What’s Your Favorite Load Data for Alliant Red Dot?

General
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Introduction

Alliant Red Dot powder is a classic choice for many reloaders, especially those working with shotgun shells and pistol cartridges. It’s known for its versatility, effectiveness, and ease of use. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting with reloading, finding the right load data is crucial for achieving optimal performance.

Why Use Alliant Red Dot?

  • Versatility: Suitable for a variety of applications, from target shooting to competition.
  • Consistency: Provides reliable ignition and a clean burn.
  • Availability: Widely available in many gun shops and online.

Basic Load Data Recommendations

For Shotgun Shells

  1. 12 Gauge:
    • Load: 1 oz. shot
    • Powder Charge: 18.5 grains
    • Wad: 12S3
    • Primer: Federal 209A
  2. 20 Gauge:
    • Load: 7/8 oz. shot
    • Powder Charge: 15.5 grains
    • Wad: Z12 or equivalent
    • Primer: Win 209

For Pistol Cartridges

  1. .45 ACP:
    • Load: 230 grains
    • Powder Charge: 5.0 grains
    • Wad: No wad needed here.
    • Primer: CCI 300
  2. 9mm:
    • Load: 115 grains
    • Powder Charge: 4.8 grains
    • Wad: No wad needed for this round.
    • Primer: Federal or CCI

Tips for Reloading with Red Dot Powder

  • Start Low: Always begin with the lower end of the load range and work your way up to ensure safety and performance.
  • Check for Signs: Pay attention to signs of overpressure when testing new loads. This includes flattened primers or excessive recoil.
  • Stay Organized: Keep a log of your loads, including details like the components used, conditions, and results, to track what works best.

Conclusion

Reloading can be a rewarding experience, especially when working with tried and true powders like Alliant Red Dot. By sharing our experiences and load data, we can help each other improve our skills and achieve the best performance from our ammo. What loads have you had success with? Let’s discuss!

Feel free to share your load data and experiences with Alliant Red Dot below. Happy reloading!

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Alliant Red Dot is known for its fast burn rate, making it a great choice for light target loads. It’s perfect for 12-gauge shotguns and .38 Special loads too.

3

I agree, Jennifer! The energy output is really impressive. I love using it for .45 ACP target rounds; it really makes for a smooth recoil.

4

What unique properties does Red Dot have over other powders? I’m curious about its versatility in different calibers.

5

Great question! The powder is versatile and works well in both shotgun and pistol loads. Plus, its consistency in small quantities allows for excellent precision.

5 Likes
6

I’ve found that Alliant Red Dot can be quite forgiving. I made some loads with it using my 9mm and had no issues with performance. Highly recommend it!

7

Absolutely! It’s sometimes my go-to for low-velocity loads. The ability to use it in various calibers is a massive plus.

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8

Is it just me, or does using Red Dot make you feel like a pro? I always get decent groups at the range with my .40 S&W loads!

9

Haha, totally! There’s something about seeing those tight groups that just feels rewarding. It’s such a reliable powder!

10

What are people’s thoughts on using Red Dot for reduced recoil loads? I’ve heard it can be great for that.

11

It’s definitely a good choice! Many reloaders have had success with it in light loads for both shotguns and handguns.

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12

I’m new to reloading; can someone help me find a good starting load for .38 Special using Red Dot?

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Sure! You might want to start with around 3.2 grains of Red Dot, but always check your manuals for safe loads.

14

How does Red Dot perform in colder weather? I heard some powders can be inconsistent when it’s chilly.

15

Red Dot generally does well in various temperatures, but like any powder, it may show slight differences. Testing it in your conditions is key!

16

I like how consistent Red Dot is. I use it in my competition loads, and it seems to give me that extra edge!

17

Consistency is vital for competition. I’ve also had great results; it’s become part of my staple lineup.

18

As a reflective thought, every powder has its place. Red Dot has found a home in many of our reloading kits for good reason. How’s that for a homage to the classics?

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To safely load ammo with Alliant Red Dot powder, start with a good reloading manual. Always wear eye protection and use a scale for precise measurements. Recommended starting load for 9mm is around 4.0 grains, but consult your manual for specifics.

20

I love the versatility of Red Dot! For 12 gauge, I usually go with 18.5 grains under a 1 oz load. It’s smooth and reliable.

8 Likes