Where are you finding pistol powder??
- Thread starter Taco-XL
- Start date
What do you shoot?
Not that I know of. I have the latest manuals from Sierra, Hornady, and Speer. None of them have BE-86 data. Speer #14 (the latest) was published in 2010, I believe. Five years is too long. It's past time for a #15.
Getting back to BE-86; as I understand it, like Power Pistol, it's a derivative of Bullseye - hence, the "BE." Originally, Power Pistol was BE-84. It's my understanding that BE-86 is very similar to Power Pistol, but has a flash suppressant, and its burn rate - probably because of the suppressant - is a little faster, very close to Unique.
I don't know how much that helps, but at least it gives some sort of feel for BE-86. Personally, I have no need for a flash suppressant, so I won't bother with BE-86.
Single-Sixer
New member
I shoot .357 and .44 Remington magnum mostly. Some .38 spl HBWC for plinking but mostly .357 magnum loads with 148 gr SWCs and .44 mags with 240 gr cast bullets. For the hotter stuff I like 158 gr JHPs in my .357 and 240 JHPs in the .44, though if I want to punish myself a little I shoot 300 grain sierra JSPs loaded hot with H-110. Have to hold on tight with that one or you can get .44 magnum eyebrow!
I may add 9mm to the mix if I can find "the gun" but I'm mostly a wheel gun guy.
I bought the BE-86 because it was what I could get. It was the only "faster" pistol powder available. I used to use 231, and Unique for my cast bullet loads but haven't been able to find any yet. had they been on the shelf I would have passed on the BE-86. I will persevere!
Thanks for the info on the manuals. In 1990 I was using the Sierra and Hornady manuals mostly, though I also have Lyman's and the Hodgdon manual. I was considering a Speer as my next acquisition, but may wait for that #15!
I may add 9mm to the mix if I can find "the gun" but I'm mostly a wheel gun guy.
I bought the BE-86 because it was what I could get. It was the only "faster" pistol powder available. I used to use 231, and Unique for my cast bullet loads but haven't been able to find any yet. had they been on the shelf I would have passed on the BE-86. I will persevere!
Thanks for the info on the manuals. In 1990 I was using the Sierra and Hornady manuals mostly, though I also have Lyman's and the Hodgdon manual. I was considering a Speer as my next acquisition, but may wait for that #15!
Not where I live
I read where some propose the shortages are subsiding, yet this morning I get a "notify me" that Natchez has AA#9 and find it already out of stock. Was that overnight buying, or the website not yet updated, or just another episode of how frustrating it can be to source the powder you want? Actually, I had already found some but not at that price. Just a dream really. You have to wonder, of those who bought powder, how many actually needed it and in what quantity...but no need to squabble over a bone.
I read where some propose the shortages are subsiding, yet this morning I get a "notify me" that Natchez has AA#9 and find it already out of stock. Was that overnight buying, or the website not yet updated, or just another episode of how frustrating it can be to source the powder you want? Actually, I had already found some but not at that price. Just a dream really. You have to wonder, of those who bought powder, how many actually needed it and in what quantity...but no need to squabble over a bone.
Not were I live either
And AA#9 is not of particular high demand.
This big shortage - which started in December '12 - is not over by any means. When I go to my LGS's, there's more powder than ever now, and you can get as much as you need - as long as your "need" is to load for 300 Weatherby Magnum, or 50 BMG - only then are you good to go with lots of variety and choices.
Everybody else, stand in line.
I don't understand the powder manufacturing chain evidently. Because if I were in charge of powder production, I wouldn't bother producing anything slower than Power Pistol right now - and that includes rifle powders.
And primers are still short too. At the gun stores, name brand bullets (Speer, Sierra, Hornady) are still short. All said n done, seems to me, the only place where the shortage has eased, is with the bulk bullet stores on line (X-treme, Rainier, Missouri Bullet, etc.)
Please don't think I'm just venting, because I have all the components I need. I'm much more fortunate than others. Yes, I'm seeing a lot more powders becoming available now. But nothing of common use. If you're loading for AR-15's, AR-10's, or pistol (other than big magnums and 460 XVR), the shortage is still in full swing.
And AA#9 is not of particular high demand.
This big shortage - which started in December '12 - is not over by any means. When I go to my LGS's, there's more powder than ever now, and you can get as much as you need - as long as your "need" is to load for 300 Weatherby Magnum, or 50 BMG - only then are you good to go with lots of variety and choices.
Everybody else, stand in line.
I don't understand the powder manufacturing chain evidently. Because if I were in charge of powder production, I wouldn't bother producing anything slower than Power Pistol right now - and that includes rifle powders.
And primers are still short too. At the gun stores, name brand bullets (Speer, Sierra, Hornady) are still short. All said n done, seems to me, the only place where the shortage has eased, is with the bulk bullet stores on line (X-treme, Rainier, Missouri Bullet, etc.)
Please don't think I'm just venting, because I have all the components I need. I'm much more fortunate than others. Yes, I'm seeing a lot more powders becoming available now. But nothing of common use. If you're loading for AR-15's, AR-10's, or pistol (other than big magnums and 460 XVR), the shortage is still in full swing.
Shotgunslim and sawdustdad,
I got a pound of be86 in January and did some testing in 9mm comparing it to unique. I use unique for my SD loads and was considering replacing it with be86, and I won't.I used a p229 for my tests and all load levels of be86 had a HIGHER flash signature than max loads of unique. I do want to try it out in .380 next though. The only thing be86 has on unique IMHO is metering like water.
I got a pound of be86 in January and did some testing in 9mm comparing it to unique. I use unique for my SD loads and was considering replacing it with be86, and I won't.I used a p229 for my tests and all load levels of be86 had a HIGHER flash signature than max loads of unique. I do want to try it out in .380 next though. The only thing be86 has on unique IMHO is metering like water.
Shotgun Slim
New member
Thanks 9miller for that input. Always looking for a powder that will work given the supply uncertainties. Definitely not interested in a powder that's flashier than Unique. Clays is evidently being produced again so I would look to pick up some Universal. Too bad BE86 is not a great one-there seems to be a lot out there now.
Single-Sixer
New member
Cabela's had Titegroup and 296 last night. I left some for someone else.
Substitutes...
My three favorite powders have been Bullseye, Unique, and 2400, since back in the days when they were made by Hercules Co.
I've found that RedDot does almost everything Bullseye does, plus a few.
Herco is essentially a slower-burning Unique (loading data for one is usually within 5 - 8% of the other), and only slightly less versatile. It's a very overlooked powder in most places, so look for it in the dark corners of places where your LGS displays its powders.
For 2400, I'd try to make do with AA #9 or one of the 4227s. I tend to shy away from powders, the charges of which I can't reduce by more than 3% (H110 or W296), without inviting hang-fires.
My three favorite powders have been Bullseye, Unique, and 2400, since back in the days when they were made by Hercules Co.
I've found that RedDot does almost everything Bullseye does, plus a few.
Herco is essentially a slower-burning Unique (loading data for one is usually within 5 - 8% of the other), and only slightly less versatile. It's a very overlooked powder in most places, so look for it in the dark corners of places where your LGS displays its powders.
For 2400, I'd try to make do with AA #9 or one of the 4227s. I tend to shy away from powders, the charges of which I can't reduce by more than 3% (H110 or W296), without inviting hang-fires.
Recently went to an Outdoor Sportsman opening. Had more .22 ammo than I have seen in last 10 years! Had 350 count boxes of Winchester under $20 as well as all cci for $22 for 300 count. Also had numerous hollow points and shorts for about $10 per 100. Limited to 300 round box per visit.
Had every kind of powder in stock imaginable. Picked up 4lb of 700X for $75. They also give a 5% military discount. Had full shelves of all calibers at normal prices. Would look for store in your area. Appears to have regular good supply of ammo without gouging prices.
Had every kind of powder in stock imaginable. Picked up 4lb of 700X for $75. They also give a 5% military discount. Had full shelves of all calibers at normal prices. Would look for store in your area. Appears to have regular good supply of ammo without gouging prices.
Gravedigger56
New member
Here's pretty much anything you want to know about BE-86
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=760289
sawdustdad
New member
Gravedigger, thanks for the link. Some interesting info from Alliant there. I have not yet had time to try the BE86. Boating season, building a new workshop, new grand daughter (first grandchild), CAS, and that pesky distraction called work. Way too many competing priorities... maybe this winter.
Brotherbadger
New member
I'm lucky because I have several shops not only near me, but near where I hunt, so I'm constantly checking places like Recob's and Cabelas, as well as my local LGS so I don't buy online. The powder is out there, you just have to be persistent.
i walked ino a big box LGS yesterday. called "adventure outdoors", probably the largest GON ONLY store that exsists. anyways, i stay away from there generally, although fantastic prices on guns themselves, everything else is usually marked up ridiculously. they had powder like you wouldn't believe. you name it, they had it. EVERYTHING!!!!! and lots of it. prices were only a couple dollars too high, pistol powders of the hodgdon's/IMR type 22.99$(perfect price IMO) and rifle was 29.99(i prefer to stay under 27$, but not too bad). Alliant powders were even cheaper, all the reloader #'s were 19.99 to 24$, i have never used alliant, not sure if it's usually cheaper or why. Accurate's powders were all $30+.
i don't like to give them a whole lot of business since they gouged horrendously during the panic(i'm talking tula x39 for $20 a box....)but, it's hard to pass up that kind of stock. also had all the .22 in the world, no limits, but still running 8$ per hundred. shortage is officially over here folks, although we never got it as bad as most of you guys, i could always find some kind of powder/primer/bullet substitute for somewhat reasonabl prices if i looked hard enough.
hope your area is looking the same, happy loading folks
i don't like to give them a whole lot of business since they gouged horrendously during the panic(i'm talking tula x39 for $20 a box....)but, it's hard to pass up that kind of stock. also had all the .22 in the world, no limits, but still running 8$ per hundred. shortage is officially over here folks, although we never got it as bad as most of you guys, i could always find some kind of powder/primer/bullet substitute for somewhat reasonabl prices if i looked hard enough.
hope your area is looking the same, happy loading folks
Single-Sixer
New member
Cabella's had Unique and more .22 LR than I've seen in a while. I relieved them of some of each.