Here are the results for 24.0 gr and 25.5 gr:

Here is a graphical summary of Green Dot's performance in a 1.25 ounce bismuth load:

-Victor

It looks like 23 to 23.5 grains would be the sweet spot for 1 1/4 ounce of Bismuth using Green Dot. Thank you for taking the time to share this information.

Yeah, the original weights of Green Dot were ridiculous. Lighter loads made more sense. What would make even more sense would be to use a slower powder like Unique.

For my shooting 23 grs of GD and 1 1/4 oz is the sweet spot for sure. Thanks for having the load tested.

William

I plan to run some tests with Unique in the future. Will post results, of course.

-Victor

Following up on this thread, I highly recommended 23.5 grains of Green Dot for a 1.25 ounce bismuth load. I use a #38 bushing and 138 charge bar for #4 bismuth shot. (See original post for all components.)

I loaded up 250 rounds for this past duck season and shot almost 200 of the 250. I was VERY pleased with the result. Plenty of killing power to drop dead both puddlers and late-season divers, with no noticeable loss of performance as temperatures dropped into the teens. And I emphasize “drop dead.” This was my first steel-free duck season. However, I hunted with steel shooters, which allowed me to truly appreciate the effectiveness of this load. While the steel shooters were waterswatting their downed and diving birds, my dog (Drake) was out retrieving belly-up birds felled by the Green Dot-propelled bismuth. Give it a try. I think you, too, will be impressed.

-Victor

Victor have you noticed any shot bridging with these #4 shot loads. I noticed you do not use a buffer. Is the Remington SP10 wad showing any sighs of shot rub through? My short 10's have no or very slight choke. Both have laminated barrels and I wonder if 22.0 -22.5 grains of Green dot would be in the 1150 fps range at about 8000 psi? Thank you for having these loads tested.

I think that 22 grains will get you some where between 1100- 1150 fps and well below 8000psi

There is a point when Green Dot in light charges will not give complete and consistent burn. I don’t know were that point is. My experience 22.5 or 23 & 1 1/4 oz shot burns well. Lower powder charge weight or lighter shot load not sure it will.

I switch to Red Dot and 1 1/8 oz when lighter is needed

William