HKB
US Veteran
Trying to find a good substitute for W231, anyone try 700X? Mainly reload for 9mm, 45 ACP, and .38 Special. Your thoughts....
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Hodgdon 700X???
- Thread starter HKB
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700X has been around for a long time. It has been used in 12 ga
target loads by a great many Trap and Skeet shooters. It is faster
burning than W231, about like Red Dot. It is also popular with many
handgunners for light to medium loads with cast bullets. Lots of load
data in the various manuals for handgun loads. It isn't a Hodgdon
powder. It's an old IMR powder now marketed by Hodgdon. The only
complaints about it are about it's metering qualities due to being a
flake type powder.
target loads by a great many Trap and Skeet shooters. It is faster
burning than W231, about like Red Dot. It is also popular with many
handgunners for light to medium loads with cast bullets. Lots of load
data in the various manuals for handgun loads. It isn't a Hodgdon
powder. It's an old IMR powder now marketed by Hodgdon. The only
complaints about it are about it's metering qualities due to being a
flake type powder.
scattershot
Member
In the calibers you mentioned, I use a lot of Red Dot. I have some 700x, but don't use it much. It has a reputation of metering like cornflakes in most measures.
RobertJ.
Member
I used it for the first time not too long ago, in the .38 Special, when I couldn't find any BE or RD. Since then I've stocked up on both, but I'm still using 700x for my target .38 load,(at least in the revolver I use most to shoot paper with) because it grouped slightly better than either of those.
I'm sure it doesn't meter well in a standard measure. I load batches of 100 at a time, and use Lee dippers. I have a hard time getting a consistent weigh using those!
I'm sure it doesn't meter well in a standard measure. I load batches of 100 at a time, and use Lee dippers. I have a hard time getting a consistent weigh using those!
MyDads38
Member
I have 2 lbs. in my supply but haven't tried it yet. I bought it mainly because it was one of the first powders to show up on a LGS shelf that I could use, if I couldn't find anything else! I've been very happy with results from Red Dot, so will probably keep the 700X as a reserve. Suppose to be a good powder in 45acp target loads, may give it a try there.
David Sinko
Member
I use 700-X almost exclusively for shotshell loading. I also use 231 for most of my handgun and reduced rifle loads and find that 700-X is a bit too fast for my uses. I like to use 231 at the heavy end of the spectrum. I just bought 8 lbs. of HP-38 which is the same as 231 and apparently is readily available. Stick with the HP-38.
MichiganScott
Member
I used to use it almost exclusively for shotshells, but found it gives satisfactory results with .45 and .38. I never used it in 9mm and have moved away from it in pistol ammunition because of it's terrible metering properties. However, I'd have no problems going back to it if I couldn't find other powders that meter better.
Squarebutt
Member
I like it in .38 and .45 target loads. I find it meters fine in my Dillon 550.
OP
HKB
US Veteran
That is good to know. I purchased 2 pounds of it a while ago, was thinking about using it in both calibers with my Dillon.
Thanks to all!
biquer
Member
For small charges like 9mm, be careful with 700-X and the 550. Several cases with 4 or so grains and then one with almost none.
It performs well with 122 gr cast and 125 gr FMJ, but don't get caught with an empty case and squibs.
Larger charge weights might be more reliable.
It performs well with 122 gr cast and 125 gr FMJ, but don't get caught with an empty case and squibs.
Larger charge weights might be more reliable.
OP
HKB
US Veteran
Thanks, was thinking about using it in .45 ACP and .38 SPL.
Frank237
Absent Comrade
Used it in shotshells for years...then after a long hiatus with trap/skeet I came back and started using the various WW powdes, 452 AA then WST, WSF. found an old STEEL can of 700X in the tool room a few years back from the 1970's. Still has 6 pounds or so. Looks and smells good.
Simply meters too poorly and too fast for pistol loads. I like a powder that fills the case more. EVERY issue I have ever had with bad pistol reloads has been with FAST powder. So I now stay away from it.
Simply meters too poorly and too fast for pistol loads. I like a powder that fills the case more. EVERY issue I have ever had with bad pistol reloads has been with FAST powder. So I now stay away from it.
I have also use it in years past for shotgun and metallic loadings. When the well ran dry I went to other powders and never went back.
Just that there are newer powders now, that will do the same or better as the old 700-x and as mentioned......... meters better, which is nice.
If that is all you can get, fine..........
otherwise you might check into what the newer powders can do.
Old is good........... New, might be better ?
Just that there are newer powders now, that will do the same or better as the old 700-x and as mentioned......... meters better, which is nice.
If that is all you can get, fine..........
otherwise you might check into what the newer powders can do.
Old is good........... New, might be better ?
Green Frog
Member
Back when I was shooting PPC with a custom S&W Model 14 set up for 38 MRWCs only, I used a fair amount of 700-X behind HBWCs loaded on a Dillon 550. I don't remember it being significantly better or worse than the other powders I tried about then, but it was one I used.
Froggie
Froggie
I like it in .44 and .38 Special for light to moderate loads. I haven't used it in 9mm, but it seems sorta fast for that application. I'd think you could end up with high pressures but still pretty low velocity and weak ejection, giving the impression of low loads/pressures. But that's just speculation.
jag312
Member
I like using it in .44 Special and .44-40 with no problems.
gwpercle
Member
My Lyman model 55 must like corn flakes because I have had no problems metering 700X with it.
Try another measure if the one you have has trouble.
Try another measure if the one you have has trouble.
carpriver
US Veteran
http://www.titanreloading.com/image/cache/data/D2g/90811_2-600x600.jpg
I have been using it for a couple months, I have used it in 9mm, 38cal. 45acp, 44spl. I recently purchased a Lee powder measure and fine that 700X meters well from this powder measure. I do check every 5th round. I find 700X works really well in my .45acp. it seems to be accurate with a mild recoil.
I have been using it for a couple months, I have used it in 9mm, 38cal. 45acp, 44spl. I recently purchased a Lee powder measure and fine that 700X meters well from this powder measure. I do check every 5th round. I find 700X works really well in my .45acp. it seems to be accurate with a mild recoil.
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I used 700X with .38 special and .357 mag. Shot fine. Powder metered well in my Dillon 650. Used all my 700X and would be happy to use it again.
gwpercle
Member
Back in the 70's, 700X was the supposedly "magic" powder for loading 45 acp target loads (200 gr cast SWC / TC ) with us NRA Bullseye Target shooters back then. That's when I started using it , ( even managed to win a few trophies in our 45 acp only matchs) and it works for 38 special target loads and 9 mm cast bullet loads just fine. I have been able to find this powder lately, so if you can get it, do !
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