IMR 800X vs 700X

[flanman]

Both of these are easy to find in my neck of the woods whereas PB and Win 231 are not. What I have found is that the 800X leaves a mess behind and is frustratingly inconsistent in metering. 700X on the other hand is far easier to meter and far more consistent. The one difference at the range that I have noticed however is that is smokes a whole lot more. Both with increased loads leave the brass with little residue but the barrel apearance is not even comperable.

So here is to using the last of the 800X I have and then continuing to develop the 700X where I have been using the 800X to date.

Todays load 700X in R-P 38spec casings with Win small pistol primer, 3.4gr of 700X and a lead 160gr FRN.

flanman

[smkummer]

I have been loading 700X in 12 gauge target loads for over 10 years and buy it in the 8 lb. kegs. It works great in 45 acp with 4.5 grains and 230 grain cast lead bullets and I sure do get smoke ( I mainly shoot this load out of 2 submachineguns so the smoke issue is magnified) but I believe most of the smoke is from the bullet lube. I shoot either 3.9 or 4.2 grains in the 9mm with a 125 grain cast bullet. In my Lee 1000 progressive press, I can see if the case has powder and about 1 out of 100 won't have a full charge, of which I can pull it out. 2 of us are loading 700X in 38 special using a 158 cast bullet and a little more powder (plus P). We are getting into the 800 plus FPS range with our 6 in. Officers Model but we are still having some issues with metering and in the 38 case I cant see the charge. I just started loading a batch with SR4756 and out of 300 rounds fired, all were consistant. 800X data appears hard to find for 38 special. I have used it in .357.

[Chief Two Cents]

700X is easy to come by here in southern WV, I just finished a 4 lb. jug. Seems to give good results in my Python(38 spl. loads) as well as Colt series 70 government 45 and a couple of 9mm's. Still prefer Bullseye or 231, but they're not as available in the larger jugs around here, usually. There is one LGS that stocks just about anything you want, but not in 4 or 8 lb. jugs. The 4 pounders seem to be the hardest to find, except on the net, but I'm paying more for it with the hazmat fee. One pounders aren't enough and 8 pounders are too much for my needs. No technical info here, but have fun.