IMR 700-X reload experience on a .45 ACP

I am new to shooting, and have spent $1000 on .45 ACP ammo in the last month and a half, I plan on firing 200 to 350 rounds per weekend, would it be more cost effective to reload and if so what would my start up costs be?
Please advise and thanks.
 
When I stopped loading shotgun ammo, I had a 12 pound can of 700X to use up. I used it for 45 and 40.

I found it accurate. I suggest you try a bit more powder and compare, say, 4.6 to 4.9 for accuracy. Then load and shoot.

When that powder is gone, buy 231 or TiteGroup. Much easier to get consistent metering.
 
Back some years, I used 700X in a Lee 1000. I found it difficult to drop consistent amounts. When I farmed, we rigged up an agitator in a seed drill to seed brome grass. Basically, we put a full length 1" pipe lengthwise through the seed box and ran it at a slow speed off the seed cup shaft. I was model railroading at the time I was reloading with 700X, so I did the same basic fix on the powder hopper. I used some pieces from an old typewriter and other items, but I just wired a little arm to the side of the loader and attached it to a cross-shaft, and every time the powder measure went up, the little arm got turned about a quarter and back, stirring up the powder a wee bit. I had a little brass gear on a cross-shaft inside, right in the powder. Worked like a charm.
 
700X meters surprisingly well in my Dillon powder measure. It doesn't throw quite as consistent charges as, say, Titegroup, but it still acceptable. It wouldn't be my first choice for a pistol powder, but it is something that I have found to be workable if powder availability is limited.
 
Add me as another satisfied user of 700x in my Dillon 550B. I don't compete so as long as the pistol functions properly I'm fine with it. The only downside is that 700x is dirty as all get out. But that's minor issue. I've got most of a 7 pounder. I'll be using it for a while.
 
Sulphur said:
I am new to shooting, and have spent $1000 on .45 ACP ammo in the last month and a half, I plan on firing 200 to 350 rounds per weekend, would it be more cost effective to reload
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Yes

and if so what would my start up costs be?
Please advise and thanks.
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Depends what press you want to use. For the volume you're talking about I would recommend a Dillon. P&D sell Dillon and can give you pricing information. Figure about $500 USD for a 550B and $700 USD for a 650. Plus various accessories. Call Phil at P&D, tell him your situation and follow his advice.

Sometimes life can be simple.
 
Update to my experience. I wiped used dryer sheets to the inside of the Lee Pro auto disk reservoir and the disks. It metered fairly well. Lyman 55 also threw pretty consistent charged but some flakes seem to bind a bit.

BigUglyMan - .45ACP reload is well worth it. My start up cost was about $500 for the Lee classic Turret, Lee dies, scales and calipers and case prep tools. I've loaded almost 1000rds of .45acp since I started last summer.
 
I use a ton of 700x in my 45acp loads. My press is a Dillon 650 and I too use an aquarium pump tie wrapped to the powder measure to keep the drops consistent. I find 700x to be a soft shooting and accurate powder and it's easy to find in 8lb containers.
 
BigUglyMan said:
Add me as another satisfied user of 700x in my Dillon 550B. I don't compete so as long as the pistol functions properly I'm fine with it. The only downside is that 700x is dirty as all get out. But that's minor issue. I've got most of a 7 pounder. I'll be using it for a while.
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This is my experience as well, minus the 7lbs of powder. I just got into a routine of giving the hopper a little tap with my finger. I'd raise the ram to the top of its stroke, then lower just enough so the hopper is "loose", tap it, then lower the ram to the bottom. I've got it down to the point it doesn't add any time to my reloading, and the flake powder measures quite consistently. Also, 700x is usually cheaper than most powders, so another bonus!
 
Work up loads slowly and always watch for pressure. My experience with 700X is as follows.... YMMV

4.7gr 700X pushing a 230gr Frontier RN-TMJ hits 805.19fps (331.19 ft/lbs ) average in my XD-45 using Win Large Primer and a COAL of 1.270

5.2 gr 700X pushing a 185gr Sierra JHP hits hots 836.09fps (287.23ft/lbs) average again using WLP and a COAL of 1.210
 
I am doing 4.8 gr of 700x under S&B 230 gr fmj's on my Lyman T-Mag turret press. (I do have to give it a few taps on the knocker)the range's chrony said an average of 825 fps. I also noticed the huge difference in recoil, way softer than factory ammo. My norc 1911 likes this load the best!
 
Armored Metal said:
Update to my experience also. I got a Lyman 55 at christmas from my dad and it is by far the best powder mesure I've used with 700X. It is far more consistent than my Lee perfect powder mesure or my Hornady pistol powder mesure (discontinued).
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I have several powder throwers. The Lyman 55 is by far the best with flake powders.

My Uniflow and Redding BR are hopeless with flake powders. The Dillon is ok with it.
 
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