I just loaded up a few boxes using 3.8 grains of 700X pushing a 115 grain Xtreme plated round nose. These work great in my Springfield 1911 Loaded. I find this a great combination for punching holes in paper.
As far as brass is concerned, of course stay away from steel and aluminum, I've had good luck with just about anything. Oh, I use a Dillon gauge for all my reloads for semi-autos.

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Ed