Red dot powder

Hooda Thunkit said:

I bought 2 pounds of it back in about 2012. I got it as trade-bait; it showed up during one of the powder droughts.

I still have them both. Unopened.

I can't even trade them off; seems nobody wants that junk.

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Wish you were closer.

The Dots are very versatile, in general. I'd like to use more of them but Alliant doesn't seem interested in the consumer handloader anymore.

GeoDudeFlorida said:

Wish you were closer.

The Dots are very versatile, in general. I'd like to use more of them but Alliant doesn't seem interested in the consumer handloader anymore.

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Face it, we hand loaders are a quarrelsome bunch. Could be Alliant just got tired of messing with a low-margin sector of sales.

This is pieced together from the free version of the 2005 Alliant manual. Back then you could get the printed copy for free to your door just for the asking. It's still available online but a lot of this data has been superseded by Alliant so be careful. Start low and work up... and remember that Alliant ALWAYS lists MAX loads so start at least 10% lower than shown.



As you can see, for the bullets tested at the time, Blue Dot delivers higher velocities at lower/equal pressures than Red Dot. Of real interest (to me, anyway) is the 158gr. LSWC: BD gets 15.6kpsi at 955fps vs. RD for 15.8kpsi at 835fps. That load needs some barrel to work, not nice at all in a 3" or less, but it is a real stomper in a 4" or better .38Spl.

GeoDude, any chance you could post the data for 9 mm Luger? I’m new at this and would really appreciate it. Thanks

Bobaloo22 said:

GeoDude, any chance you could post the data for 9 mm Luger? I’m new at this and would really appreciate it. Thanks

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Well, that’s just data I posted, not a full manual with instructions or context. That data is for the experienced reloaders who know how to interpret older data. There’s reasons why Alliant no longer stands behind that data so if you’re going to use it, you need to be aware of the risks.
I recommend getting a copy of “The ABC’s of Reloading” and read through the sections about how testing is performed and what it means. Then get some powder company manuals and some bullet company manuals and a couple of Lymans manuals from the 2000’s. At least the 48th and the latest 51st.
In my opinion just handing out data without context, especially when it’s a new hand loader, is irresponsible.

And here’s my Blue Dot load for .38Spl.

In my experience Red Dot is one of the most versatile powders available. It meters wonderfully for me and I use it for cast loads in all of my .30 caliber rifles and get outstanding accuracy. I also use it in my .38 Specials, .44 Specials and 45 Colts. It is perfect for loading "standard" weight bullets (158 gr. in the .30 and 250-255 gr. in the .44 Special and 45 Colt) to 850 or so fps with splendid accuracy-



But you're not going to safely get heavy loads in the .38 Special. A 158 gr. bullet at 850 fps is about all one can realistically expect.

35W

Geodude, I've got all of that. I was just curious at what other people who are loading 9mm with Red Dot are using today. Thanks anyway

Bobaloo22 said:

Geodude, I've got all of that. I was just curious at what other people who are loading 9mm with Red Dot are using today. Thanks anyway

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Try here: http://marvinstuart.com/firearm/Manuals/Reloading/Vendor Supplied Load Data/
But keep in mind this are older manuals with less-than-current data. And, NEVER just jump to applying data without first reading the preamble, testing methods, and recommendations found IN EACH MANUAL! They are all different! You WILL get very confused if you try to reconcile and compare different manufacturer's data 1:1. It don't work! You HAVE to adjust and knowing how to adjust requires knowing how each data set was gathered.

Sounds good, thank you for the info

Bobaloo,
Here is an extract from the 2004 Alliant book with Red Dot loading data. Again, use as intended, I'm not the regular crew chief, I was with the Govt and I'm here to help, and all of the other disclaimers apply.



Remember -- you can poke your eye out if you're not careful.
Also, look for threads here on Red Dot and/or Promo loading by Live Life and others.
I've loaded a fair amount of 9MM and others with both Promo and Red Dot.

Thanks Mstreddy, I’m really being careful and comparing what others have used. I appreciate you and others taking the time to share with me.

Bobaloo,
For 9MM 124/125 gr Plated and/or Lead, I've used 4.1 grs at various COAL depending on the bullet profile.
Hope this helps.

Thank you!

Maybe I didn't see it mentioned, but the older Alliant data is MAX charges, as I recall they recommended to reduce 10% to start.

Edit:
(oops Geodude did mention it in his post, but it was not mentioned with the 9mm data)

Dudedog,
Very good point -- Yes, the Alliant 9MM data posted above is Max. Reduce by 10% for starting charge.