I just got 2 pounds of Red dot. The only info on Alliants site is for a 200gr. Semi Wadcutter. In one of my old reloader magazines I found an article on using this powder in .41 Mag. I don't own a .41 but do have a .44 Mag and .45 Colt SAA. Is anyone using this stuff and how does it work for you? Thanks! And Merry Christmas!
Anyone use Red Dot in .45 Colt?
- Thread starter IROCZ
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zxcvbob
Member
Yes, it works great with cast bullets. You will get great accuracy in both, and decent velocity in the .45, but nowhere near top-performance from the .44.
1000 to 1100 fps with a 240 grain bullet should be easy in the .44, and an enjoyable load to shoot.
1000 to 1100 fps with a 240 grain bullet should be easy in the .44, and an enjoyable load to shoot.
Thanks Bob! I'm really getting into casting bullets for my revolvers these days and thats exactly what I was hoping to hear. I've owned the SAA for 30 years and never fired her much as .45 Colt was expensive. I want to find an accurate load that I can shoot cheaply.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Lyman #49 shows Red Dot data in .45 Colt with 200, 230, 250, 250, and 255 grain cast bullets.
If you reload lead, you really need the Lyman #49 manual.
rc
If you reload lead, you really need the Lyman #49 manual.
rc
35 Whelen
Member
I use Red Dot in my .44 Special and it works great. In the beginning, used 4.7 grs. with a 250 gr. home-cast SWC and now switched to a lighter 170 gr. bullet and use 4.0 grs. Works fine with both. Should be fine in your .45 Colt.
35W
35W
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
OR, you could use tested Alliant .45 Colt data, instead of untested .44 Spl. data.
Charges shown are MAX.
Reduce 10% for the correct Starting loads:
http://glarp.atk.com/2004/2004Catalogs/2004AlliantPowderSM.pdf
rc
Charges shown are MAX.
Reduce 10% for the correct Starting loads:
http://glarp.atk.com/2004/2004Catalogs/2004AlliantPowderSM.pdf
rc
35 Whelen
Member
Maybe you could spend a little less time on the computer and a little more in the real world. My reference to the .44 Special was due to the fact that it's a straight wall pistol case much like the .45 Colt, the .357 and the .38. I wasn't in any way recommending loads. And FWIW, judging from the sooty cases I get with BOTH loads mentioned, they're far, far from max.
Get over yourself.
35W
Marlin 45 carbine
Member
can't advise on the .45 colt but the .45acp red dot is a great and cheap powder to use for cast slugs. low flash too if that's important
gpb
Member
I have not used Red Dot in the 45 Colt. However, I have used it in 45 ACP and 45 AR with good result.
The "Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook" Third Edition on pages 284 and 285 lists Red Dot loads using cast bullets for the the 45 Colt. It provides listings for regular revolver loads and Ruger and T/C only loads.
The "Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook" Third Edition on pages 284 and 285 lists Red Dot loads using cast bullets for the the 45 Colt. It provides listings for regular revolver loads and Ruger and T/C only loads.
USSR
Member
Most any fast shotgun powder like Red Dot will work just fine for the .45 Colt. While I use Solo 1000 and 700X, Red Dot is in the same league. 5.0gr to 6.0gr with 200gr to 255gr lead bullets is where you want to be.
Don
Don
Jesse Heywood
Member
I get a nice cloud of smoke with red dot, winchester primers, and Missouri Bullet's lube. 7.0 gr. under a 255 keith style swc is a moderate load with good accuracy.
jack44
Member
Cast bullets are real good in the .44mag.
Thanks again for the replies! Jesse, is that safe for an original 3rd gen Colt SAA? What are you using it in? Did you ever run that over a chronograph? 35 Whelen I totally got your comparison, Thanks. I use 2400 in my .44 RSB and I don't load her hot just about 1200fps or so and it does what I want it to do. For the Colt I want a safe accurate load that will print somewhere near the sights! Thanks!
35 Whelen
Member
IROC you might want to get a back issue of Handloader Magazine #236. It has an excellent and comprehensive article by Brian Pearce on handloading the .44 Special. He places post-war Colt SAA's such as yours in his "Catagory 2" which includes loads 22,000 psi and less. The Red Dot load will easily work in your Colt.
35W
35W
35 Whelen
Member
Let me back up on saying the 7.0 gr. load of Red Dot will be OK. Max according to Alliant is 6.0 grs., but only shows 12,000 CUP. So, in your particular gun 7.0 grs. should be fine, but you might want to work up to it.
There is no conversion for PSI to CUP and vice versa as two different methods are used to determine each.
35W
There is no conversion for PSI to CUP and vice versa as two different methods are used to determine each.
35W
Copy that Brother Thanks! I plan on loading to a longer OAL to negate some of the jump to the forcing cone. The Keith type bullet I'm using has a crimp groove on it placed in the right spot. I will work up from the start load as I am changing the case capacity slightly. This thing is already huge! I'm not trying for Magnum velocity just want it to print P.O.A. at 25 yds. With the best accuracy of course. I appreciate all the help and advice from all you guys, this is the best gun site on the net!
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