.40SW and REDDOT

[bigchinner]

So, I expanded my original thread about .38 special loads to this thread because there were a few responses about REDDOT and .40sw. Eventhough, some had commented and I myself read something about Reddot not being great with higher grain .40 caliber bulletheads, my 180grn RNFP were fine. I loaded in the 4.1 to 4.2 range and they seemed a little hot. I shot about 25 rounds from a G23 at 7 and 15 yrds. indoors. They were respectable but I think a little on the "hotter" side. I don't have a chrono so I'm estimating. No extra smoke; all the powder burned, and the recoil was controllable. I loaded a few more with 4.0 and 3.8 to 3.9 of RED so we'll see how it goes in a week or two when I get to shoot again. Thoughts?

[rsrocket1]

4.0g Red Dot is an excellent target load with Lee 401-175-TC PC loaded to 1.10" COL. The bullets are 180g and I get 950-960 fps out of my 4.25" M&P 40. QL says about 26 kpsi with that load. Extremely clean load. Loaded to 1.135", I'll lose about 50 fps. I have worked down to 2.7g Red Dot. 3.0g is about the lowest I'll go regularly. At that load the gun feels just like a 9mm.

I had no need to try going any higher because I have lots of powders that can safely drive the bullet faster than Red Dot without getting into the dangerous pressure zone.

[robert101]

For my 40 S&W loads I use Unique, Bullseye and sometimes BlueDot. It depends on my supplies. I typically use lower power loads and enjoy practicing more this way. Just look at your book load data and draw your own conclusions. I'm trying on purpose to steer you away from getting data from the internet. I too find opinions here very reliable but sometimes we need to pick our own path as well. I did look in my manuals and don't see a lot of options for RedDot. Maybe this is for good reason.

[kalapa]

Red Dot is a fast burning powder. Awesome for 9mm with a lighter, faster bullet. I personally don't load 40 but if I did I'd go with something a bit slower burning like Unique or 231.

[bigchinner]

I used 3 different sources and they all started the same at 4.5 so reduced starting to 4.1. They are a little snappy so I loaded some 3.7 to 3.9. Wish me luck. Thanks all.

[rsrocket1]

The 2004 Alliant reloading manual has one load for Red Dot with a 180g 40 S&W bullet. 5.0g 1.125" COL 980 fps 34,000 psi. I think that's way too hot for that powder and I think you are smarter to go with the loads you are testing. If they shoot well, stick to it. No need to go hotter.

[bigchinner]

Thanks guys and by the way, I loaded up some 150 grn Sierra JHP with REd DOT. They look great but I'll have to find time to shoot outdoors on something like squash or oranges or at least some plastic water jugs. They look great for home defense too. These are what I load my G23 with when I'm out in the desert or woods.

[tanks]

Thanks guys and by the way, I loaded up some 150 grn Sierra JHP with REd DOT. ...They look great for home defense too. ....

There are various viewpoints in NOT using reloads for HD. Here is one:

http://www.gundigest.com/gun-blogs/books/handloads-not-a-good-idea-for-concealed-carry

[bigchinner]

Thanks tanks. I thought about a similar situation but malice or intent to cause harm would not be the intent, just self-preservation. However, Massad makes sense.