Old red dot

[michael.birdsley]

So we are cleaning out my wife’s grand fathers house. among other things that we took included an acme shot shell reloader and I
found an old metal 4 lbs container of red dot. It smells fine but, not being familiar with red dot I don’t know if it’s good or not. Attached is a picture what what I dumped into my hand


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[Winger Ed.]

Looks OK to me.

I'd be a little careful for using old powder that has dried out* for maximum loads if you weigh your charges,
but haven't had any problems otherwise.

*
I figure the left over solvents in it that you smell have a bit of weight. The fresher the powder- the stronger the smell.
If each little speck has the same energy if its dry or still has some of the solvent's humidity---
If you weigh the powder when it's dry, you'll end up with more of the individual grains and it could possibly work towards a over charge.
If you use a dipper, it shouldn't matter.

[garandsrus]

I have used Red Dot that had the dots pretty faded. No problem….

[CastingFool]

I have some red dot that's close to 40 yrs old. No problems with it

[stubshaft]

Better send it to me, I'll dispose of it for you.

[michael.birdsley]

Here is a picture of the can it came in


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[Fitz]

I hate those cans , so hard to get the last of powder out.

[michael.birdsley]

Now I just need to find a use for it. I have a 38 s&w , 2 9mm’s, 325c 30-30, 742 30-06, mosin, 3 12 gage shot guns.
So it’s shot gun powder obviously, used it shot guns and I’m guessing can be used in pistols ?


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[farmbif]

red dot is almost as useful as bullseye. to some its even more useful than bullseye or 231. ive got an old cardboard container of it that works just as well as the new stuff in plastic bottles. and it wasn't stored anyplace special its been through decades of hot summers and freezing winters.

[garandsrus]

8.5gr Red Dot and a 150gr cast bullet do very well together in 30-30 cases! I have also used it with 9mm and 38 Spec. The 38 Spec load is 3.7gr with a 120gr cast truncated cone.

[Winger Ed.]

Here is a picture of the can it came in

A couple years ago, I got a metal can like that of Bullseye.
For handguns, all I load is cast SWCs in .38Spec. and .45ACP.
So far, I've only shot about 8-900 loaded with it, and it's doing great for me.

[tja6435]

Here is a picture of the can it came in


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I have a full can just like that with 1967 date on it, mine is fine and my dots are way more faded than yours look to be.

[GhostHawk]

I primarily shoot Red Dot powder and I shoot it in everything from .32acp to .444marlin. It does not need a lot for good accuracy.

I shoot a lot of 2, 3, 4.5 gr loads up to 6 or more for .44mag/.45 colt, and up to 13 in the .444marlin although I prefer 6.5 or 10 grains.

[Fast54vw]

I have red dot in the same can and you can’t even make out the red dots anymore

[MT Gianni]

I once looked at Lyman cast manual #3 and #41. Red Dot was the most used powder. I've used it in 32 Long, 32 H&R, 38 special, 9mm, 44 specai, 44 Mag, 45 acp, 45 Colt, 243, 7/30 Waters, 30-30, 308, 3006, 358, and probably a few others that are not easily coming to mind.

[technojock]

I have a 15# cardboard container that must be more than 40 years old. It's down to about 1/4 full and I've been loading it for the last 30+ years. It's more faded than that and still shoots great. Unless you want to send it to me to add to what I have, I suggest you use it up and think of the old man whenever you pull the trigger...

Tony

[Harter66]

I have a can just like that . Except that it's twice that size and probably still has 10# in it the lot is August or September of 1967 . Worked fine in 9mm and 38 .

[pworley1]

It should be fine and you can use it in everything you listed. Enjoy.

[15meter]

Old powder is good powder, in the last week I've used H4227 from a can that didn't have a zip code on it and Bullseye from a quart screw top paint thinner can from the days when a gun shop owner would buy a barrel of powder then break it down into smaller cans (or paper bags) and peddle that.

The Bullseye went through a 70+ year old Colt target revolver into a fat fist sized group @ 25 yards.

Using Winchester 1-1/2 primers from a yellow sleeve. But they were new enough the tray was plastic, not wood.

[John Guedry]

Red Dot is great stuff. As someone just said use it and think of that old gentleman everytime you pull the trigger.