Short Ten Blue Dot Load: Test Results
 

I just received test results for a new Blue Dot waterfowl load (using 1 3/8 oz. of bismuth). The components are: (1) a 10 gauge Remington (green) hull (cut to 2 7/8''); (2) a CCI 209 Magnum primer; (3) 34.0 grains of Blue Dot; (4) an SP-10 wad; (5) three 16 gauge overshot cards in the wad cup; (6) 1.375 ounces of #4 bismuth; and (7) a 6 point fold crimp. The result: 1192 fps @ 8538 psi.

In my opinion, the magnum primer is a critical component. Without it, there is no consistency (see my other Blue Dot thread). That said, the pressure may be deemed too high by some. (I certainly plan to use this load to kill ducks with my Parker short tens!)

-Victor

believe you have a good load worked up...charlie

Well Done Victor. This is a nice short 10 load.

Thanks for sharing, I have added this load to the Short 10 spreadsheet. It's very informative to see the comparison between this loading and the one you had tested with a Win 209 primer. You changed the primer to a CCI 209 Mag, decreased the powder 1 grain and pressure increased by 2000+ psi. All reloaders should take note of that.

I also increased the shot charge from 1 1/4 oz to 1 3/8 oz. That said, the magnum primer certainly results in a significant pressure jump.

-Victor

That explains most of the increase in pressure. I didn't look close enough at the previous load as I reviewed this one.

Victor we appreciate your having these loads tested. Going to add it to my short 10 loading. Now we almost have any load needed for 10 G. Red Dot & 1 1/8 target & small birds , Green Dot & 1 1/4 for medium size birds, Blue Dot & 1 3/8 Large birds. With Bismuth as a option when required.

William

William:

My plan is to have two Damascus-friendly short ten loads for each charge using modern and readily available powders/components: 2 x 1 1/8 oz; 2 x 1 1/4 oz; and 2 x 1 3/8 oz. I think I’m there. The test results are great. Still need to test-shoot and pattern some of my newer loads. Then I will post a summary.

-Victor

Thanks for this data! Do you think it would have much effect if one was to roll crimp instead of folding? I'm deciding if I buy a $30 roll crimper or $150 conversion kit for my MEC.

All things being equal roll crimping should reduce pressure of a folded crimp recipe by 500 - 800 psi on average. Roll crimping is slow, if you don't get them real tight you will experience more squib loads, you will get fewer reloads out of hulls as roll crimping is harder on them. A short kit for a MEC 600Jr sells for $24.99 through Cabelas and I didn't shop around. Shooting a 2 7/8" 10ga double is excuse the expression, big fun. You can turn out shells a lot faster using a press to fold crimp.