BE-86 as a unique substitute for 45/70?

[BillyGoatCrawler]

Has anyone tried BE-86 as a unique substitute for 45/70? Any links to data on this?

I want to load some more gallery loads and BE-86 is supposed to be VERY similar to unique. It is with my experience with other calibers.

Can someone run a quickload on it for me? Just looking to see if this is possible. I will email Alliant soon.

[Red9]

I would think universal is closer to unique?

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[ironhorse1]

I've heard that it is Power Pistol with a flash suppressant.

It should work similar to other fast powders in gallery or cast bullet loads.

irh

[Carcassonne]

BE-86 is between Power Pistol and Herco.


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[rsrocket1]

Need:
Bullet, weight, seat depth or bullet length and COL, bullet type (cast/plated/jacketed), barrel length. QL does not have BE-86 in their database, but

As a starting point you can use Herco data or split the difference between Unique and Power Pistol.

If you want "gallery loads" what is the desired velocity?

You might want to consider a smaller charge of a faster powder. For example (broad generalization), if your gallery load is 9g Unique, 8g Red Dot can get you the same muzzle velocity with about 3800 psi higher peak pressure which will give you a cleaner burn, less smoke and less chance of gas cutting the bullets.

BE-86 is in the other direction (slightly slower than Unique). The advantage of a slower powder is that you can reach higher muzzle velocities without going over pressure. Be-86 does have a higher content of nitroglycerin so it will be cleaner than Unique at lower pressures.

For medium speed loads BE-86 is great. I've burned 2 1 pounders and bought an 8 pound jug which should keep me going for the next year.

[rm1911]

Most faster burning pistol powders will push a cast lead bullet down the barrel. Even 4-5 grains. A good way to look at it is start with a similar pistol charge. So something like what a 45 colt or even a 45 acp load would be. Neither round is as high a pressure rating as the 45/70 and the rifle case is substantially bigger and a rifle receiver will be heavier. The only issue is whether the powder is position sensitive. Just be super careful about double charges.

Remember, use pistol powder with cast lead. Jacketed bullets are a different story. Once you have a starting load you can work up. However if you can find trail boss that's the ideal powder.