Anyone using Clay Dot in handguns?

[Dframe]

Clays has been my "Go To" powder in 40 S&W for quite some time. Unfortunately the supply has dried up and Clays is nowhere to be found. I read a report that Alliant "Clay Dot" is designed to duplicate (or at least come close) to the pressure and burn rate of Clays. I'd like to try it in 45 ACP, 45 Colt and 44 Special. Does anyone have loading data you can share?

 

[oneounceload]

Clay Dot was designed to be an equal to Clays as regards to 12 gauge loads, not necessarily handguns, so use the data properly.

 

[MrBorland]

Dframe - I'm in precisely the same position as you, but will be loading .38spl. My buds who use it tell me they use the same load as with Clays and get the same velocity. They also tell me it meters the same, so they didn't even have to adjust the powder dispenser.

I still plan on starting with a bit of a reduced charge, and will measure and chrono carefully, but from all I've heard, I expect to be right back to my Clay's load.

 

[TfflHndn]

I use Clays data and it is comparable if not identical (I have not chonographed loads side-by-side). One is slightly denser than the other and throws slightly different weight from my powder measure (Hornady) for the same volume, but the difference is very small. I still weigh to make sure. I have used a fair amount of Clay Dot in .44 special and .44 magnum, 38 special and .45 auto target loads. Works well in all of them.

 

[Lj1941]

ClayDot

I have been using Alliant ClayDot for more than 5 years using data for Hodgdon Clays. I have loaded thousands of rounds in various calibers. I do not have a chronograph so I can't give you velocities. I have found it to be very clean burning and accurate.A good friend who has a chrono says he can't detect any difference between Clays and ClayDot in his favorite load in 40. I had checked with Alliant before using it and got an answer that was sort of no but yes. They said that although they hadn't tested it it "SHOULD" be OK.I worked up a load just like I would normally do and got good shooting loads in 40, 9x19 and 38 Special. I would guess that my use of ClayDot has been in the range of thousands of rounds in 40 and a bit less in 9 & 38. I am not suggesting anyone do what I did - but just telling my experiences. My original 8lb jug is down to about 2lbs after helping out my friend with several pounds when he was unable to get any Hodgdon Clays.

 

[Dframe]

Well I've fired around 200 rounds of 45 acp so far and I'm loving the results. VERY clean burning and the functioning with my semi auto has been flawless. Going to try it out in 40s next.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Oh well, nothing left to do here...

I agree you can use Clays data for Clay Dot without worries. Of course every lot of powder is different so work up your loads as usual.