-
Forum Update: We've upgraded the software to improve security, performance, and the overall experience.
👉 Read why we made the change | Support the Forum
.38 SPL - How about TiteGroup or 700-X?
- Thread starter tacotime
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
venomballistics
Member
ideally ... neither.
TG has case fill issues which opens you up to double and triple charges.
700X isn't as bad as 800X but still meters like corn flakes.
TG has case fill issues which opens you up to double and triple charges.
700X isn't as bad as 800X but still meters like corn flakes.
Ben_hutcherson
Member
I've had good luck with Titegroup, both under 148 HBWCs and 125gr LRNs. The charge weights were uncomfortably low for me with HBWCs-I prefer Bullseye or W231 in that application. It gave great results with both bullets for me, however.
I've yet to try it under any sort of 158gr bullet.
I can't comment on 700X, as I have no experience with it in any application.
I've yet to try it under any sort of 158gr bullet.
I can't comment on 700X, as I have no experience with it in any application.
JDBoardman
US Veteran
The biggest problem I have had with TG is that it burns very hot, and thus plates out lead in the bore unless I am using coated or jacketed bullets.
JonF
Member
I use 2.8gr of 700-X under 148gr cast BBWC and/or 158gr SWC.
performs quite well in my three 642's. Metering works just OK in my Hornady power measurer.
About 3000 rounds so far.
performs quite well in my three 642's. Metering works just OK in my Hornady power measurer.
About 3000 rounds so far.
Like any low dose powder......
Titegroup, Bullseye and I'm not sure what other powders barely fill the bottom of the case. Some people are dead set against using them because of the possibility of a double charge, which with a fast powder is pretty much guaranteed to destroy your gun if not more, like hands, arms, eyes, etc. However, a LOT of people do use them because they are excellent powders for their purpose and also economical because the loads are only a few grains.
Titegroup, Bullseye and I'm not sure what other powders barely fill the bottom of the case. Some people are dead set against using them because of the possibility of a double charge, which with a fast powder is pretty much guaranteed to destroy your gun if not more, like hands, arms, eyes, etc. However, a LOT of people do use them because they are excellent powders for their purpose and also economical because the loads are only a few grains.
used to use 700x back in the bullseye days. use titegroup now and like it very much. Charles petty likes it a lot and has said so in handloader magazine on several occasions. any fast burning powder will take up very little room in a 38 spl. case. you simply have to pay attention to your loading precedures.
I bought a can of tite group. Doesn't meter very well thru my RCBS measure. It shot OK but I'll go back to Bullseye.
I've used both powders some with 158 gr cast bullets. Titegroup gives
good velocity for charge weight, around 800 fps out of a 4" barrel with
3.5 grs. Double charging is an operator problem not a powder problem
and is possible with any fast burning powder. 700X doesn't meter as
well as some other powders but has given some of the best accuracy
I have seen in my guns with 158 gr bullets and light loads @ 3.3 grs.
good velocity for charge weight, around 800 fps out of a 4" barrel with
3.5 grs. Double charging is an operator problem not a powder problem
and is possible with any fast burning powder. 700X doesn't meter as
well as some other powders but has given some of the best accuracy
I have seen in my guns with 158 gr bullets and light loads @ 3.3 grs.
m657
Member
TG has worked very well for me for years in 125-130-147-158 cast lead loads in my 38.
series guy
Member
In the last 6 or 7 years I've loaded right around 20 pounds of Titegroup powder. Most all were mid or light loads so that's a lot of rounds down range. Never had any problems. Not one bad round. I load all the revolver calibers from .32 S&W long to .45 Colt and it works well in all of them.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2006
- Messages
- 19,335
- Reaction score
- 30,288
I've been using 158 grain RNL bullets over 3.2 grains of TITEGROUP for many years now. Accurate, mild and consistent load for my .38 Revolvers. Also quite economical. A one pound can will load 2,188 rounds so at $22 bucks a pound, each rounds powder charge cost you a penny!!!
Huskerguy
Member
I use TG and have had great success with it. It is accurate and economical. Can you double charge - sure if you are not paying attention. You can also do that with many other powders. I use W231 as well, same thing applies.
Be careful but don't be afraid.
Be careful but don't be afraid.
Moe Mentum
Member
Its not the best choice, but these days, if that's what you got , then use it. I've been using red dot in .38 spl just because....
bananaman
Member
I have used Titegroup as well, with decent results. The only thing that I did not like about it is that the powder flakes are so small, a small amount leaks out from my Lee powder disk. Bob
Great Skip's Ghost! I used to argue with him about this, too.
Tacotime, when I started reloading, a well-meaning but undereducated salesman sold me a 4 pound jug of Titegroup and told me it could be used in any handgun - and it can. So I used it in 45 ACP, 9mm, 38 Special and 357 Magnum. It went "bang" and hit the paper where I intended. Mission accomplished.
Now for the warning: It doesn't take a lot of powder to get the desired results and, if you don't PAY ATTENTION, it is really easy to double charge this powder and not notice that you have done so as it won't be overflowing the case. But if you PAY ATTENTION, all goes well.
My advice? If you have a jug of TG, use it.
And like any other aspect of reloading:
PAY ATTENTION!
Last edited:
indiandave
Member
I use TiteGroup with light loads for .357 Magnums. My load is 3.6 grains with a 158 grain lead round nose flat point. Shoots really well. I have no issues with leading. then again I clean my guns every time I shoot them.
