Old Dupont 700X & wheel guns ??

[Poohgyrr]

A friend wants to begin loading, using a keg of 700X his Dad gave him. I haven't worked with this powder before, and we're looking at his .357 & .44.

Anyone here have anything to share about how well this powder works with whichever bullets???

 

[Shoney]

As long as the powder has been stored properly, (sealed tightly and not exposed to extreems in temperature) it can be used safely, but I would approach max loads with great caution. Reason: the powder has lost some unknown percentage of weight with evaporation of the volatiles. That translates into a slightly more potent powder per same weigth in comparison to new fresh powder.

You did not specify which 44, but try these sights for data:

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/handgun/index.php

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/handgun/357mag.php

 

[Jim Watson]

Do be careful. 700X is a fast burning 12 gauge powder, nearly as "hot" as Bullseye when loaded in pistol cartridges. I would not try for full power Magnum loads with it.
I have loaded a bunch of .45 ACPs with it over the years. Its only drawback is its large flake size which makes it tough to measure uniformly. I could not get it to measure at all close enough for .38 Special or 9mm subsonic; it would occasionally give me a one grain powder charge with 2.5 to 3.5 wanted. When you get up around 5 grains for .44 Special or .45 ACP, it does OK.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I used 700x to load lead bullets in my .357 at .38 spl speeds. It is not a valid choice for magnum loads.

 

[MSgtEgress]

I have used 700X in 9mm and 38 spcl light loads. It is a very economcal powder. You could use it in 357 mag cases but the extra case capacity and the low charge weights can cause eratic pressure and velocity fluctuations. IMHO use 38 cases. I do use it for my 2 3/4" 12ga target load. 1 1/8oz #9's Claybuster wad and 17.5g 700X. 1200FPS