I've been occasionally shooting some of the Blue Dot loads that Seafire has pioneered and posted on the forum. Yesterday I was testing a new full-power load (with another powder) for my .223 at 200 yards. When I was through, I thought I might try some of the Blue Dot loads I've been toying with just for fun (50 gr Hornady Spire Point propelled by 13.5 gr. Blue Dot @ 2850 fps). To my surprise, the 5-shot one-inch group was dead on the bullseye -- remember, this is 200 yards -- had a three shot subgroup in a single hole, and this is with just a 7x scope!

That Blue Dot is magic stuff! It also works wonders in a .22 Hornet and K-Hornet, with velocities only about 200 fps below "full power" loads. Since I use my Hornets for shorter/lighter shooting anyway, the mild Blue Dot loads are just the ticket.

THANKS, Seafire! (And apologies for not recognizing others who have independently worked with Blue Dot themselves.)

what's a good Hornet load? I never gave it a thought for my Hornet, just use Lil' Gun but more choice would be good.

John

I've used it with the .223 and .308, definately great stuff. I need to try it with my daughters 221 f-ball.

I've even found a great load with a 275 gr swc in my 480.

Who is this Seafire Character?

( PS, thanks for the Kudos.... Blush....)

quote:

Originally posted by JAYB:
what's a good Hornet load? I never gave it a thought for my Hornet, just use Lil' Gun but more choice would be good.

John

I'll have to check my notes at home, but I believe that I'm using 6.5 grains with a 35 grain Hornady V-Max. As I recall, it runs around 2700 fps and is unbelievably devastating on small varmints like prairie dogs. Even the thin-walled Hornet brass hardly knows it's been fired with this load -- brass should last forever.

UPDATE: I checked my notes and I'm actually using 6.7 grains of Blue Dot with a 35 gr HNDY V-Max.

It's time to extend my thanks to Seafire as well. I must admit being very hesitant at first and figured surely this will not show much benefit. But I am quick to admit I was very wrong!

I've been shooting the Blue Dot loads in a .223 for a while now and will even give it a whirl in a .308 WCF before long. So far, the accuracy with virtually ANY 50-53 grain bullet has been excellent.

Thanks for sharing your BLue Dot loads with the AR world!

Same deal with the .308. With full patch loads zeroed 2 1/2" high at 100 yds, the blue dot loads are dead on at 100.

Yep ... excellent info seafire has publicised! The 7.62x54R carbine is a pussycat with a Blue Dot load and I'm now using more Blue Dot in the 358Win with a 158gr pistol projectile then anything else. Started experimenting with it in a Martini Cadet 222Rimmed AI and tomorrow its true versatility will be explored ... introducing a 12YO lad to the wonderful sport of shooting via a rimfire and reduced Blue Dot 308Win load with 110gr V-Max if he's upto it. I think he's game and once the addictive "boom" and gentle caress is felt ... we'll have another one in the ranks
Cheers...
Con

Seafire, any loads for the 6mm? I need some cheapo fireforming loads to 6mm AI

Tyler-Actually, what works best for fireforming is using a powder that is slow enough to give 100+ percent load density (compressed load) and still fast enough to fully form the case -- and with a bullet that gets as close as possible to the rifling.

This gives the case the utmost in support during fireforming and stresses the brass the very least.

quote:

Originally posted by Bobby Tomek:
Tyler-Actually, what works best for fireforming is using a powder that is slow enough to give 100+ percent load density (compressed load) and still fast enough to fully form the case -- and with a bullet that gets as close as possible to the rifling.

This gives the case the utmost in support during fireforming and stresses the brass the very least.

roger

I posted this on "Lever Actions", but it seems appropriate to post it here too.
-----

Some of the first loads through the new 444MAR were 240gr XTPs using both "2400" and Blue Dot. Somewhere in all the Loads you posted on the Reloading Board, I believe you had mentioned 26gr of Blue Dot was MAX for your rifle. So I started Low and worked up measuring PRE as I went. In this new rifle, it seems that 24-25gr is MAX. But, I need to verify the Benchmark Pressure with a box of Factory Ammo, and then try the Loads in those cases.

Got it on the paper and then backed it up. Two shots made an enlarged hole with the Blue Dot at 100yds. The previous shots had made a nice group, so I went up 1gr and couldn't see the Hole. Second shot sent a clothes pin flying, so I knew where it went. Walked to the target and the first hole had apparently been directly in front of the clothes pin, so it just looked like the clothes pin. But the next one clipped the end of it making an overlapping hole for two shots. Amazing for me because I know I can't shoot that well on purpose any more. Had to stop at that time, but this one does seem to like the Blue Dot too.

Where can I find Seafire's Bluedot load info. It does not show up on a search of this forum. Thanks...

I have said it before and will say it again, Thank you Seafire! I have been using Blue Dot in my 8mm mauser and in my Enfields. Sure is the best for plinking in my opinion.

So the bulk remington bullets would be best for fireforming with a slow bulky powder?

Tyler-Yes, they'd be fine. I generally use the cheapest bullet I can for fireforming with the exception of the 7mm Bullberry. I start with 7mm US brass, and the fireforming loads give up precious little in velocity and accuracy to the "regular" loads. So these even get used for hunting varmints, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Jon:
Where can I find Seafire's Bluedot load info. It does not show up on a search of this forum. Thanks...

Hey Jon, Go to the Reloading Board, then up to the "Find" button, and type in Blue Dot Loads. Seafire has put in a lot of time and effort on his Reduced Loads, and has been generous enough to share it.

quote:

Originally posted by Jon:
Where can I find Seafire's Bluedot load info. It does not show up on a search of this forum. Thanks...

you can search for it...

OR...

you could just send this seafire character a PM and he will probably answer it if you tell him what cartridge.. or cartridges you were interested in load data....

Seafire, check your PMs.

I would really appreciate .223 Blue Dot loads.

I've tried blue dot in 223, 308, 30-06, 8*57, 7.5*55, 35 Whelen, 338 mag, and 44 Mag. Thanks for the inspiration!

I've been lurking for a while, but this is my first post.

I must admit that I'm very intrigued by Seafire's Blue Dot loads. I whipped-up a batch of 50 rounds to test with the new Barnes 36gr .224 Varmint Grenades. I loaded 10 rounds each of 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5 & 14 grains. Looking forward to testing these out. One thing is for sure... 1 lb of powder will stretch a loooong way with these loads.

Jake,

I'll be interested to know how those turn out...

max load with the 36 grainers should be at 14.5 grains...I presume a bolt action...

I haven't tried the Barnes...but I have tried the 37 grain HP Calhoon...acuracy was great and the MV was about 3350 fps.. which I can live with easily...

for the dirt cheap economic, but still giving good accuracy ( minute of sage rat easily out to 250 to 300 yds) is 13.5 grains of Blue Dot, behind a 55 grain Hornady bulk bullet ( $71.00 /thousand from Grafs)...

every time I have tried to order the Varrmint Nightmares, they have been out...

Yeah, I'll test these in a .223 Rem 700 SPS Varmint SS. I could test in an M4 AR, but that would be new to me. I've never fed it anything but cannelured 55gr FMJ's.

I'm anxious to try these "lead-free" pills (Varmint Grenades). It's likely that I won't get to test these until 8/4 or 8/5.

I noticed that Midsouth has those 55gr Varmint Nightmare in-stock for $29.77 (500 pack).

They also have the 50/55gr Varmint Nightmare X-Treme in-stock for $34.74 (500 pack).

Note to all...

Blue Dot loads reduce recoil enough that they will not cycle either an AR bolt or a Ruger Mini 14 Bolt...

Sorry, but that is the down side of them if you are not a bolt action guy..

quote:

Originally posted by seafire/B17G:
...Blue Dot loads reduce recoil enough that they will not cycle either an AR bolt or a Ruger Mini 14 Bolt.....

That was on the Plus Side for one of my buddies. He did well to lean over long enough to tie his shoes due to health problems. So the excellent Blue Dot Loads allowed him to use an M16 variant without bothering other folks to pick up his cases.

I can see where the Spray an Pray folks would be disappointed though.

Thanks Seafire! Great info.

Thanks from Sweden too!
The blue dot loads seem to work with almost everything. I think one of the reasons for the good results, is that recoil is much less and the noise too.
Just makes me shoot better!

Just thought I'd add this also.. since it is a great benefit to using Blue Dot, especially in a varmint shooting environment...Cooler Barrels..

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5411043/m/157100696

This hasn't had much viewing on that forum for some reason...but I consider it good info, and a great feature on top of just the accuracy and consistency blue dot delivers...