of blue dot will overflow the case moth on the various .308 based rounds. I never would have believed the accuracy of the blue dot loads if I hadn't tried them myself.


DO NOT TRY THIS!

As a rule of thumb maximum Blue Dot loads in .308 based cases are about 60% of case capacity.

Maximum Blue Dot loads in -06 and x57 cases are about 50% of case capacity.

GE

I think he was trying to say that if you DOUBLE charge the maximum Blue Dot loads in the .308 based cases you will overflow the case mouth, which is true. NEVER fill a bottle-neck case with Blue Dot, seat a bullet, and shoot it, you are asking for some serious troubles...
Selmer
Thanks for translating wink
Even the explanation needs an explanation.

When Selmer said, "NEVER fill a bottle-neck case with Blue Dot," he MEANT never fill it FULL of Blue Dot. Some folks might interpret "fill" as "put in the powder." Incorrect, but I've heard it used with that connotation. Slippery stuff, this English.

When properly loaded with Blue Dot, a case will normally be about half full. That being true, the safe procedure is (once again) dispense a weighed charge into the case. Check visually. Immediately seat a bullet.
The only negative I have found with BD loads is the extreme difference in POI. Like 6-8" different (lower normally) at 100yds. Other than that they are fun!!

Just can't swap loads and go.

Dave
Thanks Rocky, you're right, as is Daveh, but they sure are fun to shoot!
Selmer
In the rounds I've used blue dot I've found if I'm 3" high at 100 with my hunting loads, the blue dot loads are pretty much dead on.
Seafire,
Is there any data for the .338WM?
Originally Posted by 338powerstroker
Seafire,
Is there any data for the .338WM?


Yes there is... but I'd need to know bullet weight desired to use and what game you are looking to hunt with it....and what bullet you were thinking about using...

but give that info, I should be able to set you up...
Seafire,

First off I'd like to say thanks for all the valuable information on reloading with blue dot. Your work is greatly appreciated as I have been reading many of your articles. I have one question, I was wondering if you could help me with as I do not have access to a chronograph.

I have a Stevens Model 22-250 Rem, 1:14 twist, 22" barrel. I would like to reload the 36 Grain Varmint Grenade at a reduced load that would give me approx 2700 FPS to imitate the 17HMR's velocities and accuracies as close as possible. Would you have a recommended load that I could start with? Understanding that no 2 guns are alike when it comes to data, it would be greatly appreciated that I could get as close as possible with your assistance.

Take care.





Originally Posted by Seafire
Originally Posted by Jordan Smith
Seafire,
Can you post data for the 50gr bullet out of a .22-250 please?
Thanks!


II. 50 grain Hornady SP, Win Large Rifle Primer

1. 7 grs: 1722 fps
2. 8 grs: 1911 fps
3. 9 grs: 2057 fps
4. 10 grs: 2206 fps
5. 11 grs: 2328 fps

6. 12 grs: 2473 fps
7. 13 grs: 2627 fps
8. 14 grs: 2729 fps
9. 15 grs: 2856 fps
10. 16 grs: 2940 fps

11. 17 grs: 3116 fps
12. 18 grs: 3181 fps
13. 19 grs: 3271 fps
14. 20 grs: 3354 fps

With this bullet, all the way to 20 grains was reached ( 60%). However, I would recommend max being set at 19 grains or less.


III Sierra 52 grain Hollow Point Match Win Large Pistol Primer

1. 7 grs: 1676 fps
2. 8 grs: 1841 fps
3. 9 grs: 1998 fps
4. 10 grs: 2127 fps
5. 11 grs: 2311 fps

6. 12 grs: 2416 fps
7. 13 grs: 2551 fps
8. 14 grs: No Read
9. 15 grs: 2795 fps
10. 16 grs: 2935 fps

11. 17 grs: 3029 fps
12. 18 grs: 3127 fps
13. 19 grs: 3252 fps
14. 20 grs: 3297 fps

This bullet also reached the 20 grains mark ( 60 %) . However once again I recommend max being set at 19 grains or less.

I've been shooting a load of 18.5 grains of Blue Dot in a 22.250 lately and it has proven to be quite the tack driver... another good thing about it, is that the brass does not even have to be resized frequently... I just deprime and then reprime and it is ready to go again.. doesn't even need neck resizing...

I am using this load as a test on stretching out brass life.. so far on 10 test batches of 10 cartridges each, several have hit the 20 reloads mark and are still going strong..

I am finding this will have an advantage when gone out of state on a prairie dog shooting trip if you can reload the cases without the need to neck size them even...they are averaging needing a neck size about every 5th shot only...
WEll welcome to the Campfire first of all....

I have checked my data and the lightest bullet I have done work with is the 46 grain HP from Winchester...so I have not done any testing with that bullet to accurately give you a charge.

however I do have some 36 grain Varmint Grenade Bullets and also have a chronograph....

If you can give me a couple of days, I should be able to load up some and test them out...since I know what velocity you are looking for....

I can give you a ball park guestimate, but since you have no chronograph, if you can have a little patience, I can give you an exact in a day or two if that is acceptable.
I have used the 36gr VG, and 17gr of BD gives me 3300fps out of a 26" barrel...
I've got some pressure tested data from Dupont for the 7X57. Using IMR 4227, which is alot slower than Blue Dot, they recommend 22.5 grs. for 2080 fps. with the 130 gr. Speer. With the same charge, and the 160 gr. Speer, they get 1890 fps. Pressures run from 44,300 CUP to 46000 CUP. These are their maximum recommended loads.
I have to conclude that using up to 24 grs. of a much faster powder, and getting alot more velocity is being done at alot more pressure. Sure doesn't give me the warm fuzzies.
One thing guys like Norman E Johnson have pointed out when using greatly reduced charges is the use of magnum rifle primers instead of standard primers. That improves accuracy a great deal. E
The Dupont pressure data I have lists IMR 4227 at 21.5 grs. with a 50 gr. bullet in the .22-250. That loads produces a velocity of 3140 fps. at 49300 CUP. It is the maximum load they recommend with that powder.
IMR 4227 is alot slower than Blue Dot. E
That is awesome. And thank you, it's a pleasure hangin' out with people that have the same interests and being a part of the information highway. I too am heading out tonight to group some of the 36 gr Varmint Grenades that I have loaded, but I may be out of the ball park we'll see. I have loaded 11,12,13,13.5,14 grain loads to start and will let you know how they pan out less chrony results of course!

TTYL



Originally Posted by Seafire
WEll welcome to the Campfire first of all....

I have checked my data and the lightest bullet I have done work with is the 46 grain HP from Winchester...so I have not done any testing with that bullet to accurately give you a charge.

however I do have some 36 grain Varmint Grenade Bullets and also have a chronograph....

If you can give me a couple of days, I should be able to load up some and test them out...since I know what velocity you are looking for....

I can give you a ball park guestimate, but since you have no chronograph, if you can have a little patience, I can give you an exact in a day or two if that is acceptable.
Awesome Jordan. Thanks that helps.


Originally Posted by Jordan Smith
I have used the 36gr VG, and 17gr of BD gives me 3300fps out of a 26" barrel...
Anyone have any official pressure tested data with BD in rifle cases?

It seems it would be far over safe pressures, but I could be wrong.

Reloader
Sigh. Almost any powder can be loaded to "over safe pressure" as long as enough of it can fit in the case. Here is some pressure data from the Hercules Reloader's Guide dated 1990:

.30-30 - 152 gr cast - 13.0 BD - 1525 fps - 29,000 cup
.35 Remington - 170 FMJ - 13.0 BD - 1300 fps - 22,400 cup

Perfectly safe as long as the reloader is careful. You could say the same thing about H4227 in those same cases, that powder can be loaded to "over safe pressure" too. Caveat emptor.


.

[quote=8675309]That is awesome. And thank you, it's a pleasure hangin' out with people that have the same interests and being a part of the information highway. I too am heading out tonight to group some of the 36 gr Varmint Grenades that I have loaded, but I may be out of the ball park we'll see. I have loaded 11,12,13,13.5,14 grain loads to start and will let you know how they pan out less chrony results of course!

TTYL

Pay attention to how well the 12, 13 and 14 grain loads group.. my guestimation is that way you were originally looking for would exist in about the 12.5 grain range...

the weather and a computer system crash at an account of mine due to a lightning strike this week, have kept me from being able to get out and test these loads...

I have been getting home at 1 and 2 AM this week...trying to get a system back up and running for a nursing facility...



Seafire

How about Blue Dot loads for a 243 with 70-80 grain bullet and 30-06 with 100-125 grain bullets?

richard
16gr of BD gives my buddy GREAT accuracy with the 75gr bullets in his .243
Seafire-are you there?

richard
Originally Posted by fields
Seafire

How about Blue Dot loads for a 243 with 70-80 grain bullet and 30-06 with 100-125 grain bullets?

richard


Sorry, I missed this post Richard....

you are going to have to give me a little time.... the old computer crashed that had my data in it.. my computer tech buddy was able to remove and back up the harddrive on an external hard drive I have and I have a new computer coming from Dell... at that time we will reload the data from my old hard drive to the new computer's hard drive...

that isn't happening until the computer arrives which will be about the 16th of June here...

anyone else that has that info, can fell free to post it for Richard here, instead of having to wait out my 'technical problems'....
Originally Posted by Seafire
[quote=8675309]That is awesome. And thank you, it's a pleasure hangin' out with people that have the same interests and being a part of the information highway. I too am heading out tonight to group some of the 36 gr Varmint Grenades that I have loaded, but I may be out of the ball park we'll see. I have loaded 11,12,13,13.5,14 grain loads to start and will let you know how they pan out less chrony results of course!

TTYL

Pay attention to how well the 12, 13 and 14 grain loads group.. my guestimation is that way you were originally looking for would exist in about the 12.5 grain range...

the weather and a computer system crash at an account of mine due to a lightning strike this week, have kept me from being able to get out and test these loads...

I have been getting home at 1 and 2 AM this week...trying to get a system back up and running for a nursing facility...




It turns out that the 12 & 15 gr (i forgot to mention the 15 gr load in my previous post) loads grouped sub MOA @ 100 yards with most bullets holes touching. Great accuracy for what I was expecting considering it was a very windy day (10-15 MPH). I have found my load needless to say, but now I would like to know what this load chrony's. Thanks for your feedback Seafire! Blue dot rips it up as follows:
22-250 Remington
22" Barrel
1-14 Twist
36 Gr. Varmint Grenade
12 Gr. Blue Dot
CCI Large Rifle Primer
Federal Cartridge Case
Bullets rifle seated at 2.322 overall length
= SUB MOA!
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I use H 4895
Don't you guys know Seafire is no longer with us...

it was a couple of years ago,

he had stopped and picked up a pound of Blue Dot and was sitting at a stop light in his car....

and his car just blew up....

all of these naythesayers, were saying that Blue Dot was just going to blow up.....

RIP Seafire.....

Alliant did send a 5 pound container to compensate the family for their loss, at no charge of course...

what a bunch of great guys...
Originally Posted by Seafire
Don't you guys know Seafire is no longer with us...

it was a couple of years ago,

he had stopped and picked up a pound of Blue Dot and was sitting at a stop light in his car....

and his car just blew up....

all of these naythesayers, were saying that Blue Dot was just going to blow up.....

RIP Seafire.....

Alliant did send a 5 pound container to compensate the family for their loss, at no charge of course...

what a bunch of great guys...


Obvious over pressure. Did you have the windows rolled up ?
Originally Posted by Craigster
Originally Posted by Seafire
Don't you guys know Seafire is no longer with us...

it was a couple of years ago,

he had stopped and picked up a pound of Blue Dot and was sitting at a stop light in his car....

and his car just blew up....

all of these naythesayers, were saying that Blue Dot was just going to blow up.....

RIP Seafire.....

Alliant did send a 5 pound container to compensate the family for their loss, at no charge of course...

what a bunch of great guys...


Obvious over pressure. Did you have the windows rolled up?

Good question, I bet he did..
Not even hazmat charges? That's generous!



P
Dear Seafire,

I posted a few days ago but this is exactly what I was researching. I'll concentrate on the N 120 gr BT, which is accurate in my R 788. It should serve my "porpoise" as an old retired guy returning to the PA woods. Much obliged.

Jack from Altoona PA
Is there some formula to go by to determine safe min/max with BD in reduced loads? I need to figure one out for my 9.3x62.
Originally Posted by jsmvmd
Dear Seafire,

I posted a few days ago but this is exactly what I was researching. I'll concentrate on the N 120 gr BT, which is accurate in my R 788. It should serve my "porpoise" as an old retired guy returning to the PA woods. Much obliged.

Jack from Altoona PA


glad the old info in this thread helped ya out Jack...

follow the load technique so you don't double charge.. that would mess up your 788...
Originally Posted by pabucktail
Is there some formula to go by to determine safe min/max with BD in reduced loads? I need to figure one out for my 9.3x62.


That is not hard to figure out... the cartridge is based off an 06 or 35 Whelen..
haven't worked with the Whelen, but have with the 338/06...

what bullet weights do you plan on shooting, and do you have an idea for the velocity you are looking for?
I plan to use 286's and 250s. Velocity isn't as important as building enough pressure to keep the shoulders properly formed, so anything from maybe 1400-1800 would likely be fine. I've been using trailboss to shoot cast 286s at 1350, but after a couple firings the shoulders go wacky with the lack of pressure. Thanks.
I like Blue Bot and I have used it for many years.

I was looking thru Quick Load and discovered BD might make a good 350Legend powder.

28g + was a top pressure loading netting 55K with my chosen 200g bullet. I started at 25.5g FIRST shot was so hot the case was swaged into the bolt head and took some doing to remove it. Primer fell Out and case had a noticeable ring where the case was above the bolt recession. Bolt lift was resistant but opened. Rifle is fine.

Once home I pulled every load and checked everything. All where loaded as they should and spot on for powder charges. Mow the one fired coulda been different but the charge was 70 ish precent fill, IIRC. So no bdl chg BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED!!!

I read that BD isnt advisable to load in 41 mag or Light 357 mag???? Maybe what ever causes that recommendation also applies to 350 Legend. Cast & powder coated lead bullet

Juat wanted to mention maybe someone has a answer.
Originally Posted by cwlongshot
I like Blue Bot and I have used it for many years.

I was looking thru Quick Load and discovered BD might make a good 350Legend powder.

28g + was a top pressure loading netting 55K with my chosen 200g bullet. I started at 25.5g FIRST shot was so hot the case was swaged into the bolt head and took some doing to remove it. Primer fell Out and case had a noticeable ring where the case was above the bolt recession. Bolt lift was resistant but opened. Rifle is fine.

Once home I pulled every load and checked everything. All where loaded as they should and spot on for powder charges. Mow the one fired coulda been different but the charge was 70 ish precent fill, IIRC. So no bdl chg BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED!!!

I read that BD isnt advisable to load in 41 mag or Light 357 mag???? Maybe what ever causes that recommendation also applies to 350 Legend. Cast & powder coated lead bullet

Juat wanted to mention maybe someone has a answer.


You started WAY TOO HOT. You can back Blue Dot off a long ways, all the way down to subsonic speeds. I suggest you start there. I'd have started at somewhere around 15 grains. You can always add more, but you can't add less after the rifle lets go. I'm not sure where the 28 grains comes from, but that seems like a case full under a 200gr bullet. I guess working up pistol powder loads for rifle cases really isn't for everyone.
Blue Dot max load in short fat cases should be about 50% of max...NOT 70%.. that is way hot...

Blue Dot is best used from 20% of max capacity to 50%...

I always start between 30 to 40 % of max capacity...

Max capacity is measured with powder up to the brim, and flush with the case mouth...

If you know what you are doing... short fat cases can be maxed at 60% of capacity loads....

bu either way... work UP from a lower point... like 30 to 40%....
Originally Posted by cwlongshot
I like Blue Bot and I have used it for many years.

I was looking thru Quick Load and discovered BD might make a good 350Legend powder.

28g + was a top pressure loading netting 55K with my chosen 200g bullet. I started at 25.5g FIRST shot was so hot the case was swaged into the bolt head and took some doing to remove it. Primer fell Out and case had a noticeable ring where the case was above the bolt recession. Bolt lift was resistant but opened. Rifle is fine.

Once home I pulled every load and checked everything. All where loaded as they should and spot on for powder charges. Mow the one fired coulda been different but the charge was 70 ish precent fill, IIRC. So no bdl chg BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED!!!

I read that BD isnt advisable to load in 41 mag or Light 357 mag???? Maybe what ever causes that recommendation also applies to 350 Legend. Cast & powder coated lead bullet

Juat wanted to mention maybe someone has a answer.



As an aside, I've found Quick Load to do a poor job predicting charges for the 350 Legend. A number of loads for a number of powders would be WAY over pressure if followed, in my rifle anyway, and would do exactly what you described. Definitely need to work up from way below if using Quickload.
Start off with the case maybe 1/3 full, on about any rifle cartridge...work up from there, but never exceed 50% of case capacity unless you are a VERY experienced reloader...
I've now got a 350 Legend.. as soon as I can run down some brass, a die set and some bullets, I will test it with Blue Dot, to see what I can find..

its a Savage, but as soon as I play with the Legend, I was going to have the barrel rechambered to a 358 Win, or 35 Remington...
Tag
Originally Posted by Seafire
Blue Dot max load in short fat cases should be about 50% of max...NOT 70%.. that is way hot...

Blue Dot is best used from 20% of max capacity to 50%...

I always start between 30 to 40 % of max capacity...

Max capacity is measured with powder up to the brim, and flush with the case mouth...

If you know what you are doing... short fat cases can be maxed at 60% of capacity loads....

bu either way... work UP from a lower point... like 30 to 40%....
Just wondering if anyone has done any development with Blue Dot and the 300 AAC BLK for subsonic rounds that he’d be willing to share…or any thoughts on the matter. Bullet weights: 110gr and 150gr jacketed and 200gr cast.
Mr. Chongo,

I am leaving town for a month, and heading to the east coast, visiting family in Virginia, friends in Massachusetts.

I don't have a 300 Blk Out, but its still not that hard to start figuring that out.

I'd take a look at the 30 Carbine first , especially in Cast Bullet manuals.

Start off with the 110 grain bulllet first... Compare that with the 300 AAC: https://www.shootersreference.com/reloadingdata/300-aac-blackout/

Find a powder that is within the burn rate of Blue Dot.

there is a bunch of load data with the 150 grainers also..

There should be something close in there... I know I saw Trail Boss load data.

start low and work up...

iI'll check in periodically if I can be of any assistance or advise.
Thank you, sir. I had been thinking about the .30 Carbine similarity. Thanks for supporting that idea. Safe travels!
Where are you at in Vermont MrChongo? Since I'll be in Massachusetts after driving cross country, maybe got time to get together for a cup of coffee or maybe lunch. Wouldn't mind scooting up to VT for a day. Always enjoy meeting other members in my travels.

Pm me is it sounds good to you, if not, I won't take it as rejection... its the campfire after all.
I use Blue Dot and some similar powders for reduced rifle loads. Lately I've been using some Swede Gallery Powder from the wooden bullet loads. If you know what that is, great. If not, don't ask because it doesn't seem to be available any more, anyway.

The main thing I want to add is in regards to loading technique. I have tried the recommended "charge one case with powder, then seat the bullet" and it doesn't work well for me. With repetitive tasks like that I'm prone to zone out and then think, "did I check that last one?"
What works better for me is to charge all the cases, then check them all at once with a light before seating the bullets. That way I don't have to worry that I might have had an attention lapse, because I have a last chance to check them all before sealing them up.
My favorite reduced load powders: 4198 . SW Heavy Pistol (2400 Accurate #9) , 5744 , SW Buffalo Rifle

SW = Shooters World
I shoot 23.0 gn of blue dot and a 120 sierra pro hunter. Velocity is 2,410fps from a 22" at 50F. 1/2" groups at 100 yards.

I've shot 100s of these without any indication of over pressure (stiff bolt lift, excessive headspace, blown primer, flat primer, etc).

While I don't have pressure testing equipment, estimation software predicts 2,418fps and 43k psi. While this is not pressure testing data, the velocity prediction is so close I feel comfortable the pressure is closer to the predicted 43k psi than something overpressure like 70kpsi.

Load one round at a time; charge powder and seat bullet immediately.
BD was all the rage on AR back in the day.

I’m all for reduced loads but won’t place my face next to something that hasn’t had a manufacturer involved. H4895 or Speer IMR data for me
Originally Posted by OttoG
BD was all the rage on AR back in the day.

I seem to remember there may have been a couple of issues and even our own SF has a significant pressure event? I’ll amend if I misremember

I’m all for reduced loads but won’t place my face next to something that hasn’t had a manufacturer involved. H4895 or Speer IMR data for me

I haven't had an event Otto... so you mis remembered for me..

I've worked up both upper and lower parameters, in any caliber I use it in, and then strictly adhere to those parameters.

I have exceeded max parameters when I was load developing, but that was worked up slowly and beyond what I finally set as maximum.

If people are experienced enough to know how to work up and work down, then lighter loads with Blue Dot or any other powder might get one in trouble. Its not for everybody. But its up to the shorter to figure that one out. They are the ones responsible for their loading techniques and results. No one else.
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