Interesting reloading problem/difference of two batches of 700X

C

chook

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My friend and I have the identical setups for reloading, turret presses, same Lee disc measures, etc etc. The only diff is I have some 700X that is 20 yrs old, and his is a new batch. I am a long time reloader and keep my powder at the proper humidity and temperature in a powder cabinet. It looks and smells fine, no decomposing. So here is the problem. His loads of new powder function his 1911 perfectly, but my loads which are identical do not. We have 3 1911's we have tried this in, and his function fine, mine stovepipe or fail to pick up a new round.

The ONLY thing I can think of is that over the years 700X has changed in potency. When I look at 20 yr. + reloading data, the loads seem more aggressive than todays loads. Maybe you needed more back in the day compared to todays lots of 700X? Would like to hear from old farts like myself that know their stuff. ;)
 
We'll run it through the same measure to get rid of that variable, brass is all mixed brass. Maybe get all that the same as well to throw that variable out as well. That'll only leave the powder.
 
Even if you think your set ups are the same something is different in your setups (they might be close) but they will be different
even more or less crimp -- or -- deeper seating length --- or --- brand of brass

your old lot could have lost some of its power

I have read that powder lots vary +- 5%from one lot to another
if you take that into account your friend could have the more power full lot and your lot could be less

That is your load data and what are you shooting it in ?????

If you take your load/old lot and add 5% will it function ?????

If you take your load/old lot and add 10% will it function ????? --------as long as it is not a max load

if you pm me I can point you to a sight where you can down load some old manuals and compare old to new
 
I may be wrong on this but I'm pretty sure the data has changed for 700X in 1989 or so. I remember looking at my uncle's load data from before then and my current reference and they were difference.
 
Different powder lots can do that, but powder does get tired with age. Mind you, if your pistols have different return springs, that'd account for functioning issues.
 
Does your friends newer 700x powder have an IMR logo or the Hodgdon logo on the can?
Until very recently (less than a year ago?) 700x was made in Canada at the Quebec plant that a lot of IMR powders are made at under contract. 700x is now sold under the Hodgdon name, not IMR, and is made somewhere in the US. I haven't done a side-by-side comparison but several guys in the US on forums I was reading were talking about the two powders being noticeably different (but still very close). Even the cans used to say "Made in Canada, packaged in the USA" and now they just say "Made in the USA" or some such.
Combine that with the variations in lots already mentioned and the "same" powder can be quite different.
 
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