AA#2 & red dot
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richie
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My Speer manual shows more loads for different bullet weights using Red Dot, than AA#2. It only shows one load using a 185 grn JHP for AA#2. Perhaps another manual may show something more for AA#2, but I only had a speer manual sitting here on the desk.
mooseracing
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I use Red Dot in my .45 as I also use it in field loads for the shotgun, so it's handy and cheaper for me.
Red Dot works well for target loads in the .45 acp as does AA#2 but being an older powder RD has more loads developed for it and is more versatile as it can be used to load handgun, shotgun, cast and low velocity rifle. RD is also a bulkier powder than AA#2 and a double charge will be more noticeable though it may not overflow the case.
As for how clean it burns, that depends mostly on the type bullet and if shooting lead the type of lubricant. There isn't a powder in existence that burns clean with commercial cast lead bullets with most of the lube used on them as the lube is the main cause of smoke and residue. Speer and Hornady swagged bullets with their dry type lube is one of the cleanest in my experience. If you want less residue then load jacketed or plated bullets.
Using either AA#2 or Red Dot the powders are probably equal in cleanliness with jacketed bullets. Neither will optimize velocity, to do that you'll need Unique, AA#5 or other powder in that burn rate.
As for how clean it burns, that depends mostly on the type bullet and if shooting lead the type of lubricant. There isn't a powder in existence that burns clean with commercial cast lead bullets with most of the lube used on them as the lube is the main cause of smoke and residue. Speer and Hornady swagged bullets with their dry type lube is one of the cleanest in my experience. If you want less residue then load jacketed or plated bullets.
Using either AA#2 or Red Dot the powders are probably equal in cleanliness with jacketed bullets. Neither will optimize velocity, to do that you'll need Unique, AA#5 or other powder in that burn rate.
MADDOG
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I use RD when loading 357, 44, and 45acp. It works quite well for me.
alfack
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I use AA#2 (5.2 gr.) and 230 gr. FMJRN as my go to .45 load. It burns clean and is economical. It is possible to double charge w/o spilling, though.
AA #2 is excellent in .45. I have never tried Red Dot in .45, but it is a good powder. It does peak quite quickly when it gets towards the top of data. AA #2 is a little more forgiving, meters like water, and gives excellent ES & SD numbers, while being quit accurate.
ljnowell
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I am currently working to 5.5gr of AA#2 with a Missouri Bullet 230 LRN. I was loading at 5.3 but it was still a little dirty, some unburned powder. Max with a 230 according to Accurate is 5.6gr.
AA #2 will do that. Just leave some partially burned granules if the pressure isn't up enough. My only gripe with it. I would have to give the edge to W-231 in .45 using lead, not only for that, but W-231 proved more accurate with lead in .45 for me. AA #2 and plated bullets are a great match.
ljnowell
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It was real bad in my 45colt target loads. In fact, if it I werent using a Blackhawk, I would probably say the powder was incompatible with the caliber. I am pretty sure that I am exceeding SAAMI specs to get the powder to burn completely. However, it is undoubtably still safe in my Blackhawk, and I will use it because I scored an awesome deal on it and I have a Metric Butt Load of it on hand.
It really looks nasty when it burns incomplete also, some of the granules turn a near yellow funny color and it just looks weird.
You will be happy with AA#2. However, I dont be so sure to say you CANT shoot lead out of your glock. I used to be the same way, until i said what the heck and tried it. Turns out that with the properly sized bullet, at the proper hardness I can shoot all the lead I want to out of my G21. Now, let me say upfront, my experience only applies to the 45acp variety of Glocks, and I do think that .40S&W and 9mm may be a different story(although my uncle shot lead out of his G17 for over a decade without issue). I can honestly say that with Missouri Bullet 230 LRN I get less leading in my glock than I do my 1911 or XD. Just a little bit off the chamber and thats it. A few passes with the brush and some Hoppes and its out and clean. I am not saying you should, but you may find you want to. There are lots of us here that do.
Maj Dad
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The new #2 Improved is a bit bulkier than the older stuff, but maintains its density (load density - how much it fills the case - is improved). I bought 4 lbs of it a few years back & am still shooting it - works great in several calibers and is getting to be a standard. I use 231, Unique and all the rest, but #2 is right up there with them.
Sapper771
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Red Dot is a great powder. My current load for 45 acp is 230gr LRN , 4.5gr Red Dot, COAL: 1.185" (or 1.210" depending on bullet's ogive), good for 850 FPS.
This load runs great out of my Glock 21 and SA TRP. It isn't clean though, which really doesn't matter.
This load runs great out of my Glock 21 and SA TRP. It isn't clean though, which really doesn't matter.
6.2 Grs of recently bought AA #2 (Doesn't say "Improved" on the can anymore. {6.1 of the older "Improved"}) and an X-Treme 255 Gr plated bullet burns all the powder, runs about 650 FPS from a 6" barrel (Mild), is very accurate, and gets almost as much velocity powder forward as it does powder back. Busting clay pidgeons laying on the 100 yard berm is pretty easy.
This is, of course, with plated bullets which build pressure more quickly than lead.
My new AA #2 is actually denser than the "Improved" #2 I just ran out of.
While this load seems mild, and has proven (IMHO) to be safe in my gun, start low and work up.
ljnowell
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Ironically, I was loading at 6.1, then at 6.3. 255gr LSWC, the Cowboy #9 from Missouri Bullet. 6.1 was disgustingly dirty with unburned powder, partially burned powder, etc. 6.3 got better, but still more than I would like. I am going to go to 6.5 next and see what happens. If it cant do it by 6.6gr, I am going to abondon the combo. While I am sure its still under the max the gun is capable of, its a fast powder, and eventually its going to defeat the purpose of target load when the recoil gets too high. I may end up going back to bullseye, though I dont have the quantity of it that I do #2.
Have any Red Dot? Red Dot was showing potential, I just never finished working up to where I wanted to be recoil wise.
5.0 or so Grs Red Dot would be where I would start with that 255 Gr LSWC.
700X is another I would try if I wanted to find another light plinker/target load in .45 Colt with lead.
5.0 or so Grs Red Dot would be where I would start with that 255 Gr LSWC.
700X is another I would try if I wanted to find another light plinker/target load in .45 Colt with lead.
ljnowell
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I may try some Red Dot. It is a large flake powder though, isnt it? Thats what made me leave 700x. I was loading 6.0gr 700x under the same bullet and it was a good performer. I just got frustrated with getting it to meter well. I should find out tomorrow if my change in loads made a difference with the AA#2. If not, then I may pick up some red dot and see what I can do with it.
Red Dot doesn't meter much, if any, better than 700X, but it is clean and accurate. It is hotter than some with 20% Nitro content. American Select is Alliants lowest Nitro content pistol powder. (Approx 5% from Alliant) It burns very clean. It is worth a try with lead. I have had good luck with it in some apps. Low Nitro to no Nitro is better for less smoke with lead. Clays doesn't meter all that well either, but it's what I use in my favorite .38 & .357 brass plinker load with a 125 Gr Berrys TrFP @ 900 FPS. Very accurate. Very clean. Good metering doesn't always mean it will be accurate, and vice versa.
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