Green Dot in rifle cartridges?

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  • Last Post 28 June 2020
Glaciers posted this 11 November 2019

Ok, my question is how does Green Dot stack up compared to other powders I have for cast loads in Rifle cartridges.  I've got 8 pounds of Green Dot I picked up during to last Administration to supplement my handgun powders if the need arose.

I Have some info on Green Dot for handgun cartridges, but none for rifle cartridges.  I'm looking at 1200 to 1800 fps depending on bullet (cast) weight and caliber, mostly interested in range and plinking loads.  Higher - hotter loading's would be with different powders.   So if you folks can provide some advise of your experiences with Green Dot, I'd be in your debt, well at least till tomorrow afternoon.   

Powders I have are 2400, Unique, 231, R7, IMR4198.  I have a couple pounds of Blue and Red Dot.  I have slower powders I have not listed

Cartridges I'm interested in are, 250-3000, 30-30, 303 Savage, 30-40, 30-06, 32 SPL, 45-70

Thanks, John

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Eutectic posted this 11 November 2019

For some unknown reason, in a moment of weakness, I bought a pound of Green Dot. I tried it in pistols and revolvers, it is OK for moderate loads.

I tried it in 30 caliber rifles, 14 grains worked nicely in the 308 and 30.06 giving ~1350 fps with 170 grain cast GC bullet.

No data for 45-70.

At 14 grains a pop your 8 pounds will load 4000 shells, should keep you busy.

Steve

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Glaciers posted this 11 November 2019

Yeah, and I have 12 or more pounds of unique, so I better get with it.  My main interest at this moment will be the 30-30, 30-40, and the 303 Savage with 165 gr thru 190 gr fn cast.  Although I have a Springfield 30-06 that I have a 220 gr rn from NEI, and a 240 gr for the Blackout from NOE, that rifle just needs come out of the safe to see what can I put together.

Thanks Steve

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shootcast posted this 12 November 2019

I’ve used Green Dot with several rifles. The older Lyman manuals will most likely show loads. Don’t try for maximum velocity. All of the Dot powders, Red, Blue and Green give similar results for me. Sometimes one works better in a particular firearm. If you got it use it.  

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M3 Mitch posted this 12 November 2019

While I am not trying to say that you can use the same load data, I would think Green Dot would work a lot like Unique, and would be good for lower velocity loads.  I am pretty certain the old Lyman 45th handbook lists Green Dot loads for the rifle calibers you mention.  I wouldn't expect Green Dot loads to be much more or less accurate than Unique, at similar velocities.

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Glaciers posted this 12 November 2019

After your posts I got to thinking about the older Lyman manuals and remembered I have some from that time period.  Green Dot came out in the mid 60's so I dug out my Lyman's and you right.  So thanks for getting me headed in the right direction.    

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beagle6 posted this 13 November 2019

Red Dot, Bullseye, and Hogdon Titegroup are all faster burning than Green Dot so starting loads for any of them should be a good starting point for cast loads with Green Dot. I know there is a lot of data for Red Dot and Bullseye cast rifle loads.

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cfp4570 posted this 14 November 2019

When I sold off my shotshell loading equipment I had about three quarters of a pound of green dot left over. While most of it went into .38 special and .45 colt, I did use some in .223, .30-06, and .300 Savage. All was light plinking loads mostly plain base bullets. One thing about green dot and other similar powders is that in small charge weights they don't always meter consistently. If you're not in a hurry, don't overlook the cheap Lee dipper set for assembling plinking ammo.

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beagle6 posted this 14 November 2019

cfp4570 is exactly right about the Lee dipper set. Probably one of the handiest things I have used in 50+ years of reloading. Just so handy when I don't want to set up a powder measure and scales. Richard Lee started me reloading with his original Lee Loader around 1964 and his products always seem innovative and affordable. Thanks, Richard.

beagle6

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JeffinNZ posted this 14 November 2019

I run a nice reduced load in my .223 Rem of 6gr of GD under a 225462 for 1700fps and superb accuracy.  6.5gr under a 40gr jacketed bullet gives me a .22WMR duplicate.

Cheers from New Zealand

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Glaciers posted this 14 November 2019

I'd forgotten about Lee Dippers, going to hunt around for my set.  That would be a simple answer for making these low pressure loads. 

First I will see how consistent the Little Dandy works with this powder.  I've found the Dandy to be very consistent with Unique so I'll have to see how well it works with Green Dot.  My LCT press is set up to use the Little Dandy, RCBS Uni-Flo, and/or my Lyman 55.  So it would be certainly just as easy to use dippers if needed. 

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SkinnerD posted this 18 November 2019

Mmm, don't have 223 but do have 222, interesting..what bullet are you pushing g with the GD?

John - New Zealand

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Qc Pistolero posted this 26 June 2020

Accurate mould 31-155D that comes out at 161gr lubed with LLA,unsized(.311)8.2gr Green Dot in our 30-30(my wife also shoot in the cowboy class at 75 yds).I haven't chronoed it but there is no supersonic crack.It stays within 2'' at 75 and is about on par with our favorite load of Titegroup(5.5gr).

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fa38 posted this 26 June 2020

Accurate mould 31-155D that comes out at 161gr lubed with LLA,unsized.

I use the same bullet and 9.0 grains in my 30-06 for offhand shooting in my 03 and 03-A3

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JeffinNZ posted this 28 June 2020

Mmm, don't have 223 but do have 222, interesting..what bullet are you pushing g with the GD?

Lyman 225462.

Cheers from New Zealand

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