green dot loads? [Archive]

sagacious

02-23-2010, 10:03 PM

Green Dot is great stuff. If the price is good, it might be wise to snap it up while the snapping's good.

Green Dot is very useful for cast bullet rifle loads, as it bulks up well. Lyman lists Green Dot loads for the 30-30 up to around 1300fps with heavy cast bullets, for the 7x57 to around 1500fps, and some nice 22 Hornet lead loads too. You should be able to find/develop safe recipes for your other calibers.

skeet1

02-23-2010, 10:04 PM

Look in the Lyman Manual and the RCBS cast bullet manual you will find many loads.

Skeet1

felix

02-23-2010, 10:06 PM

Makes an excellent pistol powder, and would do for very light loads in the rifle cases. The equivalent single base powder would be PB. If you don't have use for it now, get it for your neighbors who can make good use of it. In other words, don't pass it up. ... felix

Shuz

02-24-2010, 12:06 PM

Green Dot is an excellent powder in the .44 mag for 900 to 1100 fps loads with cast boolits.

higgins

02-24-2010, 02:19 PM

I've used it with good results in light to moderate cast loads in .30/30 and .44 magnum rifle, and in .45 Colt, .38 spl., and .45 ACP pistols. You didn't ask about shotshells, but it's also very versatile there in 12 and 20 ga. loads.

Rocky Raab

02-24-2010, 02:25 PM

Green Dot is actually the "slow" lots of Red Dot, and they aren't that far apart. You can safely use RD data if you can't find a listed load for GD. In other words, you can substitute Green for Red with confidence.

It's a very good target powder for handguns and light load cast bullet powder in rifles.

Uncle Grinch

02-24-2010, 04:59 PM

Go for, especially if the price is right. I use Green Dot in quite a few cast loads with very good success.

Mk42gunner

02-25-2010, 08:28 AM

I have burned a lot of Green Dot in pistols and shotguns, and am starting to use it for cast in the 7.62X39.

Robert

Nobade

02-26-2010, 06:01 PM

It'll work fine for light loads in all the calibers you listed. Just be careful, it's easy to go over pressure just like any other fast powder. But it is quite bulky so at least you can see that you have charged the case.

PatMarlin

02-26-2010, 06:15 PM

Many good accuracy results w/GD-

kens

12-04-2013, 11:02 PM

I have burned a lot of Green Dot in pistols and shotguns, and am starting to use it for cast in the 7.62X39.

Robert

What about 10gr GreenDot in 7.62x39 with a 120gr boolit?

Mk42gunner

12-05-2013, 12:35 AM

What about 10gr GreenDot in 7.62x39 with a 120gr boolit?

kens,

To me that sounds like way too much powder. I mainly use Green Dot in about 3 grain doses (I don't have my notes handy) under a 95 to 100 gr boolit for plinking.

Since I am using a bolt action rifle I don't have to worry about cycling an action, as long as the boolit clears the barrel and hits reasonably close to what I am aiming at I am satisfied.

Here is a link to a very interesting article with lots of good information: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?13425-Cast-Bullet-Loads-for-Military-Rifles-Article

Good luck and stay safe,

Robert

nanuk

12-05-2013, 02:04 PM

blixen

12-05-2013, 02:59 PM

Don't know about the Hornet, but GD does well in my 30-30s, 30 Krag, .303, and Argentines. It seems like a slightly slower version of Red Dot. My old Lyman manual recommends about one grain more of GD over RD for the same weight bullet. I got cozy with GD when powder supplies dried up for a while and the only thing on the shelf at my local store was Green Dot.

Don't load for 7.62x39, but FWIW: I use about 7-8 grains of it or RD in 30-30. About 12 grains in the bigger military cartridges.

anyone here use green dot? i have a chance to get 9# for a very good price. i load cast for 22 hornet, 30-30, 7x57, 308, 9.3x57, 45-70.

Adam10mm

12-05-2013, 03:28 PM

Never used it for CBs. Only time I used GD is for 3/4oz 20ga loads.

357mags

12-05-2013, 05:05 PM

I can't attest to rifle calibers, but just finished up an old 3lb. can of Green Dot. Loaded great for 38spl, 45acp, 9mm, even loaded 357 mag with it. Good powder.

Baron von Trollwhack

12-05-2013, 06:45 PM

GD works fine for reduced j=word loads in 222/223 = 40-50 grain bullets. See data section of accurate reloading.com .
I use my 22 mag level loads in these calibers and have them zeroed @100 on a lower ballistic type reticle dot while the crosshairs are set for the 100 yard targets.
BvT

Maineboy

12-05-2013, 07:43 PM

I've been having great luck with Green Dot in reduced loads in my 3 30-30s using the Lee "soup can" and Lyman 311008.

rintinglen

12-05-2013, 08:37 PM

Greendot is a better handgun powder than rifle, and a better shotgun powder than either, but it is usable for safe light loads in every caliber you have listed. 4.0 grains with a 40 grain 224-438 is a nice load for the 22 hornet. 8 grains works well in the 30-30 with a 311-316 120 grain boolit. Dn't load for the 7x57, but the 308 will shoot a 311-291 into two inches with somewhere between 10 and 15 grains Greendot, given a good gun. I have never used it in the 45-70 but it should work any where Unique does. I'd start at 12 grains with a 457-191 and work my way up until I either got good groups or hit 15 grains.

jaysouth

12-05-2013, 08:55 PM

kens

12-06-2013, 06:34 PM

I've been having great luck with Green Dot in reduced loads in my 3 30-30s using the Lee "soup can" and Lyman 311008.

What powder charge are you using?

Maineboy

12-07-2013, 06:14 AM

What powder charge are you using?

7.4 grains with both boolits and the Lee 150 FP. The guns are a pre-microgroove Marlin 336, a Winchester 1894, and a Savage 340.

blixen

12-07-2013, 11:58 AM

7.4 grains with both boolits and the Lee 150 FP. The guns are a pre-microgroove Marlin 336, a Winchester 1894, and a Savage 340.

Ha.Ha. That's almost exactly the same 30-30s I have. A '60s Marlin **microgroovy** 336, a 1902 Win. 94 and a very early Stevens 325 (sav. 340). I shot the first two just last Sunday with -- speak o' the devil--Green Dot! Here's my groups.

The Win.94 has an old Lyman receiver sight. With my old eyes--that's a pretty good group. The Marlin has a 4x scope and it shoots better than those groups show (BTW, the note on the target is WRONG--that was an 8grain GD load.) The marliin shines with .311 185 grain boolits. I wanted to see what it would do with the 165 grain, but they pop out at .310 unsized--which is the way I shoot them. Microgrooves seem to like more diameter.

Addition info, FWIW:
Aluminum gas checked boolits
45LLA/45JPW/10 thinner tumble lube
CCI primers
Off sandbags
slight 12o'clock wind
40 degrees

nanuk

12-07-2013, 07:05 PM

An expert gun operator could easily do better than this:

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l222/jwsoutherland/72grsGreendot_zpsa9252352.jpg (http://s97.photobucket.com/user/jwsoutherland/media/72grsGreendot_zpsa9252352.jpg.html)

65 Yards if I remember, shot out of a .308 Weatherby Vanguard S2.

that is pretty good shooting

I 'specially like the way you strung them on the left.... perfect line, and perfect spacing! Awesome shooting!

kens

12-07-2013, 10:11 PM

7.4 grains with both boolits and the Lee 150 FP. The guns are a pre-microgroove Marlin 336, a Winchester 1894, and a Savage 340.

So, you got a 7.4 gr load GreenDot, 150gr boolit in a .30-30.
I got, 10 gr GreenDot, Soupcan, in a 7.62x39.

Are these 2 loads really about the same?
Is my 10gr greendot really a heavy load?

kens

12-08-2013, 07:43 PM

Shot the little M98 7.63x39 today. Lee 120gr round nose soupcan boolit.
10.0 gr GreenDot. 1150fps.
No pressure signs.

Maineboy

12-09-2013, 07:31 AM

So, you got a 7.4 gr load GreenDot, 150gr boolit in a .30-30.
I got, 10 gr GreenDot, Soupcan, in a 7.62x39.

Are these 2 loads really about the same?
Is my 10gr greendot really a heavy load?
According to the Third Edition Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, 9.5 grains of Green Dot with a 150 grain cast boolit is the maximum charge for the 30-30. Velocity is 1478 and pressure is 36,900 C.U.P. I've looked in that one and several other Lyman manuals but can't find anything for the 7.62X39 and Green Dot.

WRideout

12-09-2013, 07:43 AM

I used to load a 300 sav with the Lyman 308403 mold, and a light charge of Green Dot, don't remember how much. These were plinkers, but accuracy was fully acceptable. Shot out of my Sav 99.

I have also used GD for 38 spl target loads, and of course 20 ga. It is indeed the slower burning sister of Red Dot.

Wayne

FergusonTO35

12-13-2013, 02:11 PM

On the advice of one of our senior members I'm going to put together some GD loads for .38 Special with 125 and 158 grain boolits. My guns are a Ruger Service Six and S&W 10-5 and 642. Any pet loads out there?

Donor8x56r

12-15-2013, 09:50 AM

I think GD is indicated anywhere where RED Dot is indicated, and usually a hair more powder to get similar velocities.

confirm it with your manuals, but I think if 'THE LOAD' is indicated for a specific round, then 13gr GD would also be indicated, if not 13.1

but best check for yourself.

That's what I found too.

The Load,that magical 13 Gr seems to be working better with GD rather than RD.I use range scrap so maybe that's why.

celem

12-15-2013, 11:00 AM

I use GD for 45LC and also 9mm Luger with cast bullets and plated bullets.

ballistim

12-15-2013, 12:47 PM

I've had great success with GD both in 9mm & 45acp in MiHec group buy HP molds with soft (8 BHN) alloy. I plan on trying it in place of RD with "the load" in .308 and 30-30 with NOE 311-165gr. RF, MP 312-159, MP 311-410, and a few others. MP 359-125 with GD might be worth a try in my .38 Special guns, I'm thinking...

77ruger

12-17-2013, 06:41 AM

Green Dot great for 45acp

RoninDelaware

11-07-2014, 05:55 PM

Hey Guys; new here. I just received an old Ideal mold for .35 Remington, 206 gr. I have a full pound of Green Dot powder Id like to use up. Low end load, I was told was 9 grains. Loaded up a few and it shot great. I am also aware with the Marlin Microgroove barrel, that too hot a load, will KEYHOLE the bullet down range. Any load Data out there on Green Dot for this? I don't mind experimenting , but Id like to know my max limit.

littlejack

11-07-2014, 11:59 PM

RoninDelaware:
Welcome to the Castboolits sir.
Regards
Jack

wlc

11-08-2014, 01:24 AM

I've got a load for 300BLK that I use with 180gr subsonic jacketed bullets that's REAL quiet. Won't think of cycling in an AR, but is still fun to shoot.

Bill*B

11-09-2014, 11:22 PM

It's a nice powder for pistols. I like it for light to moderate loads in the .38 Special and .45 ACP.

claude

11-10-2014, 03:58 AM

bedbugbilly

11-10-2014, 07:29 PM

Interesting thread - lots of good information and I've learned a lot about a powder I've never considered using before . . .. I'm adding GD to my "want to try list"! Thanks for the great information!

littlejack

11-11-2014, 02:47 AM

A couple years ago, I bought a lot of reloading equipment from a fellow on the Oregon coast. In the lot, was a keg of Green Dot, partially used. Still had about 6# in the keg.
Last year I had a fellow member of the gun club, give me an 8# keg of the GreenDot.
You can bet I started looking at the reloading data for that powder. Since then, I have started using in my 45acp practice loads. In my Uberti 45 Colt practice/plinking loads, and my .41 magnum practice/plinking loads.
I drop the GD powder with a Little Dandy measure, which does well at dropping consistent weights. I believe I have enough plinking powder for a while.
Although is does burn dirty, I am very pleased with its performance.
Regards
Jack

ipijohn

11-11-2014, 09:35 AM

When shooting paper.I start a new person reloading for 9MM, I start them out with GD. The reason is IF they cram the case full it is not overloaded, can't be double charged and will work very well from 3.2 to 4.8 grains with 124 grain pb round nose boolits. It is all I use in 40 S&W and 45 ACP for shooting paper. My wife also likes it for 158 grn LWC LIGHT loads in her 38 specials.

Shuz

11-12-2014, 11:29 AM

Monday I did a little chrono and accuracy testing with Green Dot and a Lyman 429640 devastator plain base. Boolit was Bhn 9 and gun was a .44 mag, Smith 629-3 Classic DX 5" with S&D fiber optics as the front sight. Boolit weighed 267g and OAL was 1.710. load was 8.5g of Green Dot and Rem 2-1/2 primer in ww cases. Velocity was 1009 fps with an SD of 8 and the group size at 25 yards was 2.38" for 5 shots all in the 9 and 10 ring.

RoninDelaware

05-26-2015, 09:30 AM

..."I am also aware with the Marlin Microgroove barrel, that too hot a load, will KEYHOLE the bullet down range."...

Perhaps this article can help dispel the ignorance that is so prevalent regarding microgroove barrels.

http://www.leveerguns.com/articles/fryxell/microgrove-barrels.htm (http://www.leverguns.com/articles/fryxell/microgrove-barrels.htm)
Wonderful!!! That's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you, Claude

twc1964

05-29-2015, 04:28 PM

I use it in 38spl and really like it for one particular load. Its a +p load and a hair over published max so i wont post it. Super accurate and speaks with authority woth any 158-162 boolit. Ymmv

Le Loup Solitaire

05-29-2015, 10:16 PM

I have used Green Dot for a long time in 45ACP. It burns clean and produces moderate pressure when properly adjusted. I once fished out the green flakes and put together a load; it (they) burned the same as the non-green flakes. LLS

Jtarm

06-02-2015, 02:52 PM

a better shotgun powder than either,

You got that right! It's the bomb for even patterns from the 12 gauge.

I've used it in my .44 special, really just for something to go bang during the powder famine. Didn't really test it much.

blixen01

06-04-2015, 12:07 PM

I use GD and Red Dot and even Tite Group all the time in rifles because i can't get 2400 or unique. But I find results vary. my ,300 sav and 30-40 like 10ish grains of them--which I consider a hot load. My 30-30s like 7-8. Gotta watch out for double doses, of course.