800X Pressure Issues

[Hoptoad]

Last fall I loaded up some Sierras over a moderate charge of 800X for my 41 mag. Shot about 25 rounds then and they were fine. Accurate, no issues. I did a handgun excursion to the range today. It was hotter'nhell (high 80s) and humid and I had pressure issues with that same load. It was only a twenty or twenty-five degree temperature spread. Surprised me since it was a modest load. I've not seen this issue with such a small temp range. Anyone else have experience with this powder?

 

[David Milisock]

800X

The temperature range should not have been enough to cause that much of a pressure change. Let me ask this, did the rounds set in direct sunlight just prior to shooting?

 

[Hoptoad]

They were in shade under the bench cover. Can't figure this out.

 

[Hoptoad]

It's a 9.5 grain load that runs right at 1100. Not wild at all.

 

[JackM]

My only experience with 800X is in 12 and 20 gauge target loads. I found that it did not meter accurately through my MEC progressive presses. The data I was using was for moderate loads but I was getting pressures that were all over the map and I'm sure it was because of the coarseness of the powder. I don't know what kind of reloading equipment you used but this could be part of the problem. I had bought a 12lb keg of the stuff from a club member for $50 and I couldn't wait to get to the end of it.

 

[M29since14]

I agree with JackM. You might tear down some of the remaining loads and check your charges. 800X is a good powder in some applications but I wouldn't use it without checking every charge. I particularly liked it in my .45 Colt Mountain Gun loads but got tired of trickling up every charge because they were never close enough as thrown by any of my powder measures to trust. I'd hate to have 12# of that stuff to use up.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have used it in 12 Ga. and both my 38 and 357's.

It can get a little wild at the top end in some revolvers, depending on the loads.

You really notice the top end loads in a J frame snub nose with the 158gr lead bullet.

I had problems with a 22-250 in 90 degree weather with top loads.......... so I guess middle 80's could up the pressure in a pistol load ?

It was not the best in my pistol loads but I got it for the early days when I first started reloading Steel pellets for my waterfowl hunting loads.

Carry on...........

 

[boatbum101]

800X is a weigh every charge powder . If your consistent dipping works too . As far as metering forget about it .

 

[Hoptoad]

I weighed every charge because of metering issues. It's kinda odd.... Thanks all for your thoughts.

 

[TSQUARED]

Last fall I loaded up some Sierras over a moderate charge of 800X for my 41 mag. Shot about 25 rounds then and they were fine. Accurate, no issues. I did a handgun excursion to the range today. It was hotter'nhell (high 80s) and humid and I had pressure issues with that same load. It was only a twenty or twenty-five degree temperature spread. Surprised me since it was a modest load. I've not seen this issue with such a small temp range. Anyone else have experience with this powder?

Personally I would check the powder weight? HS-800X is notorious for very inconsistent powder drops. I can attest to that from personal experience.