Alliant RED DOT

Alliant Red Dot is a smokeless powder produced by Alliant Powder that has long been a staple in the reloading community, especially for pistol and shotgun applications. It is classified as a medium-burn rate, extruded propellant, meaning its stick-like grains offer consistent metering, smooth ignition, and reliable performance across a wide range of loads. Red Dot’s versatility made it particularly well-suited for pistols such as the .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, and .45 Colt, as well as shotgun shells in 12, 16, and 20 gauge. Its burn characteristics provide a balance between adequate pressure and clean, consistent performance.

One of the factors that contributed to Red Dot’s popularity is its broad applicability in both paper-patch and jacketed bullet handloads, enabling reloaders to achieve repeatable results in a variety of firearms. While it is not typically used in high-pressure rifle applications, it remains a reliable choice in moderate-pressure handgun and shotgun cartridges.

Over time, Alliant Powder has repositioned Red Dot within its product lineup, and availability in some markets has fluctuated. When it is on hand, reloaders appreciate its consistency, ease of use, and well-documented load data in many reloading manuals. As with all powders, users should consult current, reputable load data sources and adhere to published safety guidelines when working up or modifying loads.