700X problem
Recently I introduced an acquaintance to reloading and recommended 700X for his 9mm and 45 ACP loads since I have had such great results with it. It burns very clean, meters accurately and is as economical as any of the other applicable powders (canistered), plus the recoil seems a bit milder then, say 231 or Bullseye.
Anyway, he called with the complaint that every so often he would get an extremely short charge, perhaps 1 in 15-20. He was using a new RCBS Little Dandy measure so I figured it was operator error or possibly some static electricity from the new plastic hopper.
He brought it out with a sample of his powder and was able to duplicate the problem with a degree of consistency. After inspection no static electricity was evident but I treated it with anti-static material anyway. When we replaced his powder with my powder, it measured perfectly. Went back to his powder and the problem reoccurred.
A visual comparison of the powders revealed no noticeable difference.
Has anyone had this problem? It would not be so bad but he bought an 8lb. jug of the stuff and although he is aware of the situation and inspects each and every case before seating the bullet, it certainly is a pain!
I checked online for a possible safety notice or recall but didn't find anything.
Anyone have any thoughts about this situation?
Ultimately, I suppose, we could pitch a bitch to IMR about it, but that is indeed a huge pain.
Anyway, he called with the complaint that every so often he would get an extremely short charge, perhaps 1 in 15-20. He was using a new RCBS Little Dandy measure so I figured it was operator error or possibly some static electricity from the new plastic hopper.
He brought it out with a sample of his powder and was able to duplicate the problem with a degree of consistency. After inspection no static electricity was evident but I treated it with anti-static material anyway. When we replaced his powder with my powder, it measured perfectly. Went back to his powder and the problem reoccurred.
A visual comparison of the powders revealed no noticeable difference.
Has anyone had this problem? It would not be so bad but he bought an 8lb. jug of the stuff and although he is aware of the situation and inspects each and every case before seating the bullet, it certainly is a pain!
I checked online for a possible safety notice or recall but didn't find anything.
Anyone have any thoughts about this situation?
Ultimately, I suppose, we could pitch a bitch to IMR about it, but that is indeed a huge pain.
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I don't know if this is applicable to 700X, as I haven't used it in years. Although the burning and pressure characteristics are the same, some of the fast burning powders were meant for primarily loading shotgun shells. They are fluffy little flakes. I have had similar problems to your friends in the past, when loading light target type loads, with these powders.
He might try a different brand of powder measure. I've had very good luck with a Lee Perfect Powder Measure for the last 4 years. It gives the impression of being a cheap plastic piece of crap, but it's accurate and sturdy.
The only thing that will absolutely solve his problem though is to start using the ball powders. AA 2, HP 38, 231 etc. Once I started using the Accurate Arms ball powders, I never went back to using the flake powders for light target loads.0 -
How much less is the short charge? How full is the hopper when it happens or does it happen the same when it is almost full, over half full and less than half full?
I used 700x almost exclusively for my large caliber pistol and 12ga shotgun shells since I was introduced to it almost 30 years ago and never have had a problem with it.
Have you considered calling the manufacturer for suggestions.
Sorry nothing more to suggest.0 -
I have loaded a lot of ammunition with 700X, shotgun because I like the way it shoots and pistol because I always have plenty on hand. Unlike rsnyder, it has not been trouble free in light pistol loads. I have never had a no-powder "squib" but every once in a while it will deliver a very short weight.
I don't know why there is a difference between your powder and his powder, maybe it is just by chance. I guess you could contact IMR/Hodgdon or RCBS, but there is no substitute for inspecting each case for one and only one powder charge with any powder.
I have a $6 aquarium air pump strapped to my Dillon powder measure hopper to settle the big flakes into the bar, which has prevented all but one short weight load.0 -
Had the same problem several years ago with .38 spec and 9mm. These were being measured by a Lyman #55 at the time. The powder had been sitting in an large container (can't remember if it was 11 lbs or 25 lbs.) and then poured into the hopper. I was told to rotate the keg on a regular basis and to shake the keg on a reg. basis.
As funny as it sounds, it worked.
I have no facts to base this on, only one experience. I have been rotating all my powders on a regular basis since then. If it's all bull sh--, it didn't cost me anything and it worked.
Additional: Make sure the 700X was not purchased as gov. powder (pulled from 38 spec) as this will normally have traces of red wax that do not meter well for pistol.
For what it's worth.
Best of luck0
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