Alliant's Bullseye powder is a favorite among target shooters and competitive pistol enthusiasts. Its exceptionally fine-grained nature and consistent burn rate contribute to its renowned accuracy and low recoil, making it ideal for a variety of pistol cartridges. This guide delves into comprehensive reloading data for Bullseye, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and best practices. Always consult your own reloading manuals and conduct thorough research before undertaking any reloading activity. This information is for educational purposes only.
Understanding Alliant Bullseye Powder
Before diving into specific reloading data, it's crucial to understand the characteristics of Bullseye powder. Its slow-burning rate makes it exceptionally well-suited for lower-pressure cartridges, contributing to its popularity in disciplines requiring precise shot placement. However, its sensitivity to changes in charge weight necessitates careful attention to detail throughout the reloading process.
Key Characteristics of Bullseye:
- Fine-grained: This ensures consistent metering and contributes to accurate charge weights.
- Slow-burning: Ideal for lower-pressure applications and precise shooting.
- Consistent burn rate: Promotes uniform pressure and accuracy.
- Low recoil: A desirable trait for extended shooting sessions.
Safety First: Reloading Precautions
Reloading ammunition is inherently dangerous. Improper techniques can result in catastrophic equipment failure and serious injury. Always prioritize safety.
Essential Safety Precautions:
- Consult your reloading manual: This is the most critical step. Never deviate from published data unless you are a highly experienced reloader with a deep understanding of ballistics.
- Use proper safety equipment: Eye protection and hearing protection are non-negotiable.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: Gunpowder fumes are hazardous.
- Avoid static electricity: This can cause accidental ignition.
- Never mix powders: Different powders have different burn rates and sensitivities.
- Keep children and pets away: Reloading is not a task to be undertaken casually.
- Store your components properly: This includes storing gunpowder in a cool, dry, and secure location, away from flammable materials.
Alliant Bullseye Reloading Data (Examples)
Disclaimer: The following data is for illustrative purposes only. It is crucial to consult your own reloading manual for precise data relevant to your specific firearm, projectiles, and primers. Never substitute this information for the data found in your specific reloading manual.
(Example Data - NOT to be used for reloading)
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Primer | Powder Charge (gr) | COL (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| .38 Special | 158 gr LSWC | Small Pistol | 3.2 - 3.8 | 1.560 | (Example only - Consult your manual) |
| .38 Special | 125 gr RN | Small Pistol | 3.0 - 3.6 | 1.550 | (Example only - Consult your manual) |
| 9mm Luger | 124 gr FMJ | Small Pistol | 3.5 - 4.0 | 1.150 | (Example only - Consult your manual) |
Optimizing Your Reloads with Alliant Bullseye
Even with precise data, achieving optimal accuracy requires meticulous attention to detail.
Factors Affecting Accuracy:
- Consistent case preparation: Uniform sizing and trimming are crucial for consistent ignition and pressure.
- Accurate powder measure: A progressive powder measure is highly recommended for consistent charge weights.
- Proper bullet seating: Maintain consistent bullet seating depth for reliable accuracy.
- Crimp consistency: Ensure a proper crimp to secure the bullet and prevent setback.
- Testing and fine-tuning: Load development is an iterative process. Start at the minimum charge weight listed in your manual and incrementally increase until you achieve optimal accuracy.
Conclusion: Responsible Reloading with Alliant Bullseye
Alliant Bullseye powder is a versatile and accurate choice for target shooting and competitive pistol events. However, responsible reloading practices are paramount. Always prioritize safety, meticulously follow your reloading manual, and understand that consistent accuracy demands attention to detail in every step of the process. Happy and safe shooting!
