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Old March 14, 2013, 08:18 PM   #1
Nathan
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Powder for Target 12 ga Loads

I have 3 choices at the LGS.
E3 for $19
Red Dot for $25
Green Dot for $25

I have field and slug powder.

I will be loading STS Hulls, WAA12 or equiv wads, Win 209 primers, 7.5 shot...I have data for each powder.

So, which to choose? I'm thinking Red Dot, but the E3 price is pretty good. Also, next order will likely be from powder valley, so this is likely a one time purchase, but if it works out, I will buy the same powder again.

Last edited by Nathan; March 14, 2013 at 08:44 PM.
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Old March 14, 2013, 08:36 PM   #2
g20gunny
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It wasn't on your list but if you're putting in an order I'd take a good look at hodgdon Clays. It is super clean and consistant. I love it for clay and dove loads and can be pushed into the field load speeds too. It is also great for many handguns and uper accurate for lead 38spl loads.
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Old March 14, 2013, 08:45 PM   #3
Nathan
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That's because my LGS doesn't have it. Will be ordering locally first.
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Old March 14, 2013, 08:45 PM   #4
oryx
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I would go red dot and I could also use it for some handgun loads
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Old March 14, 2013, 10:45 PM   #5
Ifishsum
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I like Green Dot for 1 and 1 1/8 oz target loads, but I've used both and there probably isn't a lot of difference there. Red Dot seems better suited to 1 oz or lighter loads, being a little faster burner. Both are great handgun powders also BTW.
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Old March 14, 2013, 10:58 PM   #6
jfrey
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Red Dot
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Old March 15, 2013, 09:31 AM   #7
rlc323
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If I was looking for 1200 fps loads I would go with Green Dot, as it has a little slower burn rate and keeps a nice tight pattern.

If I was looking to load for 1145 fps I would buy the Red Dot as it is crisp shooting and burns pretty clean.

E-3 is okay, I bought a pound of it when it first came out and never found much about it to get excited over.

Either way there have been millions of shells reloading using either Red Dot or Green Dot with excellent results.
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Old March 15, 2013, 07:43 PM   #8
Nathan
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I appreciate the advice. I decided to give E3 a go.
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Old March 16, 2013, 12:07 PM   #9
ArizonaRick
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I have used them all - go with Promo

I have used them all and they are all great. Promo (bulk version of reddot) is the best buy and best performer at $86 per 8 lb keg. Use it for 12 ga, some lite handgun loads, cast bullet loads for rifle. Best deal going if you are budget minded. Use same weight (not volume) as published reddot loads, and always work up. Best of luck
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Old March 16, 2013, 12:09 PM   #10
ArizonaRick
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OH YA

Oh ya, the best way to buy is direct from powder valley and do a group buy with friends to share haz mat up to 48 lbs - can mix primers also.
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Old March 16, 2013, 12:19 PM   #11
rlc323
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Lots of former Red Dot users have migrated to Promo with good results and cost savings. When it first came out the word was to use it just like Red Dot in your recipe, and I believe that still holds true.

I did notice that recently that Alliant has started to list some Promo reloading data on it's online guide:

http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/promo.aspx
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Old March 16, 2013, 03:56 PM   #12
BigD_in_FL
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Personally, I would use Red Dot of those three, but you need to check with the reloading site. Remember, certain clones components exist, especially in the wads; some primers can also be substituted. Win AA hulls and Remington STS, Gun Clubs can be used with the same recipes; whereas Federals cannot be used Win or Rem hulls, and on and on.....
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Old March 16, 2013, 05:43 PM   #13
TROOPER2
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I use titewad for single and doubles green dot for handicap both 1 1/8 of 8 or 7.5 shot best of all is the blue duster wad it goes thru my mec very nice
that wad will give you the best pattern
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Old March 16, 2013, 08:39 PM   #14
stu925
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I've used Red Dot in the past but since it was recommended to me by my father years ago I switched to Solo 1000. It's been a great powder and burns a lot cleaner than Red Dot. I've never tried Green Dot or E3 so no opinion there.

Stu
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Old March 17, 2013, 10:44 AM   #15
bluetopper
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Go with E3, low charge weights and no cleaner powder available.

I use it in 45 and 38 too although there is no published handgun data out there.
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