looking for some data using blue dot in the 223 for reduce loads, I know its been covered here but cant find it. My trail boss powder is slowly going down so I don't want to use it in my 223 and since I just picked up 15 pounds a blue dot for reduced loads in the 223 I'll leave the trail boss to the bigger calibers

Your load should be somewhere around 13.6 to 14.0 for 35 and 40 grainers. I run 13.8 and it shoots great.

Seafire should be along any time now with a link to his data, he's done all sorts of voodoo with reduced loads.

He also set me straight with Blue Dot in another case, there's a fill ratio that you can use as a basis. Pour a case full of Blue Dot, dump that into a scale, weigh it. 60 percent of that weight should be close to a top load of Blue Dot.

When converting to Fireball, that rule worked well.

Sounds good something like the ratio for trail boss fill the case up to where the base of the bullet will be, weigh the powder and that's you max load

Anyone else

PM Seafire. I have shot his loads and they are amazing.

Who's this Seafire Character you guys refer to?

I have read that he is the guy the wants to blow everybody up, esp. small children, and women when teaching them how to shoot..

Anyway that's what Hot Core use to say over at "accurate reloading"..
He musta' have tried Blue Dot loads on the sly when no one was looking and blew his own sorry ass up, cuz he hasn't posted there in years..

He's the guy that got Ingwe thinking about 'Bunny Loads'.....

I have also read of this mythical Seafire character, in my search for reduced .223 loads. Please expound upon that info here.

Just some nut in Southern Oregon.

I don't know the guy...


But if any of you can use this, you're more than welcome to copy it....read that it was safe in someone's firearms when tested...
but you know how internet rumors go...


Blue Dot Range Report: 223 Caliber ( Full )

Bullet Weights Tested:
1. 35 grain Hornady V Max
2. 40 grain Hornady Vmax
3. 45 grain Sierra SP
4. 50 grain Sierra SMP
5. 52 grain Sierra Boat Tail Match
6. 55 grain Winchester FMJ

Rifle Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2, VT 26 inch Barrel, Stainless Steel First yr Model

Case: Lake City Surplus, previously fired

Primer: Remington 6 ½

Powder: Blue Dot

Charge Weight Tested: 4 grains to 14 grains.


Weather: Sunny, NO clouds, 80 degrees, NO wind,

Altitude: 2000 ft

Humidity: Very Low


Field Results:


35 grain Hornady V Max:

4 grs: 1284 fps
5 grs: 1488 fps
6 grs: 1862 fps
7 grs: 2163 fps
8 grs: 2392 fps

9 grs: 2636 fps
10 grs: 2722 fps
11 grs: 3076 fps
12 grs: 3205 fps
13 grs: NO Reading
14 grs: 3518 fps



Hornady 40 grain Vmax:

4 grs: 1161 fps
5 grs: 1538 fps
6 grs: 1798 fps
7 grs: 2148 fps

8 grs: 2243 fps
9 grs: 2539 fps
10 grs: 2771 fps
11 grs: 2956 fps

12 grs: 3013 fps
13 grs: 3218 fps
14 grs: 3375 fps


Sierra 45 grain SP

4 grs: 1239 fps
5 grs: 1447 fps
6 grs: 1688 fps
7 grs: 1880 fps

8 grs: 2118 fps
9 grs: 2363 fps
10 grs: 2553 fps
11 grs: 2811 fps

12 grs: 2875 fps
13 grs: 3008 fps
14 grs: 3164 fps


Sierra 50 grains SMP

4 grs: 1064 fps
5 grs: 1345 fps
6 grs: 1624 fps
7 grs: 1788 fps

8 grs: 2033 fps
9 grs: 2257 fps
10 grs: 2466 fps
11 grs: 2655 fps
12 grs: 2779 fps

13 grs: 2882 fps
14 grs: 3038 fps


Sierra 52 grain Boattail Hollow Point Match

4 grs: 1061 fps
5grs: 1460 fps
6 grs: 1632 fps
7 grs: 1916 fps

8 grs: 2142 fps
9 grs: 2225 fps
10 gr: NO Reading
11 grs: 2673 fps

12 grs: 2782 fps
13 grs: 2879 fps
14 grs: 3012 fps


Winchester 55 grain FMJ

4 grs: 896 fps
5 grs: 1264 fps
6 grs: 1568 fps
7 grs: 1825 fps
8 grs: 1994 fps

9 grs: 2201 fps
10 grs: 2328 fps
11 grs: 2453 fps

12 grs: 2677 fps
13 grs: 2821 fps
14 grs: 2915 fps



Notes:

1. IN the evaluation of the 223, I came further to the conclusion of the versatility of the 223 in the use of training new shooters, and for a very versatile varmint caliber.
2. Essentially the 223 can be loaded to the specs of a 22 Long rifle, a 218 Bee, a 221 Fireball, a 222 Remington, a 22 Hornet, and a 22 Win Mag., while allowing the shooter to be able to pick the type of bullet that he prefers.
3. Bullets were limited to use of 35 grains to 55 grains. Heavier bullets will not serve any purpose unless a 223 is to be used for deer hunting. I do not believe that their would be a significant difference in the use of a 55 grain bullet vs a 60 grain bullet.
4. The recoil on the lighter loads using 4 to 6 grains of powder had minimal recoil if any at all. These would be ideal for young shooters being trained.
5. Noise level on the lighter loads ( 4 to 6 grains) were on par with a rim fire. An increase in noise level was very noticeable above 7 grains, but still very acceptable. ( No sounding like a rim fire any more)

Noted Observations:

1. It was noted but not considered part of the testing, with a tree used as a back stop for some of the testing, that all bullets ( 45 to 55 grains)penetrated thru the tree at a distance of 20 yds.
2. The diameter of the tree was measured at 5 inches.
3. The 40 grain Vmax loads failed to penetrate the tree at loads above 10 grs, above 2771 fps. However at 10 grains and less, the bullets penetrated thru the tree and did a large amount of damage ( like turning the wood into tooth picks) on the exit side of the tree. The penetration stopped at the 5 grain load.


Some of the Authors Conclusions:

1. I learned some significant items beyond the versatility of the 223 with the bullets tested, but focusing on its use in the field, got some ideas.
2. A light rifle such as a Winchester Featherweight or Rugers Compact model with a 16.5 inch barrel or the Ultra Light with a 20 inch barrel would make a good combo with the use of Blue Dot.
3. Since the powder is burned cleanly in the first 10 to 12 inches of barrel, the shorter barrels are not handicapping velocity in the lighter shorter rifles.
4. The penetration of the 40 grain Vmax into the tree did make me ponder the use of those plastic tip varmint rounds as potential loads for small deer for youth shooters. Just like my observations in the larger calibers, the plastic tipped bullet seem to do a lot more damage, at velocities under 2700 fps. The Vmax surprised me. This is a decision any shooter will have to test on his own and make their own decisions. I am just passing on that I saw potential merit in the application.
5. Although one has to weigh out the potential of Plastic Tipped Varmint bullets on bigger game like deer and antelope, some of these loads in real life use, utilizing Barnes X bullets in 22 caliber I can recommend. They make a 45 grain, 50 grain and 53 grain bullet. The way I saw much better penetration and more damage in wood, at the lower range velocities, 2200 to 2700 fps, this would make a good deer load in many parts of the USA, and recoil is minimal.


I did not test any bigger bullets as I feel that those tested would be represent the best potential with the powder. 60, 63, 64, 65 grain bullets and then the larger match bullets did not give what I considered useful velocity when I have shot them before with Blue Dot, in respect to their field design uses.








Here is the following info on that range report:
this should help you out.. remember to charge a case and then seat the bullet before going onto the next cartridge, that will eliminate the chance of an accidental double charge.. blue dot is bulky tho.. near max charges will not be a problem...

223 Range Report

Powder: Blue Dot

Bullet: Berger 30 grain HP, Varmint

Rifle Used: Ruger 77 VT

Barrel Length: 26 inches

Primer Used: Winchester Small Rifle

Bullet O.A.L. : 15.55 mms

Cartridge O.A.L. : 57.93 mms


10 grs: 2844 fps

11 grs: 3082 fps

12 grs: 3210 fps

13 grs: 3407 fps

14 grs: 3712 fps

15 grs: 3797 fps

15.5 grs: 3814 fps

16 grs: 3873 fps

16.5 grs: 3957 fps.

Accuracy Potential:
Load of 15 grains of Blue Dot, 30 gr Berger, WSR primer:
5 shot group size@ 100 yds: 0.4260 0.224 bullet diameter = 0.202 group size
Scope: 6.5 x 20 Simmons.. setting at 10 Power.

Personally my max load is 15 grains.. the extra 150 fps between that and 16.5 grains is not much gained..

Again, these are for academic reference only, anyone using these do so at their own risk, as I can not be responsible for other people loading techniques.. these proved to be accurate in my firearms¦

Thanks for posting this again Seafire!
Any chance you could post or send me a Pm with your 243 data?

Also, bluedot is pretty scarce around my area, but I have a bunch of 4198, I seem to remember that it makes some nice reduced loads too, do you have any info for it in the 223?

I'd have to hunt around for my 243 data...

I've got guidelines that I use for my own...

funny you should mention 4198 and the 223...

along the lines of Ingwe's Bunny loads, I've been playing with or working with, creation for a bunch of data results
using 4198, RL 7, 3031, 4895, AR Comp just to name a few..

stuff that will work good for Ingwe's Bunny Loads and also work real well, for me to do a lot of off season shooting, with reduced velocity at 100 yds and smaller targets to simulate longer distances...without wearing out a barrel over the winter...

I have laid in a good supply of Hornady SP bullets, along with some Noslers Varmint stuff from the Pro Shop.. 63gr Varmaggedon SPs...

maybe I'll post some of those results on line here....

the short version on 4198 is...

14 grains with about any grain bullet you want to use, that corresponds with the ability of your twist rate...is accurate enough for small popcan sized varmints...head shots no less...

and 14 grains is not position sensitive with a regular Small Rifle primer...

14 grains will also yield exactly 500 rounds out of a pound of powder....

applies to both Hodgdon and IMR 4198s, and also RL 7 loads...

15 grains of 3031, 4895, AR Comp, RL 10 will also do the same and yield 466 rounds out of a pound of powder...

all giving groups that you can cover with between a quarter to a half dollar ( 50 cent piece) at 100 yds out of a high mileage Remington ADL in 223...

and I've done testing with bullet weights from 40 to 75 grains with these loads.. out of the Rem ADL and the Ruger American Predator...for the bullets requiring a faster twist...

Midway Pistol targets with 4 targets on an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper.. 5 shots per target...

5 sheets of paper and 100 rounds make a leisurely shooting trip to the range...

if I get the time, and get off the laziness... and folks desire to see the results, I might get around to posting target results...

oh and its easy as hell on the brass...

three shots out of the brass, without even having to neck size it, just deprime and reprime...10 shots neck sizing and still not having to bump the shoulder back...

still annealing every 4th shot, just due to habit...

John I loaded up some of your 223 loads with 4198....12.5 grains and a 50 grain bullet and am waiting to try them in the new 'build'...

Thanks Seafire and Ingwe. great info.

I have a small mountain of 55 grain hornady sp bullets and want to get a lower blast, lower recoil load going in the 223 for my son (he is 4 1/2 years old and loves shooting rimfire but wants to shoot the "big guns" too).

Any idea of velocities of the 4198 loads?

If I dust off the old chrony graff and can get out in between rain squalls.. I'll try and toss a few across it and answer that question if you can be patient for the answer...

they're in the neighborhood of between 22 Mag speeds and 30/30 speeds...if that helps out...

the chrony would be specific, but that is ball parking it..

they are more than capable for 150 & to 200 yds if you understand your trajectory...and know how to use a little Kentucky windage...

I tell ya Tom... if they are as accurate as out of my Ruger American Predator, you'll be pleased...

5 shot groups out of it, at 100 yds with the scope on 10 Power, the groups can be covered with a dime if I hold still and a nickel if I am not so still...

yet there is enough velocity there, and the bullet still has enough integrity, that they still do some impressive penetration...

but won't over penetrate to upset Jeff O...

Dude, Ive been shooting that bullet in front of 8.0 grains of Trail Boss...havent clocked it but trajectory says its about 1900fps+ Noise level is that of a .22 mag....



As mentioned, still waiting to try the 4198 loads.

270 Dude....

for the 243 with 4198....

with any bullet weight, start out with 20 grains... and work yourself up to 25 grains...

think you'll find some accuracy and tamed recoil that you'll enjoy...

30 grains with a 100 grain bullet is getting close to max in a 243... so as you can see, with any weight under that, you're not pushing the pressure envelope at all...

yet there is still quite potential ooomph, to drop a deer at grandpa's 30/30 ranges...

You two should get together. You are both pretty darned nice guys and I think you might have a lot in common.

I have used his data/method from 222 to 338 Mag.

Most guns liked it ok to great some did NOT.

I calculated the ratio of volume for the 30-06 to 7.7X58 and then started working up a load in the 7.7.

As it worked out the "exact" ration was most precise load in both calibers.

Thanks, Seafire, I knew you'd come in out of the rain at some point.
Your data pretty much affirms my experience as to where the sweet spot is with BD in the 223, the speed curve really tightens up in that 13,14 grain range.

ttt

Tag for academic research

feel free to rattle my cage on this stuff...

a favorite topic of mine... and pretty much where I spend my off season time.. at the load bench developing and in the field testing on a zillion of Oregon's mini ground grizzlys....

sure is a lot of fun...

Great way to keep your off season trigger finger and shooting eye in tune.. for a nominal cost and easy of the rifle barrel...

Pretty amazing stuff here.

I plagiarizer all of my load data from Schtick...but don't tell anyone...

That is what makes it amazing and awesome...

nothing more, nothing less...

anyone interested in 243 reduced load data?

Bring it all with you on paper if you come to Quemado this summer.

Jeff

Won't be there....

Yes give us some of your 243 load, been using the 223 loads you posted

+2

I used Blue Dot in 243 as well as 223 for quieter short range stuff. Never near these suggested levels though. It works well. Quiet. Effective. Also tried Red Dot in 223, thinking faster = cheaper = more efficient.False economy. You must be extremely cautious reloading shotgun powders in rifle cartridges. It is so easy to double charge a case and blow up your gun (if not your face.) Not at all obvious visually. I did it. Lost a beautiful little Sako - and all confidence in my ability to stay focused, even loading one at a time off a Lyman automatic dispenser. It froze up, flashed an error message and somehow I forgot to dump the shell before starting over. You can space out using regular rifle powders and note your mistake immediately. Reduced loads with shotgun/pistol powders imply additional inherent danger. It may be safe. But Idiot proof yourself first. Be extra careful! PS I now own a 22 mag instead.

Wow. Glad to hear you weren't hurt. I appreciate you sharing with us what happened.

Thanks for all your data Seafire. Every new barrel I have broken in the last couple years was on Blue Dot data from you.In a month I'll be breaking in the most expensive barrel I have ever owned. It will be with your BD data.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/9500631/243_Bluedot_loads#Post9500631

you are more than welcome....

When charging cases I zip through them all using a powder measure, checking every 5th or 10th charge on the scale. Then, before going one step further, I use a pen light and visually inspect the powder level in each case. Then I go back and do it again. If I'm using a particularly light charge I'll do it a third time. I'm not anal about much in this life but of this I am. During almost 50 years of handloading I've never had a wreck due to this procedure...knock on wood!

With blue dot I dump a charge and seat that bullet so I don't double charge. I just picked up 12 cans (6 3\4 pounds) of Trail Boss so will be using that up on my reduced loads, that will give me close to 6000 rounds, should last me awhile

Yes I'm interested in reduced .243 load data.
Thanks so much.
Don

There was a reason Herters sold red & white loading blocks.

here ya got Gentlemen:

Blue Dot Range Report; 243 Winchester

Rifle Used: Winchester Varmint

Barrel Length: 26 inches

Case Used: Remington New

Primer: Fed 210

Max: Capacity: 41.0 grains

Capacity Tested: 8 ( 20%) to 24 grains ( 60%)

1. Bullet : 55 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip OAL: 67.50 mm

8 grs: 1785 fps 13 grs: 2381 fps 18 grs: 2979 fps
9 grs: 1927 fps 14 grs: 2525 fps 19 grs: 3078 fps
10 grs: 2096 fps 15 grs: 2633 fps 20 grs: 3182 fps
11 grs: 2128 fps 16 grs: 2750 fps 21 grs: 3285 fps
12 grs: 2241 fps 17 grs: 2898 fps 22 grs: 3342 fps

23 grs: 3471 fps 24 grs: 3555 fps

Max Is recommended at 22 grains for reliable brass life.


2. Bullet: 60 grain Sierra Hollow Point OAL; 67.50 mm

8grs: 1675 fps 14grs: 2404 fps 20grs: 3047 fps
9grs: 1779 fps 15grs: 2526 fps 21grs: 3159 fps
10grs: 1869 fps 16grs: 2591 fps 22grs: 3227 fps
11 grs: 2018 fps 17grs: 2718 fps
12grs: 2167 fps 18grs: 2809 fps 23grs: 3286 fps
13 grs: 2305 fps 19grs: 2961 fps

Max is recommended at 22 grains for reliable brass life.

3. Bullet: 75 grain Hornady Hollow Point; OAL: 69.50 mm

8 grs: 1279 fps 13 grs: 2082 fps 18grs: 2604 fps
9grs: 1639 fps 14 grs: 2211 fps 19grs: 2704 fps
10grs: 1755 fps 15grs: 2280 fps 20grs: 2761 fps
11grs: 1882 fps 16grs: 2424 fps 21grs: 2798 fps
12grs: 1989 fps 17grs: 2499 fps 22grs: 2958 fps

75 grain Hornady Continued

23 grs: 3016 fps

Max is recommended at 22 grains for reliable brass life.



3. Bullet: 80 grain Winchester SP: OAL: 69.50 mm

8grs: 1340 fps 14grs: 2159 fps 20grs: 2725 fps
9grs: 1578 fps 15grs: 2265 fps 21grs: 2811 fps
10grs: 1696 fps 16grs: 2298 fps 22grs: 2826 fps
11grs: 1894 fps 17grs: 2462 fps 23grs: 2928 fps
12grs: 1928 fps 18grs: 2552 fps
13grs: 2069 fps 19grs: 2665 fps

Max is recommended at 21 grains for reliable brass life


4. Bullet: 87 grain Hornady SP: OAL: 69.60 mm

8grs: 1057 fps 14grs: 2026 fps 20grs: 2580 fps
9grs: 1434 fps 15grs: 2108 fps 21grs: 2652 fps
10grs: 1558 fps 16grs: 2226 fps 22grs: 2741 fps
11grs: 1683 fps 17grs: 2323 fps 23grs: 2782 fps
12grs: 1806 fps 18grs: 2415 fps
13grs: 1898 fps 19grs: 2487 fps

Max is recommended at 22 grains for reliable brass life.
















5. Bullet: 95 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip: OAL: 70.50mm

10grs: 1520 fps 15grs: 2080 fps 20grs: 2514 fps
11grs: 1648 fps 16grs: 2159 fps 21grs: 2601 fps
12grs: 1757 fps 17grs: 2250 fps 22grs: 2693 fps
13grs: 1868 fps 18grs: 2295 fps 23grs: 2740 fps
14grs: 1974 fps 19grs: 2420 fps

Max is recommend at 22 grains for reliable brass life.



6. Bullet: 100 grain Hornady SP; OAL: 69.25 mm

11grs: 1575 fps 16grs: 2113 fps 21grs: 2512 fps
12grs: 1724 fps 17grs: 2207 fps 22grs: 2581 fps
13grs: 1828 fps 18grs: 2299 fps
14grs: 1927 fps 19grs: 2365 fps
15grs: 2019 fps 20grs: 2438 fps

Max is recommended at 21 grains for reliable brass life.


7. Bullet: 105 grain Speer SP; OAL: 70.50 mm

10grs: 1270 fps 16grs: 2050 fps 22grs: 2561 fps
11grs: 1521 fps 17grs: 2142 fps
12grs: 1668 fps 18grs: 2239 fps
13grs: 1757 fps 19grs; 2311 fps
14grs: 1837 fps 20grs: 2412 fps
15grs: 1928 fps 21grs: 2483 fps

Max is recommended at 22 grains for reliable brass life.













Conclusions:

1. I consider the 243 much more versatile for a first rifle using these loads than starting a younger shooter out on a 223 or 22/250. It will duplicate the other two rounds, plus has the ability to handle a heavier bullet while still giving mild recoil characteristics.
2. The 243 offers a wide variety of bullets from 55 grain to 105 grain for hunting, and even 107 and 115 grain bullets for long range target shooting and competition.
3. Some bullets that are lighter than other bullets reach max pressure signs at lower powder charges, than a few heavier bullets. This is caused by the load bearing surface of the bullet.

Observations:

1. Contrary to what is usually seen, or expected: In using trees about 8 inches in diameter as backstops, I noticed that in the 2200 to 2800 fps range, most of the varmint bullets were actually penetrating thru the trees completely. Since they are suppose to be fragile for varmint applications, I did not expect to see this. However It was observed in the 55 grain Ballistic Tip, the 60 grain Sierra Hollow Point and the 75 grain Hornady Hollow Point.
2. Therefore it is my PERSONAL conclusion that these bullets might be considered as potential bullets on deer sized game in parts of the country where deer only get to be Antelope sized animals.
3. If this is done, the results are strictly the responsibility of the handloader and shooter. IN the 2200 to 2800 fps range, the rear core is staying intact and not exploding like is advertised a varmint bullet should do. Over this speed the bullet is performing in the explosive manner as designed.
4. I got input from other shooters on an internet forum asking about their experience with this bullet, there were some successes, some failures, and many recommendations for a larger bullet. However, if someone desires to use these varmint style bullets, I advise testing them yourself and analyse your results before deciding to use them.

As always, work your loads up from a point long before listed maximum.

I hope that this information is useful in teaching new and young shooters how to shoot properly and safely. Recoil will be substantially less than typical factory loads. This should assist in accurate shot placement by the shooter.

Cheers and Good shooting
Seafire, May 2004

Thank you, Seafire.

Thank you, Seafire
Your efforts are appreciated.
Don

my pleasure gentlemen.....

use proper loading technique to not accidentally doing a double charge....

I'm probably going to do a follow up with using IMR 4198 in the 243.... once the weather cooperates...

I used Seafire 223 blue dot loads and they work very well. Trail Boss is more accurate out of my rifle and I have 12 cans of Trail Boss so I'll use that till I run out of it. But its good to have something to fall back on when I do run out. Blue Dot shoots around 3/4" @ 100 yards where Trail Boss will hold around 3/8" group. With 8.0grs of Trail Boss and sighted in @ 50 yards it prints 2" low @ 100 with a Sierra 55gr HPBT GameKing bullet out of a Savage Axis with a chopped off 18" barrel. Don't know the fps, as this is my squirrel rifle and dont really care.

Going to try Trail Boss and Blue Dot in a 243 this week, have a very good supply of Sierra 85gr HPBT

As a another option , I use 12.5 grs. of unique with 55 gr Nosler shots bullets for a reduced load in .243. It Gives about 2500 fps and is the most accurate load in my rifle. I used it to shot some pd's out to 250 yds yesterday.

It's crazy how accurate reduce loads are.

I've played with Unique some....but haven't seen any, in like since shortly after the Afro Ghetto Wonder because our HSIC....

its got versatility also...Have loaded it for kids.. most notable, is 22 grains of Unique with a 150 grain bullet in a 300 Win Mag, will turn it into a 30/30 clone.. right at 2000 fps...

got that one out of a Lyman Cast Bullet manual...

I'll have to try that 12.5 grains in a 243 load...

I love playing with this stuff, as it is fun and also allows a lot of trigger time, without wearing out your rifle barrel...helps ya being a much better shooter come deer season.. especially if the shooter has been volume shooting at small varmints...

Funny you should mention the .300 win mag, I was also shooting some 36 gr Barnes varmint Grenades in Eabco sabots with 25 gr of unique behind them this weekend. The results were inconclusive at this point. The ones that went straight were in a nice group, the rest keyholed and were a foot out of group.

I have some data for Alliant STEEL Shotgun Powder and .223, 243, and 30.06.
These loads were safe in my guns, your mileage may vary





These loads were safe in my guns, your mileage may vary

Some .243 with Alliant STEEL Shotgun Powder.










These loads were safe in my guns, your mileage may vary

30.06 with Alliant STEEL Shotgun powder.










These loads were safe in my guns, your mileage may vary

Thanks Lane....

Those look like some fun utility loads...

a four pounder or two of Steel looks like it would be a good thing for our varmint season out this way...

I think I only have a pound or two of it...sadly

tag.

Tag for later

I run 12/Blue Dot w/53 V max.....nice around the house popper...223

quiet & still kills schidt dead right now.......

FWIW..9/Blue Dot...300 BLK...RARR.....110 Nozler or V max

thanx....... M R - S E A F I R E !

I tried Steel not so good for my rifle, BlueDot and Trail Boss 2 thumbs up, ran across some OLD HS-7 CHEAP went back and bought the rest 10.00 per pound every bit as accurate as BlueDot and Trail boss and just as mild took a leap of faith but it works, TiteGroup is next

Try the load JB turned me on to. 12.5 grains IMR4198 and your choice of 50-55 grain bullet.

It is my "go to" load since this thread was started..a few hundred dead gophers can't be wrong!

Well since it raining guess I'll roll up some IMR 4198 today too, Thanks ingwe

Wow. With those reduced .223 loads, you could use a .223 for everything you'd use a .22lr on up to full throttle .223.

And they are normally very accurate. My reduced loads produce 22 mag velocities, and better accuracy. Pleasant to shoot, no hearing protection, and don't heat the barrel up in prolonged shooting near as bad.

Tag. Maybe someday.

Seafire, I'm wondering how close a fit Universal is to Unique in the 243 Win with jacketed bullets? Or, comparison to BD? I'm about to open a new 8# jug for my 357 handguns and Marlin 1894, but they only see lead. Universal is readily available.

Stan, I have to admit, never playing with Universal...

Shotgun powders locally are hit and miss on a consistent basis...

but there are a lot of options out there, and I haven't had the time to play with them all..

so my apologies about not being able to answer your question...

No problemo!

TY

That's the beauty of it. Plus, lower barrel heat, less recoil, less noise, less wear & tear on my body and excellent accuracy. In good dog shooting I go thru 100 rounds in 30-40 minutes.

Tag

Ok, walked into one of my favorite gun shops and found Blue Dot. Bought 2lbs and loaded 40 of these new Fiochi primed 243's highlighted on a thread 2 weeks ago. Dropped 15 grs of Blue Dot and stuck 55gr Nosler Shots on top. Will find out Sunday (weather permitting) how these things shoot.

Thanks Seafire!!!!!

My pleasure Gentlemen....

anyone looking for Blue Dot loads for a 338 Win Mag?


Makes a very effective prairie dog round....

Don't exceed 22 grains of Blue Dot in a 243...just a reminder...

22 grains with a 95 grain Ballistic Tip will yield about 2600 fps.... maybe a little more...

And these Fiocchi 243 brass are heavy-- at about 184g with primer. The volume will be less because of it. pressures will be a bit higher than Rem or Win brass

22 grains won't happen. I'm loading for an 8 year old girl and her 10 year old brother to shoot out of a compact Ruger, 16" barrel with these 55gr Noslers. Cheap bullet by the 1000. If they have any accuracy at all I'll stay with this 15gr BD load.

That Fiochi 243 brass is very nice.

tag

The kids loved 15 grs of Blue Dot and 13 grs of Blue Dot with 55gr Nosler SHOTS. Ringing steel at 100 yds.

“Pre-expanded”😊

your Quoter must have been stuttering...

to quote Sgt Schultz...at Stalag 13...

" i know Nutthing...Weiss ich nicht!"

Could I use the top loadings of Blue Dot as starting loads for my 22-250? Would it be possible to make use of 60 grain bullets this way?

Max load would be 19 grains in the 22.250, with any bullet weight from 60 on down..

60 is the max bullet weight I tested the 22.250 with....

Still work up just in case that is a little different for your rifle...

Probably start and stick with 16 grains.

That load will present zero issues... unless double charged of course...but you
are a guy I know, who knows what he is doing...

its the guys who think they can turn their rounds into some sort of super magnum with Blue Dot...
that worry me... believe me, I've gotten enough PMs on the subject...

like one recent one... "Can I expect 3300 fps, with a 75 grain HP out of a 223, in my AR?"

yeah, for one shot.....then get a face lift and a new AR....

I just need 2600 fps or so if that. I may worknow up a bit if accuracy isn't there but
this rifle seems to shoot everything well. How fast is 16 grains of blue dot getting?

Well I finally got around to testing Blue Dot in my 22-250. I was going to use some bulk 60 gr. Hornady HP's I had but decided to try the Speer 45 gr. sp. I started with 16 grains and magnum CCI primers since that seemed to be the right thing to do. Accuracy was usable a bit over an inch. I thought maybe a standard primer might be a better choice and loaded up with the CCI 200. Now if it's not windy 3 in a hole is possible. I have found my new egg shoot load, can't wait for Easter!