Why I like Red Dot

BBarn · October 9, 2018, 05:38 AM

In another thread, Red Dot was touted as a great powder. I like Red Dot because:

1) It is one of the lowest density fast burning powders, giving decent case fill for target/plinking loads in the large case revolver calibers.

2) It's often recommended for cast bullet loads.

3) It doubles as a shotshell powder (it's primary use), so I can load 12ga. target loads with it as well.

4) The bits of red dots in the powder make it easier to see inside a big pistol case when checking the level on progressive equipment.

5) It's low charge weights means it's very economical.

There are two drawbacks for me:

1) It doesn't meter as well as the spherical powders, or even a few of the other flake powders.

2) It's not as clean burning as some other powders of similar speed.

Dufus · October 9, 2018, 03:26 PM

It is also very useful for fire lapping.

I can load a suitable 150 gr cast bullet and go rabbit hunting with the 308 Win.

5.0-7.0 grains will give a good subsonic and accurate load. At least this works for me.

This does not destroy the rabbit. Makes for good practice with your hunting rifles.

I have never loaded anything larger than 30-06 with it. Just never had the need.

I use mostly H4895 for my light loads in the big boomers with cast bullets.

As far as it being a little dirty, it doesn't matter to me since I clean them afterwards anyways.

FITASC · October 9, 2018, 03:39 PM

And then there is Promo which uses the same weight for charges (but the volume is different) and is the most economical shotshell/handgun powder there is in 8# jugs

std7mag · October 9, 2018, 04:10 PM

Red Dot, Clay Dot, Clays, and several others are in the same catagory.

I've personally been liking Green Dot in my 45ACP with 185gr LSWC.
Defense loads get Silhouette with 185gr Sierra Power Jacket HP, and Tournament Masters.

Dufus · October 9, 2018, 04:48 PM

I have a very good load using Green Dot in 45 ACP

I have 15 lbs of Green Dot on hand.

Salmoneye · October 9, 2018, 05:01 PM

I load Red Dot from .38 S&W to .30-06 reduced loads...It also gets used in all of my rat shot, and round ball cartridges...

My Glock absolutely loves it under plated 124gr truncated cone...

5gr Red Dot under any 158gr in a .357 mag is a time tested standard...First started using that load when I bought my Lee dies and read the included pamphlet...

Lots of published data for it over the decades...

Average Joe · October 9, 2018, 06:27 PM

I use Promo in all my handgun loads, and it's also good for shotshells.

October 9, 2018, 05:38 AM	#1
BBarn Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2015 Posts: 887	Why I like Red Dot In another thread, Red Dot was touted as a great powder. I like Red Dot because: 1) It is one of the lowest density fast burning powders, giving decent case fill for target/plinking loads in the large case revolver calibers. 2) It's often recommended for cast bullet loads. 3) It doubles as a shotshell powder (it's primary use), so I can load 12ga. target loads with it as well. 4) The bits of red dots in the powder make it easier to see inside a big pistol case when checking the level on progressive equipment. 5) It's low charge weights means it's very economical. There are two drawbacks for me: 1) It doesn't meter as well as the spherical powders, or even a few of the other flake powders. 2) It's not as clean burning as some other powders of similar speed.

October 9, 2018, 03:39 PM	#3
FITASC Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2014 Posts: 6,440	And then there is Promo which uses the same weight for charges (but the volume is different) and is the most economical shotshell/handgun powder there is in 8# jugs __________________ "I believe that people have a right to decide their own destinies; people own themselves. I also believe that, in a democracy, government exists because (and only so long as) individual citizens give it a 'temporary license to exist'—in exchange for a promise that it will behave itself. In a democracy, you own the government—it doesn't own you."- Frank Zappa

October 9, 2018, 04:10 PM	#4
std7mag Senior Member Join Date: June 23, 2013 Location: Central Taxylvania.. Posts: 3,609	Red Dot, Clay Dot, Clays, and several others are in the same catagory. I've personally been liking Green Dot in my 45ACP with 185gr LSWC. Defense loads get Silhouette with 185gr Sierra Power Jacket HP, and Tournament Masters. __________________ When our own government declares itself as "tyrannical", where does that leave us??!! "Januarary 6th insurrection". Funny, I didn't see a single piece of rope...

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October 9, 2018, 03:26 PM	#2
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	It is also very useful for fire lapping. I can load a suitable 150 gr cast bullet and go rabbit hunting with the 308 Win. 5.0-7.0 grains will give a good subsonic and accurate load. At least this works for me. This does not destroy the rabbit. Makes for good practice with your hunting rifles. I have never loaded anything larger than 30-06 with it. Just never had the need. I use mostly H4895 for my light loads in the big boomers with cast bullets. As far as it being a little dirty, it doesn't matter to me since I clean them afterwards anyways.

October 9, 2018, 04:48 PM	#5
Dufus Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2014 Posts: 1,965	I have a very good load using Green Dot in 45 ACP I have 15 lbs of Green Dot on hand.

October 9, 2018, 05:01 PM	#6
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	I load Red Dot from .38 S&W to .30-06 reduced loads...It also gets used in all of my rat shot, and round ball cartridges... My Glock absolutely loves it under plated 124gr truncated cone... 5gr Red Dot under any 158gr in a .357 mag is a time tested standard...First started using that load when I bought my Lee dies and read the included pamphlet... Lots of published data for it over the decades...

October 9, 2018, 06:27 PM	#7
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	I use Promo in all my handgun loads, and it's also good for shotshells.