So I missed a chance to discuss the merits of Hi-Skor 700- X when I stopped at a LGS and bought a big jug of it. I normally do research first, gathering information, and then making a test purchase of a 1 lb (14 oz) bottle. In this, get what’s available, environment I cut straight to the happy place of buying 8 lbs, the best value quantity.
Jumping ahead....
Took my 700-X loads out to the range today. Both 9mm and 40 S&W rounds shot well. Somehow I got it right on the first try. That usually doesn’t happen and I’m back with my notes reworking powder or seating depth. Even though I made up 3 rungs in each ladder, I could shoot any of the three and be happy. So I guess that means I’ll reload the highest charge of the three and test it in every gun I have. Generally speaking, if something fires well in my Honor Guard 9, it’ll be too harsh for my Kimber Micro 9. Same with my Beretta PX4 Storm/Springfield EMP 40 S&W loads. In this case, despite having 3 nines with me, I did my testing with the Kimber Micro 9. I also took the PX4 to shoot the 40s.
Impressions...very economical powder. Loads are quite small, and everything fired nicely. Cases were dirty...but not any worse than other powders I shoot. More importantly, my hands we’re still clean after the shooting session, including recovering my fired brass. One item I did note...the cases are hotter than any other powder I load, and they retained heat longer as well. It’s a bit early to make any decision, but early impressions are quite favorable.
Side note...got a wild hair on Sunday and elected to load some 38 Spl and 45 ACP loads with this 700-X, but I did it with my Hornady Powder dropper. I was prepared to chuck that and break out the FA Intellidropper. That proved unnecessary, as this powder dropped within specs each time. Charges weren’t as accurate as my electronic dispenser, but probably more accurate than I could notice in shooting. Of course that remains to be seen as I haven’t shot any of them...but mid-session checks and the powder was still within tolerances. So while I prefer loading with my FA Intellidropper, if I need to crank out some rounds in a hurry, my powder dropper will do just fine. This powder is NOTHING like Universal!
Jumping ahead....
Took my 700-X loads out to the range today. Both 9mm and 40 S&W rounds shot well. Somehow I got it right on the first try. That usually doesn’t happen and I’m back with my notes reworking powder or seating depth. Even though I made up 3 rungs in each ladder, I could shoot any of the three and be happy. So I guess that means I’ll reload the highest charge of the three and test it in every gun I have. Generally speaking, if something fires well in my Honor Guard 9, it’ll be too harsh for my Kimber Micro 9. Same with my Beretta PX4 Storm/Springfield EMP 40 S&W loads. In this case, despite having 3 nines with me, I did my testing with the Kimber Micro 9. I also took the PX4 to shoot the 40s.
Impressions...very economical powder. Loads are quite small, and everything fired nicely. Cases were dirty...but not any worse than other powders I shoot. More importantly, my hands we’re still clean after the shooting session, including recovering my fired brass. One item I did note...the cases are hotter than any other powder I load, and they retained heat longer as well. It’s a bit early to make any decision, but early impressions are quite favorable.
Side note...got a wild hair on Sunday and elected to load some 38 Spl and 45 ACP loads with this 700-X, but I did it with my Hornady Powder dropper. I was prepared to chuck that and break out the FA Intellidropper. That proved unnecessary, as this powder dropped within specs each time. Charges weren’t as accurate as my electronic dispenser, but probably more accurate than I could notice in shooting. Of course that remains to be seen as I haven’t shot any of them...but mid-session checks and the powder was still within tolerances. So while I prefer loading with my FA Intellidropper, if I need to crank out some rounds in a hurry, my powder dropper will do just fine. This powder is NOTHING like Universal!