Conclusion to Hi Skor in 9mm test

[GaryL]

Several years back, I scored some Hi Skor, and decided to try to make it work in 9mm.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=318155&highlight=Hi+Skor

Well, time sure flies by. Today I finally got around to wrapping this up.

I've been treating Hi-Skor like Red Dot, as most data I found seems to show comparable loads.

My conclusion, Hi Skor is not 9mm friendly. It seems too bulky to work well. The best groups were in the 3.6-3.8gr range, with failures to feed.

4.1 gr - large pattern. feeds nicely, cases fly all of 6".

4.2 gr - pattern tightens slightly, a little more pop

4.4 gr - pattern opens up, more pop, most cases manage to make it to the ground, not sure any actually cleared the bench on the way there

Everything over 4gr shot nice, and would be fine for plinkers in a pinch. No signs of any pressure. And maybe a different gun would be happy with one of the loads.

Anyway, stopped at 4.4gr simply because that appeared to be a slightly compressed load. It is very close with 115 gr bullets. At that, I don't think these are going very fast. Feels almost like a 22 compared to a standard round. I know, that and a dollar might buy a cup of coffee. I didn't bother with the chronograph since it wasn't worth the effort for these few rounds.

I suspect 124gr bullets would be better, but I have a very good load for that now, and with bullets in short supply....

 

[gamestalker]

I loaded with 700X back in the 1980's for a while with 115 gr. JHP's, and it worked great out of my G17. I still have the data I used written in my #10 Speer reloading manual. I used 4.5 grs. under a 115 gr. JHP. Velocities were in the low 1100's fps, and accuracy was pretty darn good too.

Now days I don't load with those fast burners though. I use HS6 or Longshot, which deliver better velocities, and they don't have such tight charge tables.

GS

 

[Jesse Heywood]

I like to see these kinds of tests. Thanks.

Gamestalker mentioned 700X. For those who don't know, the old Hi-Skor is not the same as the newer Hi-Skor 700-X and Hi-Skor 800-X.

 

[TonyT]

At one time DuPont published data for HS-700X in 9mm. Have you checked the current Hodgdon website for HS-700X in 9mm?

 

[GaryL]

One thing I forgot to mention is how clean that stuff burns. At least in 9mm ...

At one time DuPont published data for HS-700X in 9mm. Have you checked the current Hodgdon website for HS-700X in 9mm?

Jesse answered that question:

For those who don't know, the old Hi-Skor is not the same as the newer Hi-Skor 700-X and Hi-Skor 800-X.

The old Hi-Skor is probably more like Trail Boss than anything.

I'll just have to find another application for it. As soon as I figure out a way to measure relative pressure. Doesn't need to be exact, just something simple along the lines of PlastiGage.