Herco & Blue Dot: Can I do this?

[ninepointer]

I have excess Herco and Blue Dot powder that I wouldn't mind burning up in 1 oz. 12 ga. loads for trap & skeet. This is recreational shooting, so I'm not concerned with the finer points of shotshell performance that go into breaking 100.

Manuals show that both powders are slower burning and intended for heavier payloads (1 1/4 oz.) or for smaller gauges. In other words, Blue Dot & Herco burn best at higher pressures.

Is there harm (other than dirtier barrels) in using Herco or Blue Dot to propel 1 oz. of shot?

 

[3macs1]

I have not looked it up yet but will. I had 8 pounds extra bluedot and had no trouble trading it with guys loading 12ga buck shot . Just a suggestion.

 

[tigger]

Herco can go down to 1 1/8, blue dot down to 1 1/4 according to alliants website. I like the tradeing idea, pistol guys would be a good place to look!!

 

[M12shooter]

As you stated, both are slower powders designed for pushing heavyer payloads. They would not be very friendly to 12 gauge 1 ounce loads. As in the above posts, trading would be the route.

 

[P2]

Blue Dot

Check in the Lyman Shotshell book.
Blue Dot works great with slugs.

 

[ninepointer]

Good advice fellas, thanks

 

[tactical870]

Blue dot works well in pistols.... Might be able to trade you if there's something I have that you need. PM me if you like.

 

[Ishodu]

I got lots of green dot, I could swap for Blue if thats any better for you.

 

[Ganderite]

Green Dot would be a good trade for your needs...