"700X is great but does not meter very well making it last choice."

I have seen this sentiment made many times, but my experience is exactly the opposite. My Lyman 55 powder measures drop very precise 700-X loads. In fact, I use 700-X as primary for most of my handgun loads of all calibers. It is great for .45 ACP and .45 Colt.

Regarding standard .38 Special loads using lead bullets (simulating factory loading performance) I believe the faster propellants are the best - 700-X, Bullseye, AA #2, Red Dot, and Clays (or anything else in the same general category). 4.0 grains of 700-X and a 158 grain Lead SWC bullet closely duplicates factory load performance in my Model 15.

I don't load very much .357 Magnum, as I believe standard .38 Special loads will do all that I need in a .357 revolver, and I usually fire mainly .38 Special in my .357 revolvers. And PLEASE don't start whining about the so-called buildup ring in the chamber ahead of the case mouth. It simply does not happen if you clean them the right way. Were I in the mood to make up some more powerful loads for my .357s, I would use slower propellants in the Unique class, including Universal and AA#5. I have occasionally used Herco, which is pretty good in the .357.