Loading 10 Gauge Using 12 Gauge Data

[Ed Blake]

I’ve used Red Dot exclusively for loading 10 gauge. 19 grs RD under 9/8 oz of shot. I’m out of RD and it’s doubtful whether I’ll find any anytime soon. However, I have plenty of ClayDot that I use for one oz 12 loads. Has anyone used this powder with the 10? I have seen Clays used and these powders are similar. Thanks.

[6pt-Sika]

I wrongly sold all the Red Dot I had thinking I’d not want to load 1 1/8 ounce 10 gauge . I’m the last year I’ve been using Green Dot for 1 and 1 1/8 ounce 10 gauge loads . I e been using 19.6 of GD with ounce loads and 19.2 with 1 1/8 . Shot them at the Southern and they did fine if I pointed the gun correctly .

[Cory Rams]

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

I wrongly sold all the Red Dot I had thinking I’d not want to load 1 1/8 ounce 10 gauge . I’m the last year I’ve been using Green Dot for 1 and 1 1/8 ounce 10 gauge loads . I e been using 19.6 of GD with ounce loads and 19.2 with 1 1/8 . Shot them at the Southern and they did fine if I pointed the gun correctly .

I would assume that’s the approximately the same pressure as the “Damascus safe” RST loads?

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Cory Rams

I would assume that’s the approximately the same pressure as the “Damascus safe” RST loads?

To be honest , I have no idea what RST loads are rated .

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

To be honest , I have no idea what RST loads are rated .

Then don't be honest, just lie through your teeth!!

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

Then don't be honest, just lie through your teeth!!

I’m kinda of the opinion if a 12 gauge load with x grains of powder and x ounces of shot is this pressure the same charge/weight should be less in a larger diameter barrel of a 10 gauge . So to be TOTALLY honest I don’t worry about it

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Cory Rams

I would assume that’s the approximately the same pressure as the “Damascus safe” RST loads?

I don't recall where I found this pressure data for RST shells but I believe it originated with RST. It is dated 2017, things may have changed since.

[J.B. Books]

It seems we are still dealing with a powder shortage and Alliant Red Dot and Promo are not available at this time unless you find a stash at your local gun store. I have a couple pounds of Clay Dot but I haven't tried it yet.

Looking at the Alliant Data here are my thoughts. 12 gauge Federal Gold Medal hull (similar straight wall hull design as Federal 10 ga hull). Recipes using Federal 209A primer (hottest available primer creating higher pressures over other primers). Powder weight varies from 17.1 grain to 19 grains, pressures range from 7590 to 9540.

The burn rate for Clay Dot is between Red Dot and Green Dot and we know those powders work well in the Short 10.

We also know the larger the bore the lower the pressure. So with that said I would be comfortable trying Clay Dot in a Federal hull with 209A or a Winchester 209 primer starting with 19 grains and 1 1/8 ounce and see how it sounds, recoils and breaks targets. If it felt weak I would go up a grain and try again. Since it is a slower powder than Red Dot my best guess is 20 to 21 grains will be the sweet spot for a Short 10 shooting 1 1/8 oz of lead. That however is just a guess. I would be comfortable trying it FWIW.

This is not a pressure tested load so you assume the risk but I am basing it on looking at 12ga data and using my head. Many us shooting short 10's have had to take a little risk like this in the past. If you try it and the loading feels "normal" you can always send out for pressure testing and if you do please report the results and I will include it in the 10ga reloading spread sheet.

Good luck.

[Mike of the Mountain]

While working with Tom Armbrust on developing loads for the 8g, he wants us to chronograph the test shells and they should be in the 1200 FPS range, give or take a reasonable bump or drop in velocity. Reasonable drop being 1160-1180 FPS, reasonable bump can be 1220-1240.

We made some loads with Longshot that sounded and felt good but the pressures were too low. Don't just rely on feel and sound.

[J.B. Books]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

While working with Tom Armbrust on developing loads for the 8g, he wants us to chronograph the test shells and they should be in the 1200 FPS range, give or take a reasonable bump or drop in velocity. Reasonable drop being 1160-1180 FPS, reasonable bump can be 1220-1240.

We made some loads with Longshot that sounded and felt good but the pressures were too low. Don't just rely on feel and sound.

Longshot can fool you because it's a very slow powder, its burning much of the way down the barrel, in low light you will often see more muzzle flash and it produces a louder boom. It's a great powder for pushing heavier hunting loads and keeping chamber pressure down,