Red Dot and 9mm?

[mike88605]

I know its not the powder of choice by a long shot, but i figured I wouldn't hurt to ask. Anyone ever use Red dot in 9mm?

I had a buddy give me a new can and its been setting in my cabinet for over a year and would like to use it up.

I will be using Berry's 115 and 124 rn if this powder will work.

Thanks Mike

 

[Jurist]

Red Dot 9mm reloads

I am reloading 9mm,.380acp,357magand soon 40S&W with a 20 year old keg of Red Dot.Have not had any problems with igniting any rounds mentioned.I keep with the manual,am currently using 115 to 124 grn remington fmj bullets,and have in the past used Magtech 95grn bullets that I shoot in my .380ACP Browning BDA all with good results.Oh the dirt on the fired rounds helps in the carbibe die when sizing.

 

[Steve C]

I've used a load of 4.2grs Red Dot and a jacketed 115gr bullet and its a good accurate target load that chrono'd at 1,134 fps from my Beretta 92. This load should work well with either of your bullets though I'd suggest dropping down to 4.0grs to start. Here is a copy of the old Alliant Powder 9mm load data that showed loads for Red Dot. http://members.cox.net/scollins15/transfers_public/9mm%20luger.htm

 

[greyling22]

I was using red dot and 124 grn soft lead bullets to load my 9mm to about 1000 fps. took me forever to realize I was stripping the bullets because the powder was too fast. It took me shooting cardboard with a new pistol to realize I was keyholing bad, and had been keyholing and tumbling for a long time. (note to self: shoot more than just steel and sticks in the water) That was part of the reason I was shooting so poorly. (the rest was that I am a sub-standard shot with an automatic) just because the manual says you can use lead and red dot does not mean it works unless your lead is hard enough.

to sum up: not saying it can't be done, but load up 50 and check them before you go nuts.

 

[TonyT]

The Alliant 2005 reloading manual listed data for all their powders in 9mm including Red Dot. I would offer to send you the pages bjut somehow my new computer with Windows7 does not attach these documemnts to messages.

 

[mike88605]

Thanks for the info Guys. I am planning to use up the red dot for plinking rounds not really looking for great accuracy. I have been using Unique and Win 231 for my serious loads with great results. Just wanted to use this powder up as it is just setting in my cabinet.

Steve C. thanks for the link to the data.

Mike