Using Blue Dot in 221 Fireball

[G Arlen Good]

I have a good amount of Blue Dot. I have been using it in 221 Fireball cat sneeze loads (coyotes) so I wasn't using much. I have used it in full power 221 Fireball loads, too...40 & 50 gr bullets.
I asked my original question not because of any problems that I have experienced but because over the last few years, I've been hearing comments about pressure spikes with Blue Dot.
I know about the 125 gr 357 Magnum issue, so it's not that.
I understand how rumors start and are then perpetuated... never verified but still passed along as fact. So, I was curious if anyone had any actual, hands-on, bad experiences with this particular cartridge.
I don't see indications of a real problem, so far.

Best regards

 

[ARlife4me]

I have a good amount of Blue Dot. I have been using it in 221 Fireball cat sneeze loads (coyotes) so I wasn't using much. I have used it in full power 221 Fireball loads, too...40 & 50 gr bullets.
I asked my original question not because of any problems that I have experienced but because over the last few years, I've been hearing comments about pressure spikes with Blue Dot.
I know about the 125 gr 357 Magnum issue, so it's not that.
I understand how rumors start and are then perpetuated... never verified but still passed along as fact. So, I was curious if anyone had any actual, hands-on, bad experiences with this particular cartridge.
I don't see indications of a real problem, so far.

Best regards

with blue dot in 44mag i think is crazy! that and #9

 

[G Arlen Good]

Yes, Sir! I agree.

 

[Greatgrandad]

is the powder from newer stock or older purchase(s). i haven't seem blue dot available anywhere in almost 5-10 years (probably closer to 5-7). i haven't used that powder for sg loads as i don't reload for sg's. i do use it in 357sig though and a couple of other pistol cartridges.

Yes, it is hard to find anywhere, but I am glad I purchased, and used, a fair amount over the years in shotgun and some pistol/revolver/rifle loads. I still have these left on the shelves with another 1/2 lb or so open but not shown. The old 1998 five-pounder in the cardboard keg I purchased from an estate sale for $25 in 2019. It is still in perfect shape.

 

[VinceMule]

My hunting partners and I have shot many thousands of Blue Dot loads in all kinds of calibers on Ground squirrels/p.dogs. If there is a pressure spike, we never saw it, BUT WE WEIGH EVERY CHARGE! Also, we establish what is a max load for the barrel and back off .5g.

ON a 221 FB I had, I went 600 rounds inbetween cleanings on a regular basis, and went 900 rounds once, but never again.

 

[G Arlen Good]

My hunting partners and I have shot many thousands of Blue Dot loads in all kinds of calibers on Ground squirrels/p.dogs. If there is a pressure spike, we never saw it, BUT WE WEIGH EVERY CHARGE! Also, we establish what is a max load for the barrel and back off .5g.

ON a 221 FB I had, I went 600 rounds inbetween cleanings on a regular basis, and went 900 rounds once, but never again.

Vince...thanks for the reply with real-world data. I do measure every load on my 221 Fireball (RCBS Chargemaster) and that is a great suggestion for this round. I'm of the mind that there may have been some folks who experienced something, somewhere, sometime and a rumor started about Blue Dot ...and then the 357 Magnum warning reinforced the thoughts.
As we all know, working with smokeless powder and reloading may be dangerous in some cases. There is wisdom in listening to others when in doubt. In any case, I enjoy hearing from folks... learning, laughing, nodding my head.

Best regards, Sir

 

[VinceMule]

Best wishes, Mr. Arlen!