J. R. WEEMS
Member
Wondering just how much should your charge change when you go from a lead bullet to a JHP using the same powder, in this case RED DOT??? 
Thanks for your input. 



Wondering just how much should your charge change when you go from a lead bullet to a JHP using the same powder, in this case RED DOT???Thanks for your input.
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There can be quite a diff in pressure & vel. Bullets arent really plug & play, but at midrange & below, you wont see a whole lot of diff. At max, everything matters. Btw, I cant think of any application where I would plug a 158gr jhp into a RedDot load.
Well these are 250gn Gold Dot for a 45 COLT - gun in question is a REDHAWK- ??![]()
Speaking in GENERAL terms, it is considered safe to use jacketed bullet data when substituting a lead bullet of the same or lesser weight. Not so much the other way around.
Jacketed bullets have more resistances in the bore, and more bearing surface, leading to higher pressures than similar cast lead. Jacketed bullet loads should be confirmed in a good loading manual specific to that bullet.
I really like Red Dot in the .44 and .45c cases for cast bullet, lighter mid-range loads, but it is not the ideal powder for higher velocity jacketed loads in these calibers. A little on the fast side. Less pressure, and better velocity with something slower like Unique or even 2400.
Larry
Well these are 250gn Gold Dot for a 45 COLT - gun in question is a REDHAWK- ??![]()
I reload 99% cast lead and Red Dot is a favorite powder ...what are you looking to load ?
Gary
Alliant lists the 250 GDHP with loads using Unique, Power Pistol and 2400. I know that is not the Red Dot loads you asked for but it gives an excuse to buy another type of powder!
Ed
But you can use lead data for jacketed. Look at the lyman manual, lead vs jacketed in various calibers. Its a pretty safe extrapolation to use jacketed bullets with lead data. You are or should be starting low & working up.The reloading data for lead bullets is different from jacketed bullets .
If you wish to reload lead bullets , use the data for the weight and profile lead bullet you wish to reload .
You shouldn't just use jacketed bullet data for lead and as far as I know there is no formula to convert jacketed bullet data to lead bullet data .
Your best bet is the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition for lead bullet loading data .
I reload 99% cast lead and Red Dot is a favorite powder ...what are you looking to load ?
Gary