I recently aquired a bunch of reloading equiupment and supplies, and in the box was a full can of IMR Hi Skor 700X.
I normally use Win 231 or Win 296 for reloading 38's, 357 and 44 cartridges.
Is 700X worth using? I normally load mild target loads, and looking for any suggestions or recommendations of using 700X. Or is it better suited for rifle or shotgun loads.

If you thumb through very many loading manuals, there is usually a fair amount of data for 700X. It is a good powder for a lot of handgun loads.

I got an 8 pound keg of 700-X at a garage sale for $5 many years ago. It works fine for light loads in 38 sp and 45 acp. It is also good in 45 Colt. Just look and you can find lots of recipes.

700X works great in 12 gauge and I also use it in 45acp. I think it would work well in some others as well but I stick with WW231 or HP38 for most of those.

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Lynnie, Professional Pest

It works fine for just about any cast bullet in any handgun. Fits aprox. the same niche as Bullseye, Red Dot, 231, etc. and burns very clean. It has been highly recommended at times for target velocity loads in just about anything, just don't try to load Magnum level loads, it isn't for that at all.

I find it doesn't meter too well. Lots of cuts in both 700 and 800.

I have never used it personally. Here a while back Vonfatman ran onto quite a deal on a bunch of it. He seems to like it! I also have an acquaintance from the local range that swears by it in 45ACP. He is an older gentleman and has used it exclusively for more years than I have been alive.

FWIW

I use it in just about every handgun caliber with cast bullets. Burns clean. It can be tugh to meter so I use an electronic dispenser/scale.

I'd be glad to take it off your hands though, but would probably suggest using it. Sometimes finding load data can be difficult depending on the caliber.

I agree this is a good powder for lots of different handgun loads. I have not had the measuring problems noted.

I load a bunch of 9MM with Berrys plated bullets. The data for this powder is available on the Hogden website:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

It has also worked well for me in 38 special. I've tried it in 45ACP but think it is a little fast for 230g bullets.

HS-700X is a great powder for lead bullets in pistol cartridges. My most accurate mild 45 ACP load is 3.8 gr. HS-700X, Rem 2.5 behind 185 gr. LSWC for ca 715 fps nad outstanduing accuracy out to 25 yards (have not tested beyond). HS-700X burns onthe dirty side as propellants go but it delivers outstanding performance.

Many use it for max loads in 10 mm (see 10mm forum), these loads tend to be lightly compressed, in some loads more than lightly, my powder measures do not meter it well. I see drop to drop variations of .3grs. The drop variations together with the compressed loads make me nervous. I weigh and adjust each and every load, PITA for pistol ammunition IMO.
I expect the pound I bought to last me a very long time. Since I have choices I will use better metering powders.

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Ipsis Rebus Dictantitbus

Solid .45 acp load (4.2 gr. w. 200 LSWC), not normally associated with .38 special, but just saw a 20 shot, 50 yard RR group of about 1.5" using it (3.1 gr. w. 148 LWC). I agree that it's dirty/gritty.

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NCY in the PR of NJ

Sorry.......2.5 gr. of 700x over a 148 Remington LWC, Rem brass and Rem 1 1/2 primers.

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NCY in the PR of NJ

I use 700X for reloading my .45 acp.

I just found out I can use it in 32 SW longs. 1.8-2.0g under 100g lead.

Measuring is a headache due to the inconsistency and this small load doesn't give any wiggle room. It shot well in short barrels.

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>>ARMED LIBERAL>>

I've used it for years in .38 Special and .45 ACP target loads. It meters pretty well in my 550 Dillon powder measure.

I use it with a 153 gr. RCBS cast bullet in .38 Special. I've used a lot of it! 3.5 grains is an excellent load!
Dick

It's a fast powder, just made for target loads and cast bullets.
Lyman shows 700X between loads with Tightgroup and Bullseye.
So anything you would use Bullseye for ,700X will work.
I like it in 45 acp with 200 gr. cast SWC bullet(Lyman #452460) , 5.0 grains 700X, gives about 900 fps.
Gary