800-x in .38special

[wv67]

Hi folks,

Long time lurker and new reloader with a question. I've just started reloading .38 special practice ammo. I'm currently doing it with a Lee classic loader as I'm really trying to do it cheap, plus I didn't want a large outlay of cash in case I didn't like it. I feel I made a good choice in AA#2 for my purpose and think I should get a good feel for one powder before experimenting with others.

However, I have the opportunity to pick up 1lb of 800-x really cheap. Money is an object and I don't want to pass on a good opportunity, even though it may sit on the shelf awhile. So...., any input/experience as to whether this would be an acceptable powder for 158gr .38 +p loads down the road? FWIW, my revolver is a .357 SP101 and I plan to reload .357 sometime in the future also.

Thanks!

 

[243winxb]

IMR powder guide, 1999, is the only place i see load data for it. Its a large flake bulky powder that does not flow thru powder measures well. The burning rate is on the slow side for the 38spec. I have used it in a handgun but dont remember what caliber, 45acp i think??. Stopped because of the bridging. Works well in shotgun loaders.

 

[loadedround]

I checked several of my manuals and the online Hodgdon loading site and did not find any data for 800-X powder so I do not consider it applicable for 38 Spl/38+ loads. I would stick with Bullseye, 231, or Unique powder for your 158 gr loads.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

IMR manual dated 05/03 shows for 38 spl, 158 gr LRN:
800-X 4.8 gr, 750 fps, 16,000 cup, 1,520 oal.
158 gr SWC, 5.0gr, 880 fps, 11,600 cup max 5.9 gr, 880 fps, 16,000.

From Lee 2nd Ed.
38 spl, 158 gr lead, 800-X
4.8 gr, 752 fps: 5.7 gr, 875 fps, 16,000 cup

 

[evan price]

800-X is really not a great powder for 38 special, it's forte is 10mm and .40 S&W imho, but it could be made to work and if you are talking less than $10 a pound for example you could struggle through a pound of it.

 

[wv67]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the info. I did get the 800x since it was only $10 for a pound. I figured I could sell it to an uncle that I remembered did some reloading. He also told me about the Lee 2nd edition, so I'm ordering that and will try out the powder in the future. If I don't like it, the uncle will take it off my hands.

I had the opportunity to purchase some 700x for the same price/amount, but waited too long. Apparently, that will work in the .38.

Regards

 

[Jesse Heywood]

Here's a link to the IMR manual. http://www.imrpowder.com/pdf_reload.html

 

[GP100man]

get it , it`s a fine 357 mag powder & it`s my go to powder in 44mag for my huntin rounds . info is scarce & hard to drum up at times though.

Thanks jesse good link to the old IMR Data !!!!

Before Hodgdon took over.

 

[zxcvbob]

W,
Check with your local gun shop and see how much an 8# jug of Alliant Promo would cost. It should be well under $100. It is about perfect for .38 target loads. It's bulky (not quite as bulky as Red Dot but close) and you don't use much -- 4.0 grains with 125 grain bullets, and I'm not sure how much with 158's but it would be less than 3.5.

I've been working on a jug of it for 5 years now. Have made a pretty good dent in it is all.