Safety is the Cornerstone of Reloading
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always use eye protection; safety glasses or goggles are non-negotiable. Powder and primer residue can be hazardous, and your eyes are extremely vulnerable. Hearing protection is also crucial. Muffs or earplugs can prevent long-term hearing damage, which is irreversible. Gloves provide an extra layer of protection and maintain a clean workspace, keeping oils and debris off components.
Reloading Environment
Your workspace should be a haven of order and cleanliness. It should be a well-ventilated area, free from distractions and with ample lighting. Avoid reloading in areas with excessive moisture or fluctuating temperatures. This could affect the performance of the powder.
Handling and Storage
Properly storing your powder and primers is crucial. Always store them in a cool, dry location, away from heat, direct sunlight, and any potential ignition sources. Labeling all containers clearly and organizing your reloading components prevents confusion and potential errors. Never mix different types of powders. Cross-contamination is a recipe for disaster.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Finally, you will need a reloading press, reliable scales, powder measure, calipers, and reloading dies to handle the process safely and precisely.
Understanding the Nature of Red Dot Powder
Overview of Red Dot
Red Dot powder is a fast-burning, flake-type powder. Its rapid burn rate makes it suitable for various applications, particularly in shotgun shells. It is an economical choice and, in some applications, it is relatively clean-burning, leaving less residue compared to other types of powders.
Advantages and Limitations
A primary advantage of Red Dot is its versatility. It works effectively in various 12-gauge and 20-gauge loads, offering shooters flexibility in their choice of shot weight and target. The powder’s cost-effectiveness is also a major draw, making it a popular choice among reloaders. However, it’s vital to acknowledge its limitations. Red Dot is generally not recommended for magnum loads. It isn’t designed for the pressures involved in these kinds of loads, and there are better choices available.
Finding Reliable Data
Reliable load data is essential when using any propellant. Reputable sources are your primary information sources, and they include reloading manuals published by respected companies like Lyman, Speer, Hornady, and Alliant Powder, the manufacturer of Red Dot. Accessing this data through the Alliant Powder website can also prove invaluable.
Finding Load Data and Avoiding Pitfalls
Avoiding Unverified Sources
The internet can be a great resource, but it’s also a minefield. Avoid using load data from unverified sources such as online forums or blogs. Always confirm any data with a published manual or a trusted manufacturer’s website.
Using Reputable Manuals
Reloading manuals and manufacturer websites contain tested and verified data. They provide specific details, including the hull type, primer, wad, shot weight, powder charge, and velocity. These manuals also include valuable safety information, warnings, and troubleshooting guidance.
Safe Practices
Never attempt to extrapolate loads or make assumptions about safe powder charges. Start low and gradually increase the charge, always paying close attention to signs of excessive pressure, such as flattened primers or difficult extraction. Always adhere to the data provided, and never exceed the maximum load.
Red Dot Load Data for Shotguns: Essential Examples
This section presents example Red Dot Powder Load Data for both 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotgun shells. *Important Disclaimer: This data is for example purposes only. Always consult a reliable reloading manual or the Alliant Powder website for the most current and complete information. Never substitute components or alter loads without consulting the original data source.*
12-Gauge Example Loads
Shell: Remington STS
Primer: Remington 209P
Wad: Claybuster CB1118-12 (or equivalent)
Shot Weight: 1 oz
Powder: Red Dot
Powder Charge: 17.5 grains
Velocity: 1200 FPS
Notes: Data from Alliant Powder.
Shell: Winchester AA
Primer: Winchester 209
Wad: WAA12SL (or equivalent)
Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz
Powder: Red Dot
Powder Charge: 19.0 grains
Velocity: 1145 FPS
Notes: Data from Alliant Powder.
Shell: Federal Paper
Primer: Federal 209A
Wad: WAA12SL (or equivalent)
Shot Weight: 1 oz
Powder: Red Dot
Powder Charge: 17.0 grains
Velocity: 1180 FPS
Notes: Data from Alliant Powder.
20-Gauge Example Loads
Shell: Winchester AA
Primer: Winchester 209
Wad: WAA20 (or equivalent)
Shot Weight: ¾ oz
Powder: 14.0 grains
Powder Charge: 1200 FPS
Notes: Data from Alliant Powder.
Shell: Remington STS
Primer: Remington 209P
Wad: Claybuster CB1078-20 (or equivalent)
Shot Weight: 7/8 oz
Powder: 16.0 grains
Powder Charge: 1150 FPS
Notes: Data from Alliant Powder.
Shell: Federal Gold Medal
Primer: Federal 209A
Wad: Claybuster CB2100-20 (or equivalent)
Shot Weight: 7/8 oz
Powder: 15.0 grains
Powder Charge: 1200 FPS
Notes: Data from Alliant Powder.
It is imperative that you understand that these are just examples. Reloading involves many variables, and the loads are just suggestions. Always double-check all data with the original source before reloading.
Reloading Red Dot Powder for Pistols: Exercise Extreme Caution
Using Red Dot powder in pistol loads is less common and necessitates the utmost care. Due to the rapid burn rate of Red Dot, it is generally not recommended for pistol loads. If you choose to use it, you must exercise extraordinary caution and adhere strictly to published data from reputable sources. Incorrect loads can lead to catastrophic failures and severe injuries.
*Disclaimer: Because of the risk involved, and the availability of other, more appropriate powders, we are NOT including any specific Red Dot pistol load data here.*
Research and Verify Data
If you are intent on reloading pistol ammunition with Red Dot, find and verify data from a trusted reloading manual or a reputable source. Be prepared to invest significant time in research before proceeding.
Navigating the Reloading Process
Preparing Brass/Hulls
Once you understand the safety protocols and load data, the reloading process involves several key steps: Prepare the brass or hulls. Begin by cleaning them thoroughly. Inspect the hulls or cases for defects, such as cracks, dents, or bulges. Then, size the brass or hulls to ensure that they meet the proper dimensions. For pistol brass, case trimming may be required. Finally, prime the cases or hulls, inserting a fresh primer.
Powder Charging
Next, charging the cases with the correct amount of powder is essential. Set up your powder measure to dispense the specific amount of Red Dot powder specified in your chosen load data. Double-check your scale frequently to verify the dispensed powder charge.
Seating the Wad/Bullet
Seat the wad or bullet. Place the correct wad into the shotgun shell. Seat the bullet to the appropriate depth, following the instructions provided in the loading manual.
Crimping
Crimp the case. Shotgun shells require a crimp to secure the shot and create a proper seal. Pistol brass requires a bullet crimp, which also helps to maintain the correct overall cartridge length.
Final Inspection
Finally, perform a complete final inspection. Check the loaded round for any obvious imperfections. For pistol loads, confirm the overall cartridge length with calipers to ensure that it meets the specifications.
Troubleshooting Common Reloading Challenges
Powder Overcharge
If you find a powder overcharge, which could be due to an error in your powder measure setup, immediately stop the reloading process. Disassemble the loaded round and carefully remove the excess powder. Seek advice on the source of error.
Inconsistent Velocity and Accuracy
Inconsistent velocity and accuracy may result from various causes, including inconsistent powder charges, improperly seated wads or bullets, or using incompatible components. Investigate the source of the issue, making sure your components are correct.
Squib Loads
Squib loads, where the primer ignites the powder but the projectile does not exit the barrel, are dangerous. If a squib load occurs, cease firing, unload the firearm, and clear the barrel before attempting to reload or fire again.
Failure to Fire
Failure to fire may be the result of a defective primer, insufficient powder charge, or a problem with your firearm. Disassemble the round, check the primer, and inspect the firearm.
Conclusion: Reloading, Safety, and Precision
Reloading with Red Dot powder can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor your ammunition to your specific needs. You now have a guide to understanding Red Dot Powder Load Data but it is only an introduction. Remember, reloading requires attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and a dedication to precision.
Always consult reputable sources, such as Alliant Powder’s website or reloading manuals, for up-to-date data and guidance. If you’re new to reloading, consider seeking mentorship from an experienced reloader. Seek out resources. Learn about safety. The rewards of reloading are great.
Start reloading with Red Dot. It’s a classic powder that has served reloaders well for many years. Just remember to be safe.
Important Disclaimers
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. The author and website are not responsible for any injury, damage, or loss that may result from the use of this information. Reloading ammunition can be inherently dangerous if not performed correctly. Always consult and follow the instructions provided in reloading manuals and manufacturer’s data. All Red Dot Powder Load Data contained in this article should be verified with original reloading manuals before use.
