700-X for 9mm

[Wareagle1648]

So I have a bunch of 700X anyone using or has used this for 9mm? I know the issues some have had with metering and I'll deal with that because of the amount of 700X I have. Looking at different load manuals and I see big differences in starting loads and max loads. Currently loading 4g 700X for both 115 fmj and 4g for 125 plated round nose. Looking to see if I'm in the right place for powder charges with what other have used. My issue is one book says I'm over the max and the other says I'm on the low end. C.o.a.l. Is 1.15 for both.

 

[max]

What does the powder mfr say? I have used 700-X in 45 and 38, but it has been a while.

 

[Wareagle1648]

Hodgdon says 3.6 max for the 125 and 4.2 for 115g but my Sierra manual says 5.0 max for 115g and 4.7 max for 125g. Also 3.8 to start with 115g and 3.3 for the 125g. That is where I came up with the 4.0 load. By the way I'm shooting a Shield.

 

[trophyhunter]

I had to load 115 fmj's over a minimum of 4.7g of 700X to make minor PF with just a small bit of wiggle room if that helps you at all. I did work the load up higher than that before I settled on a load I liked.

I wouldn't go crazy making lots of low end test loads, three of them at a given lower pressure range should be plenty to see they aren't getting the job done.

I really wonder how some of the powder manufacturers are coming up with their velocity and pressure numbers anymore?

 

[David R]

700X

Lyman # 47 sez 4.5 max for 115 JHP 1171 fps
4.4 max for 125 jSP 1095 fps
4.4 max for 115 Lead

David

 

[1coyote]

I used to load 9mm 115g JHP with 4.4g of 700x.
Accuracy was o.k., but as OP mentioned, poor metering was an issue.

 

[retired_diver]

Yes, I had the same confusion about 9mm and 700x. I had to work up to a load that cycles and shoots in both a SW9F and M&P9. I now shoot 4.1gr 700x with 115gr xtreme plated bullets @1.18 COL.

I have had real good luck with the same bullet with 5.7gr AA#5 @1.095 COL. But I know you already have 700x powder.

 

[KnightTime]

I have been using some 700x for my 9mm loads because I obtained several pounds for almost free. I've probably loaded and shot perhaps 2500 rounds with 700x, and it seems to burn a little dirty for my likes. It does seem to be a consistent powder, but as said Metering is less than perfect so be watchful during charging! I use it with 125gr lead cast round nose bullets, sized .356 for my model 39-2, and accuracy is really good. NOT a recommendation ... But for my gun I worked up to 4.5gr of 700x with OAL OF 1.095". Less didn't cycle my pistol consistently. For range ammo I want nothing more than the minimum to cycle the action. In today's powder environment we use what we can safely!

 

[Wareagle1648]

So I'll try a few at the low range and see what happens. I'll get to shot them on Wednesday. Thanks any other input?

 

[USSR]

I'm using 3.3gr of 700X behind a 133gr cast SWC bullet.

Don

 

[Will2]

I'm not suggesting this load, but it works fine for me.

FS 40 with S&W 9mm barrel (blue spring). Don't know if the 40 slide is heavier than the 9.

4.2 gr 700x, 124 Berry HP, 1.09 COL. I have also used 3.9 gr, but the 4.2 cycles the slide better.

No pressure signs, less recoil that WWB 115 grain ammo.

I use a Lee turret press with disc powder measures, consistently drops +/- .1 grain. The action of the turret does wiggle the powder measure some as I cycle the press. I'm sure this helps with weight consistency.

Will

 

[Nevada Ed]

I would go with the Sierra data since it is in the ball park.

I don't want to scare you and list what the Speer #8 manual gives for that powder !! Lets say that the Sierra has lots of room to play with in the safety department.

Good shooting.

 

[Wareagle1648]

Thanks everyone. Settled on 3.6g at 1.10 coal. Works just fine.

 

[lhump1961]

Thanks everyone. Settled on 3.6g at 1.10 coal. Works just fine.

That load is right in the middle of Lyman's data and I'm not surprised to hear it works well at 115g. I find my 9's work very well in the middle of 700X powder data shooting 124g FMJ. I also have some 700X to use up but will will stick with Power Pistol in the future solely based on metering...outside of that I like the 700X just fine.