700X for revolvers?

[tactical870]

I'm finding myself shooting a lot or 38spl, 357 mag and 44 mag and recently came up with a pile of Hi Skor 700X. I've tried 700x in my 357 before with poor results. Lots of unburnt powder and embers going everywhere. Anyone here use it? Any pet loads? Thanks.

 

[dan belisle]

I used it in 44 Special for a time. I agree that it isn't a very clean burning powder. - dan

 

[bobbynewmark]

I seem to remember doing 3.8 grains of it under a cast 185gr SWC as a +p load for my ruger in .38 spec, and doing 3.3 grains as a standard load with same bullet for my snubbie charter arms .38 spec

was pretty accurate considering short barrels. Cast bullets are filthy so powder mess wasn't issue as I had to clean lots anyway It is satisfactory, and I still use it IMHO

 

[easyrider604]

700X was my .38 spl powder of choice until the keg ran out.

My normal pressure 38 spl load was 158 grain LSWC or LRN(commercial or Lee TL) over 3.7 grains 700X. Velocity was around the 800 fps mark in my 686

Then I experimented and tried up to 4.6 grains 700X, same heads. Got higher than 1000fps out of my GP100 6 incher, healthy bang and recoil. I'd say they are equivalent to 38 +P+ loads. No sign of overpressure when extracting (brass just fell out when barrel tilted up) and primers were not flattened at all. Good accuracy and of course dirty as heck after 700 rounds.

Due to the fun factor, all my 38 spl loads now are +P or higher. I shifted to Titegroup now, but would gladly use 700X if available.

I've tried 700x in my 357 before with poor results. Lots of unburnt powder and embers going everywhere.

If loading in 357 brass, try loading higher in 0.2 grain 700X increments until the unburnt flakes and embers disappear. With 158 grain bullets, I wouldn't go over 5.2 grains 700x in 357 brass since it is a fast powder and pressure could be spiking up dramatically around that point.

 

[lister]

I use 700-X as it crosses over many calibers I reload for. I'll try and check my notes tonight.
Guns are meant to be cleaned, so a bit of powder residue doesn't concern me.

 

[Pudelpointer]

I have run between 2.0 and 9.0 grains of 700x under a 240 cast and 9.0 under a jacketed 240 in the 44 mag. Lots of unburnt powder until 4-4.5 grains, 9.0 has lots of snap.

 

[tactical870]

I kinda figured loading it a little hotter might help burn the whole load. What primers? I ran federal small pistol in my 357 loads.

Ryan

 

[Pudelpointer]

CCI Large Pistol.

 

[kjohn]

I have used kegs of 700X in my two or three favorite revolvers, especially a Model 66 and a 586. Works just fine for me!!