RedDot help

[gunguy0829]

Ok, so in light of our current shooting supply situation, I have been given 1 pound of RedDot and a bunch of magnum large pistol primers (Federal no. 155) I know reddot is more for mid range shooting so does anyone have good load data using reddot, magnum primers, dont have bullets yet but can get just about anything, looking at 240 gn. rnfp or 240 gn xtp hp. Not sure, any help would be appreciated. Looking for around 1,000 fps from a S&W model 29-2, 4" barrel.

 

[max]

Go to Alliant's website, I think they have some loads for you. If you are going to use the magnum primers, I would start low and work up.

 

[venomballistics]

red dot won't be a "midrange" ... it'll act kinda like bullseye but a little weaker.
Not my first choice for the caliber but it will work

 

[gunguy0829]

ok, so a thought, 240 gn xtp hp on 8gn of RedDot, mag primer, I found a load that call for 8.5 grains but with the mag primers should I do 8 grains. Their data shows 240 grain xtp-hp on 8.5 grains of red dot and standard primer will do 1,002 fps. Should I lower the powder .5gn to accomidate the magnum primer?

 

[gunguy0829]

red dot won't be a "midrange" ... it'll act kinda like bullseye but a little weaker.
Not my first choice for the caliber but it will work

If it is not midrange, what is it? see recipe on last post, would this be a good general shooting round?

 

[edprof]

Red Dot is the second fastest Alliant powder. It's really better suited to smaller cases like .32 or .380. You can make it work for some other rounds like 9mm or .38 special. But it just burns so fast it's hard to get it to perform well in a larger case like .357 & up. That's why slower powders like Unique or Blue Dot are more typically used for the bigger magnum rounds.

 

[venomballistics]

If it is not midrange, what is it? see recipe on last post, would this be a good general shooting round?

in the 44 magnum ... this might match up well in a wad cutter load.
don't bother trying to push any premium bullets like the XTP with this stuff thats what 2400 AA#9 and H110 are for.
don't even try to get a red dot load up around the 1000 FPS range ... thats way too optimistic. If anything your objective is right around 800 - 850.
it will be a fairly light round as the 44 magnum goes

 

[gunguy0829]

thanks for the info

 

[ardoctor]

I used Red Dot for lots of IDPA/USPSA rounds. 5gr in 45ACP w/230RN is about same as org ball round. I have data somewhere for 44mag/special there are loads. I now use Promo as my 357 sig production USPSA round. 4.8gr and for my L10 G21 round. Promo is cheaper and the same burn as Red Dot.

 

[alwslate]

gunguy I would suggest a hard cast 240-250 SWC for your bullet.
I think you will be close to your velocity goal if you start with 8.0 grs
as my 2004 Alliant manual goes to 8.8 grs with a 240gr GC bullet at
1,175 fps and 34,900 psi in their test barrel. Older Hercules data goes
to 9.5 grs but 44 mag pressures have been revised downward. You
need a chronograph if you don't already have one. I have seen
960-970 fps velocities in my 4" 29-2 with 250 gr cast SWCs and
magnum primers with charges of around 7.8-8.2 grs of Bullseye,
WST, W452AA and W231. This is a good power level for the 29
that doesn't over stress the gun. Best to ignore the naysayers when
their "expert opinions" contradict data from the loading manuals.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

ok, so a thought, 240 gn xtp hp on 8gn of RedDot, mag primer, I found a load that call for 8.5 grains but with the mag primers should I do 8 grains. Their data shows 240 grain xtp-hp on 8.5 grains of red dot and standard primer will do 1,002 fps. Should I lower the powder .5gn to accomidate the magnum primer?

FWIW, my old '83 Hercules Guide lists R-D @ 9.5gr for 240gr Lead-gas check = 1180/fps, 34.8K CUP, and 9.5gr for 240gr JSP = 1220/fps, 34.5K CUP. These seem to track with the data you found, just higher of course. I'd think they used regular primers, but it doesn't say. It'd be best to lower the powder a bit especially if you're going to try a max load using this fast burning powder. Like others said, this isn't the best powder for a 44Mag but if it's all you got & you don't go overboard, it'll work for light to moderate loads. Switch to lead bullets if you lower the load much.

 

[gunguy0829]

I appreciate the info guys, as usual this is the best forum. Thanks again.

 

[gunguy0829]

Much appreciated guys.