700-X and the .357

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

To borrow on a theme from the IMR powder thread earlier....

I would like to know if anyone has attempted to use 700-X with bullets heavier than 158 grainers. I'm not looking for speed necessarily, but it would be nice. The reason is that I'm sitting on about 10+ pounds of the stuff, and would like to be able to use it in the 180gr GB bullet that I'm waiting to get.

So far I've been happy with its performance in the 125 and 158 weight classes, but I don't see any data on its use with the heavier bullets.


BTW, if I picked up a 12 pound keg of the stuff for $50, it that a reasonable deal??

[felix]

Excellent buy! Use 700X only for the mid to lighter boolit weights per caliber. Reason? It comes on too strong when squeezed! BE is considerably milder when loaded to higher pressures. ... felix

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

I can assume that a firm crimp isn't necessissarily best with 700-X either? Pressure spikes and such is what I'm guessing.

[felix]

Crimp is a function of boolit weight in a pistol application. More weight, heavier crimp. Better yet, best to go light on the crimp, and increase the boolit pull instead (smaller diameter expander plug). If the boolit does not move during firing all six, or all 10 in a magazine, then no further crimp required. ... felix

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Actually I'm not using an expander at all. Just resizing in RCBS carbides, and using a Dillon belling die after that. Unless the Dillon does put some expansion on the case....been so long since I've looked at how it functions I can't remember. Be I've yet to have any problems with lead bullet accuracy using this system.

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Oh, and using RCBS seating/crimping die for that function.

Will be switching to a Lee die setup in the future. Anything I might keep in mind when switching?

[felix]

Just load and go with what you have. Use 4.5-5.0 grains 700X with 158 grainer. About 950-1100 fps out of a pistol. ... felix

[GP100man]

bubba

i shoot a lee tumble lube boolit that drops at 168 gr.
wsp primer 4.5gr 700x starline 357 brass good results
havent cronoed load but comparable to 38+p
shot out of 6"gp100

[RayinNH]

Bubba, when you made that deal, were you by chance wearing a mask and carrying your gun?...:kidding: Ray

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Bubba, when you made that deal, were you by chance wearing a mask and carrying your gun?...:kidding: Ray

Felt almost as if when I walked away with that big metal container!!! :drinks:

[Bubba w/a 45/70]

Seems that I stumbled across a load that perfectly mimicks my old favorite loading of 7.0 grains of HS-6 under a 158 lead proojektyle> 5.5 grains of 700-X under a 158 lead proojektyle.

Believe it or not, these loads shoot to the exact point of aim out of a 7.5 inch Ruger Bisley. Putting a staggered cylinder of both loads in the same gun came up with a group that looks exactly the same as groups of same cylinder loads. And they all shot to the same point of impact at 15 yards.

I can't ask for anything better than that for me.