IMR Blue as a Pistol Powder

[Ganderite]

I bought a jug of IMR Blue. This powder is supposed to be similar to Blue Dot, a semi-slow powder useful for hot pistol loads, shotgun slugs, etc.

I developed loads for 158 Plated SWC in a 357mag.

It became clear that this powder does not down-load well. It is erratic at mild and medium loads. At higher pressure, it works well. I was looking for a plinking load that is closer to full power. I think I will go with 12.5

11.3 gr 1066 fps ES – 117 SD-53
11.6 1088 136 59
11.9 1102 80 33
12.2 1159 64 26
12.5 1211 23 10

 

[Heddok]

I looked into some of this this summer but it is now listed as discontinued by IMR. I emailed them directly and they confirmed that is toast.

 

[Ruger007]

I have found the same with the real blue dot in the 44. The IMR red and green is fine.

 

[lone ranger]

My magic number is 9.5 blue dot. any less and the accuracy falls fast.

Its to bad that you have to load IMR hot to get good results.

 

[old303]

My magic number is 9.5 blue dot. any less and the accuracy falls fast.

Its to bad that you have to load IMR hot to get good results.

They're the same folk who make Trail Boss for the ultra-light loads. Makes sense they'd have a formula for the really hot toasty loads too!

 

[blargon]

I looked into some of this this summer but it is now listed as discontinued by IMR. I emailed them directly and they confirmed that is toast.

They discontinued the IMR red as well. Ive been using it in 12ga.

 

[B]

I have used Blue Dot for 9mm, .357 Mag, .40, 10mm Auto, .454 and probably a couple more. It's pretty versatile. I have always had better choices for light loads so that has never been an issue for me. Seems like IMR is pretty close though I guess it doesn't matter much if the powder is discontinued.

 

[JDForBrkFst]

Blue dot has been impossible for me to find. I managed to get some IMR Blue for the same purpose (10mm 200gr loads). I noticed it's better performance at the hotter end. I was overall disappointed and wished I could find some blue dot. Has Blue even been around very long?

 

[lone ranger]

I' not sure how long BDot has been around.
I have used it for several years or better.
load 9m. 38sp and 357, and 45acp with it

 

[Ganderite]

I' not sure how long BDot has been around.
I have used it for several years or better.
load 9m. 38sp and 357, and 45acp with it

Blue Dot has been around for vey long time, and is till being made. It is good for shotgun slugs and hot pistol loads. Does not meter very well.

IMR Blue is a new, similar powder. Recently discontinued.

 

[lone ranger]

Your right about the "meter" part LOL

 

[B]

I have never had issues with the Dillon or RCBS throwers using Blue Dot. It was my go-to for hot 10mm for many years. I too find Blue Dot nearly impossible o find but I can say the same for most Alliant powders. Too bad Blue didn't sell well enough to stick around...

 

[Ganderite]

I am loading 357 Mag right now with Blue. My Dillon throws 0.2 gr more or less than what I want.

I might switch to 2400.

 

[pilon]

I am loading 357 Mag right now with Blue. My Dillon throws 0.2 gr more or less than what I want.

I might switch to 2400.

Most accurate load in 2 GP 100s I owned was a charge of Alliant BD with a 125 g Hornady SPHP. I don't have the data in front of me but can tell you it was a stout load. One ragged hole at 25. Great powder if you want to load balls out in 357.