with varminting season getting here, I get the usual Blue Dot 223 requests start rolling in again..

so from previous years...here ya all go again for those that desire it... have fun

Per requests:

This is for academic reference only and no claims are made...

Disclaimer:
use at your own risks... remember to work up if you do use any of these loads... and they only proved to be safe in the rifles I own... not making any inferences otherwise..


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 Author’s 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 handicappiing 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’s 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.

Updated Feb 2008

cheers
seafire



Posted 08 February 2008 12:10 PM 08 February 2008 23:10 Hide Post
quote:
Originally posted by 221Fireball:
Seafire2.

How much Blue Dot are you using with the 30 Berger in the 223?


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’s loading techniques.. these proved to be accurate in my firearms…

seafire
feb 2008

W O W !.....

thx again ..........

I'm gonna print it this time. Thanks Seafire

Almost ready for some 17- 22/250 loads John....

Are you going to post any 243 win blue dot loads?

Czech... I just have to locate them... I know they are around here somewhere.. when my hard drive had to get
reformated.. I've been looking for stuff for the last 3 or 4 years....

It would be appreciated if you can find it.

A little Google Search....

This ought to take care of what you're looking for...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is for academic purposes only, as I can only verify this data is safe in my rifles.. so if you use it, it is at your own risk...

this is dedicated to member "Ruger # 1".. as it was per his request...

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

This data is also applicable for the 6mm Rem.. or close enough for "government work"....and yes, I have tested it in a 6mm Rem also...

Tag. thank you Seafire

The dude abides.

Seafire, I thank you for tainting me, and Alliant thanks you too!!! Now my first thought with a new barrel or new cartridge is how will it shoot with BlueDot.... found almost every cartridge I have tried it in did not disappoint UNTIL I tried 130 grain polymer coated cast bullets in a 308 Win 50% charge in a indoor range did not shoot real well but made some SMOKE filled the whole room I'm not disappointed but the other guys were

13 gr Bluedot and a 50 Vmax is skookum.

Tag

Darn, just looked for it and was going to send it just to save a bunch of searching.

I usually test my bullets up and down the velocity scale to be certain I understand what they will do at both maximum velocity and where the bottom is for reliable expansion. Getting into minimum velocities requires either changing powders or shooting at much longer range which makes my chrony nervous. These loads which I have used for some years now are a safe way to hit those bottom end numbers and get a real test of the bullet at a known velocity.

The lightest bullets are a lot of fun in .223 and.243. Those really fragile bullets are useful for small varmints where you want no ricochets and in middle size varmints they almost never exit when they are moving past a given speed for the bullet. That's also handy if you want the hide.

just loaded a 100 rd pack.......used 12 grs with a 55 SBK.......

Just got finished loading up 50 rounds of 40 grain Varmaggedons and 50 rounds of 50 grain Hornady SPs..

Charge was 14 grains of Blue Dot...going over to the range today and sight in a Howa Mini Action in 223.
Figure that will be a handy walking rifle....

Was doing so when I needed a break on doing my son's Taxes for him tonight...

Then my wife's is for this coming evening...so will probably need to reload those I shoot today...

ya know I have come to the conclusion, tax collecting is just like Mafia guys doing a shake down of
businesses and people, with "Protection" money....

ya know, if you pay them a lot of money.. then they will leave your family and you alone for a while
until they want to shake you down for more money...

its illegal for the Mafia to pull that crap.. but perfectly alright for the Feds and the State Government to
do it to the public...

We have a lot of dope smoking lazy welfare abusers and drug addict transients the democRATS want to
support so they can expect their votes when they need them...

I hope tax people get reincarnated to sage rats and prairie dogs...

Thx Seafire

I used your data as a basis for my Blue Dot 8.2 grain and 50 grain Midway Dogtown SP (Nosler?) load in my 223 and get just under 2200 fps and about 1/2" at 50 yards.

Seafire- You mentioned in the past when BD was hard to find that you were looking at some other powders to replicate the BD loads. Did you ever get around to testing them like you have BD?

yeah, but then Blue Dot isn't hard to find now...

but a cast bullet manual is a good source...

I've played with Unique, 4198 moreso for low velocity loads...re Ingwe's Bunny loads came from me..
3031, 2400, my sadly discontinued favorite SR 4759.... 4227...RL 7....

IMR's Blue was a disappointment, at least in Small Rifle use...due to lack of consistency and accuracy...
suffered pressure spikes...

I have done very well with HS-7 it is way discontinued but at 5.00 a pound I could not say no, a little faith and a lot of research loads run 1 grain more than blue dot, I did try RedDot and Steel did not get good results, But as Seafire said there is no shortage now

Seafire I just saw you had posted the 243win loads. Thank you very much.

I’ve used the lighter loads for grandkids, they love shooting them!!

Thanks

13-15 grs of Blue Dot in a 243 Win with 55gr SHOTS from Nosler are a kid's favorite! And ladies, too.

Bringing this up again with a question. Do you weigh each charge? Use a measure or a dipper?

5.0.5 Scale and Lee Powder dippers and yeah, I weigh each charge...

Reloading is kind of a stress reducing activity for me...I almost enjoy reloading more than shooting...

I can reload any time... to get to go over to the range, I have to steal the time, playing hooky....
and then I seem to get over there when there are a bunch of guys my age doing the same thing...
Some of these guys get real competitive and selfish, not wanting to have to share a range.,, or act like " I was here first" schitt...

I reload at times like 2 in the morning when I can't sleep, or a Saturday afternoon when its raining.
So yeah I weigh each charge.....

Well I am finally shifting from IMR 4227 to the Blue Dot I picked up a while back. With 4227 I could use the dipper squared off with a straight edge and get charges that were very consistent. Blue Dot in my early testing has shown more variation with this method. However I usually use a dipper either a LEE or one I made out of cartridge brass dumped into the pan of a scale and topped up to hit the desired weight. I have in my back yard a 150 yard range split up in three distances and often work up loads using the same 5 pieces of brass. Heck I just bought a Remington Model 7 in 223 and 1000 Speer 45 gr. semi points to help me burn the Blue dot up. Hope it serves me as well as it has you.

^^^^

What kind of accuracy are you getting ?

so is 13 gr Blue Dot and a Speer 50 grain TNT....turns a sage rat, into sage rat parts and sage rat jerky...

coyotes love that sage rat jerky stuff... as do the Seagulls over in Klamath County.

Just a thought
Big game section has sticky section of loads at the top
Why can't we get a sticky hear with all seafires bluedot
Loads at the top for every one to use

Yeah why not? I search Blue Dot every year just to bring it back before it hits the one year barrier.

Thanks for posting that load data.

My first rifle reloads were made with shotgun powder at the age of about 14.
The procedure went like this, drill a hole in a 2x4 just a little smaller than the base of the cartridge to be reloaded.
Take a 16 penny nail and grind it down so it can be used to decap the primer.
Decap the primer.
Place cartridge on flat smooth wood surface and tap cartridge gently down onto new primer using another 2x4 as a mallet.
Add required amount of shotgun powder. I used rolled up paper as a funnel, I don’t remember for sure how I measured
the powder or which powder was used.
Press edge of case neck against hard surface and flatten a small area of the case neck, this will provide some neck
Tension when you push the bullet in.
Load cartridge carefully and not from the magazine.

I loaded 100 grain Hollow points in a 270 and used them for gophers and plinking. For a kid out in the country with very limited
Resources this was much fun.

Great info. Thanks again.

+1

That’s a great idea, but historically there has been so much opposition to the use of BlueDot in reduced rifle loads that the backlash may be be more trouble than it’s worth. I use BD in almost a dozen chamberings, it gives great performance as long as you are careful. But then, that applies to all reloading doesn’t it?


.

There is no problem with Blue Dot... as any powder it has its limitations and performance envelope...
that I find useful for what I am doing with it... and desire...

any problems loading Blue Dot is normally the same reason as problems with any other powder:
Operator Error.....some one not knowing good loading techniques and applying them...

or the old trying to make a 30/06 into a 300 Win Mag mindset.

but I've always posted... if ya don't know what you are doing... walk away and buy store bought ammo.

Be Alert- Publisher cannot accept responsibility for error in published load data. Listed loads are only valid in the test firearms used. Reduce initial powder charge by 10% and work up while watching for pressure signs.

IOW, use data at your own risk

Thanks Seafire,

The bluedot loads are entertaining and effective.

I shoot the 22-250s more than the 223s but I copied your bluedot notes on those as well!

I was shooting at the local range last fall and a buddy wondered what I was working on.

62gr TTSX in 22-250 and Superformance for antelope and Bluedot loads with 35 and 40 gr bullets....he looked at me like I was from outer space..

It's not all your fault but you got most of the blame!

Tried 13grs and 50gr Varmint Nightmares in a RAR 223 this AM. Worked very well.

Not your "normal" varmint rifle, but I used Seafire's BD data on my 358 Win.

158 gr Hornady XTP pistol bullet
WLR primer

I tried 10-20 gr, just to get velocities, but
14 gr of Blue Dot was a little over 1400 fps
18 gr was a little over 1800 fps and both of these shot under 1" @ 100 yards and had very little recoil.

That sounds like a lot of fun Redgun.

How many of you have used the Blue Dot loads for game....ie...Deer or Pigs?

I ask because I am dancing with a 26" .223 bolt gun and love it so far.....

What distance?
What bullet?
How far would you stretch your shots on game of that size?

Thanks

Heavy

PM sent....

PM's are starting to float in, so thought I'd send this to the top again for this season...

You da man! And, thank you.

I just loaded 50 of my favorite 223 loads. I load 10grs blue dot with 50 hornady spsx with rem 7 1/2 benchrest primers in LC brass. Have shot these for years, since I first saw seafires workup using blue dot.
Have used it on groundhogs out to 200 yards and works well. I like just using them to target shoot and woods walking.

Blue Dot is the fo-shizzle, bruddahs!

I’ve been using blue dot for 10 years now for 223 and 22-250. Seafire gave me some data for the 260 Rem a few years ago. 100gr bullets out of my very heavy 28” barrel is like shooting a 223. Bonus is it stacks them. I really should kill a deer with one of these loads just to say I did.

TAG

Chemo has been a world of surprises. It's been 6 months, but the surprises keep coming. I was shuffling through my powder larder yesterday. There was a pound of Blue Dot in the back, unopened.

WT?

I had no recollection of ever loading with Blue Dot. I looked through all my pistol loads-- nada. I started using Google-Fu (actually it's Duck-Duck-Fu now) and eventually found a mention of Blue Dot being used for reduced rifle loads. Half an hour later, I'm sitting here.

I must have been reading this, or another Seafire post, and thought "I gotta get some of that magic stuff." The memory is gone, wiped clean with the bug juice back in June.

260madman, Any chance of sharing your 22-250 load? Mine is a 14 twist so I'm stuck with 50s.

Not 260 Madman... but will this work out?

Blue Dot Range Report: 22/250

Firearm Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2

Barrel: 22 inch sporter weight

Case: Remington

Range Tested: 7 grains to 20 grains. 20 % ( 6.6 grains) 60 % ( 19.8 grains)

Full Case Capacity to Rim: 33 grains/

Bullets Used in Test:
46 Win HP, 50 Hornady SP, 52 Sierra HP Match, 55 Win FMJ, 60 Hornady SP
63 Sierra SMP


Test Results:

I. 46 grain Winchester Hollow Point, Win Large Pistol Primer

1. 7 grs: 1721 fps
2. 8 grs: 1895 fps
3. 9 grs: 2095 fps
4. 10 grs: 2264 fps
5. 11 grs: 2390 fps

6. 12 grs: 2537 fps
7. 13 grs: 2675 fps
8. 14 grs: 2781 fps
9. 15 grs: NO Reading
10. 16 grs: 3063 fps

11. 17 grs: 3177 fps
12. 18 grs: 3274 fps
13. 19 grs: 3388 fps ( Consider Max)
14. 20 grs: 3440 fps ( Extractor Mark, Scrapped Case)

II. 50 grain Hornady SP, Win Large Rifle Primer

1. 7 grs: 1722 fps
2. 8 grs: 1911 fps
3. 9 grs: 2057 fps
4. 10 grs: 2206 fps
5. 11 grs: 2328 fps

6. 12 grs: 2473 fps
7. 13 grs: 2627 fps
8. 14 grs: 2729 fps
9. 15 grs: 2856 fps
10. 16 grs: 2940 fps

11. 17 grs: 3116 fps
12. 18 grs: 3181 fps
13. 19 grs: 3271 fps
14. 20 grs: 3354 fps

With this bullet, all the way to 20 grains was reached ( 60%). However, I would recommend max being set at 19 grains or less.


III Sierra 52 grain Hollow Point Match Win Large Pistol Primer

1. 7 grs: 1676 fps
2. 8 grs: 1841 fps
3. 9 grs: 1998 fps
4. 10 grs: 2127 fps
5. 11 grs: 2311 fps

6. 12 grs: 2416 fps
7. 13 grs: 2551 fps
8. 14 grs: No Read
9. 15 grs: 2795 fps
10. 16 grs: 2935 fps

11. 17 grs: 3029 fps
12. 18 grs: 3127 fps
13. 19 grs: 3252 fps
14. 20 grs: 3297 fps

This bullet also reached the 20 grains mark ( 60 %) . However once again I recommend max being set at 19 grains or less.


IV Winchester 55 gr FMJ, Win Large Pistol Primer

1. 7grs: 1636 fps
2. 8 grs: 1800 fps
3. 9 grs: 1986 fps
4. 10 grs: 2126 fps
5. 11 grs: 2247 fps

6. 12 grs: 2392 fps
7. 13 grs: 2504 fps
8. 14 grs: 2631 fps
9. 15 grs: 2738 fps
10. 16 grs: 2872 fps

11. 17 grs: 3003 fps
12. 18 grs: 3095 fps
13. 19 grs: 3203 fps
14. 20 grs: 3250 fps

As again Noted, this bullet also achieved reaching the 20 grain Mark ( 60%). However once again I recommend max capacity at 19 grains or less.


V. Hornady 60 grain SP, Win Mag Rifle Primer

1. 7 grs: 1587 fps
2. 8 grs: 1769 fps
3. 9 grs: 1901 fps
4. 10 grs: 2034 fps
5. 11 grs: 2162 fps

6. 12 grs: 2290 fps
7. 13 grs: 2406 fps
8. 14 grs: 2489 fps
9. 15 grs: 2618 fps
10. 16 grs: 2735 fps

11. 17 grs: 2832 fps
12. 18 grs: 2832 fps
13. 19 grs: 3058 fps ( considered max)
14. 20 grs: 3119 fps ( primer leaked, extractor marks, scrapped case)

Max was achieved at 19 grains. Recommend Max load at 19 grains or less.
Based on tree used as back stop, which had a 6 inch diameter to it, bullets at 15 grains of powder and up were penetrating the tree completely. Based on this I would recommend this point as a potential deer load for youths, keeping range within 100 to 125 yds or so ( 30/30 range). The 63 grain Sierra SMP showed a lot more damage to the tree than did the Hornady, and at a much lower velocity. Use on deer is the personal choice of the shooter or adult. Some argue against 22 Center fire on deer and others are just fine with it. Key is shot placement and range limitation. I am just reporting damage to media, and penetration that I am passing on to the reader.



VI. Sierra 63 grain Semi Pointed ( SMP) Win Mag Rifle Primer

1. 7 grs: 1455 fps
2. 8 grs: 1607 fps
3. 9 grs: 1848 fps
4. 10 grs: 1860 fps
5. 11 grs: 2034 fps

6. 12 grs: 2176 fps
7. 13 grs: 2327 fps
8. 14 grs: 2443 fps
9. 15 grs: 2578 fps
10. 16 grs: 2668 fps

11. 17 grs: 2787 fps
12. 18 grs: 2850 fps
13. 19 grs: 2958 fps ( Consider Maximum!, NO problems observed)
14. 20 grs: 2982 fps ( Popped primer, jammed bolt)


Conclusions:

For training and starting out a youth, I consider the 22/250 a better first choice to start out with, based on the test results as compared to a 223. The 223 has the economy of cheaper brass, but the 22/250 I thought offered more flexibility by being able to achieve higher velocities with heavier bullets than the 223 achieves.

For training of youths to deer hunt, the 63 grain bullet offered a lot of promise of everything tested. Results for a 64 grain Winchester would be close to the same, just recommend working up. Start looking for max with 18 grains or so. As one can see, the increase in fps is not that much, and would make no real world difference, as I consider that 200 yds would be max range. I also feel that training a youth not to take shots over that distance is a responsible habit for an adult to teach younger shooters. Let them learn with experience and practice to learn to shoot at longer ranges.

The 22/250 can be loaded down to levels that are between a 22 Long Rifle and a 22 Mag.
The recoil is very low, but also so is the noise at these levels. Especially the 10 grain loads and under. It can also be enjoyable for an adult. My own 22 mags are going to get dusty, as these loads are not only cheaper to shoot, but are more accurate� plus one can have a bullet of his choice instead of what the factory picks to load. At the lower volumes, such as 7 grains and up, these can also make a very satisfactory load for Squirrel hunting, or similar sized game at appropriate ranges. Consult a trajectory chart in some of the commercially available reload manuals. Even at 2000 fps or under, these would make good loads for calling coyotes if you can bring them in at 100 yds or so.
Game bullets would have the punch to drop a coyote at those velocities.

Important Notes:

These loads were tested in cool weather, moist outside and around the 55 to 60 degree ranges. Work up if the higher loads near max are to be used in hot weather.

Bullets were seated out to the magazine length in the Ruger. If your rifle has a tight neck, or a shorter chamber ( Rugers are generous) then work up your loads. Also seating bullets deeper can increase pressures.

Remember Blue Dot is a faster powder. However no filler is needed and I have tested it down to just 10 % of load capacity ( 3.3 grains and it worked just fine). It is not powder position sensitive in the case either.

This data represents data that I have observed. It is shared as a point of reference.
Outcomes are the responsibility of each handloader, who should be careful in his work.

The 22/250 showed me a lot of flexibility here, moreso than the 223 even.
It would be my pick as a better choice for a first rifle for a youth, utilizing this gathered test data.

Thanks a million Seafire.

Seafire,

Hi John.... hey, is there any reason to be primer specific while using your BD .223 loads?

I see where guys are using whatever primers they have on hand and I'd like to do the same - saving my 7 1/2's for the .204.

I saw reference to using small pistol primers, even...

I have on hand:
Rem 6.5, 7.5
CCI 450 and sm pistol
Wolf sm rifle

Are they all appropriate to use for mid range BD loads in .223?

Certainly Alan....they are no picky at all... Under Obummer when all we could find in the Rogue Valley here were small pistol primers, that is what I was mainly using...and developed those loads under...

Blue Dot isn't real finicky, hence about any good or cheesy primer will work...especially in the mid range load data...

anyone of them will wack a sage rat to 200 yds with no problem and minimal scope adjustment

Perfect and thanks 👍

I wasn’t finding any BD, but a long time friend gifted me a half a pound of it that he would never use!
I’m in business 😎

I'm getting low on Blue Dot Myself... I'm down to like 12 or 13 pounds of it...

Been supplimenting some of my loads with Unique instead...9 grain loads give me 777.7 rounds per pound...the right scope and its minute of ground squirrel to 200 yds, easily...

Somewhat related, I've been working up three loads simultaneously for a Sako full stock 22-250 and 55 grain Nosler ballistic tips.. 3700 fps loads using RL15, what I call medium loads using 26 grains H4895, and small game loads using Bullseye.

Sighted 2 1/2" high @ 100 with the hot load for a 300 yard zero brings the medium load almost dead on at 100, and the Bullseye load about an inch low at 30 yards, which is useful for small game. Accuracy stellar with all three loads, but the bullseye loads stack bullets in the same hole at 30 yards.

Interesting results with the Bullseye load. Worked up to 5 grains with the same 55 grain Nosler ballistic tip as the more standard loads used and wouldn't spin the bullet fast enough to stabilize. Dropped down to a 40 grain ballistic tip and 5.2, 5.5, and 5.7 grains of bullseye and all shot in the same hole, about 45 caliber, at 30 yards.
So this one rifle serves three purposes and shoots all loads very, very well.

Thanks Fireball. What would be your effective range with the bullseye load & a 40 grain bullet?

Seafire, Do you have any Bluedot load information for 6.5 Grendel? Thanks for all the info you give.

Well, I guess that depends on the size of the elephant and how far you want to track him. LOL

I haven't chronographed the load but as I said, it's intended to be a small game load, so I was content with 30 yard results. I do have to aim slightly left with the bullseye load at 30 yards to make the medium and full power loads hit right at 100 yards. Not much, but a little. I may tweak the load some more in an effort to achieve nirvana but am happy with the results as is. I wouldn't hesitate to fire it 100 yards but have not done so as of yet.

Thanks. I was curious to know if you liked the load out to 100 yards or so.

Yeah, there is an active thread on the Big Game reloading forum above....

see post 11531474....

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...ndel-and-blue-dot-load-data#Post15531474

Thanks Seafire
I appreciate it.

Happy to Help out !

Posting out of curiosity, but at one time Blue Dot was considered to be temperature sensitive in colder weather. I use Blue Dot mostly for .357 125-140 grain loadings, but since an article back in the 70's by a well known writer for Shooting Times that did alot of testing in cold weather (chronograph and all), he noticed varied fps with same loadings shot in warmer weather. I've read a few other articles also over the years advising also of BD's cold weather sensitivity. I didn't notice any mention of BD's being temp sensitive in any of the posts unless I missed it.

Maybe Alliant has changed its chemical formula over the years since that, but I noticed most of the posts on this thread are from warm weather areas of the US. I still use BD for revolver loads, have thought of using it for reduced rifle loads over the years, but have 5-6 powders I'm already using. I've gotten to using some of the powders considered non-temp sensitive anymore for cold weather shooting and for my winter coyote loadings in .223 and 250 Savage. Varget is very accurate and deadly. Just wondering! I did check Aliant's website and they make no claim about it being temp sensitive as with some of their other powders.

Savage 94C:

I've done a lot of work with Blue Dot... I moved to Oregon in 1995 from Minnesota. I have a rep on the campfire for expanding the number of calibers I've tested and used it in...

for use on the 223 or 22.250, I've used it here in Oregon, and several other western states in temps from about 20 degrees, to up over a 100 degrees.
for the latter temps, I usually from the max load down a grain... but I've never had a problem with running it at my max listed loads.

Spending 15 years in Minnesota, I'm familiar with the temps you can be out in, during winter months.

so I can verify its use to 20 degrees on a regular basis.. but down to zero or 10 below or more.. afraid I can't honestly give you any info when it gets down to those type of temps...

I'd go test them for ya, if I could embrace temps like that, but I'd have to go 300 plus miles inland ( east bound) to hit temps to test it at Upper Midwest temps in the dead of winter...only really one way to find out....

maybe someone who lives in those temps in winter, while chime in and let us know how they worked at lower than 20 degrees... even down below zero...

Thank you for the reply Seafire.

Years ago Rocky Raab had Blue Dot loads listed for his 22 Hornet on his web site.

I used some of his research and posts on his web site for the hornet, as a template for figuring out Blue Dot loads for my 17 Fireball...