Has IMR 700x changed?

[DannyB1954]

I am a new reloader.

I loaded 9mm with 3.8gn of 700x with HDY 124gn XTP. It often gives me stovepipes in my Ruger SR9, and the cases fall not far from my feet. Factory ammo tends to send the cases flying a lot farther.

I was told that the Midway loadmaps called for up to 3.9 grains with HDY XTP 124, and to use extreme caution above that, with a maximum of 4.1 gns.

I know there has been restructuring of powder companies, and sometimes powders are made by other companies and then renamed and packaged. Has the powder somehow changed since the Midway load data came out? Or is it possible the jug of powder I bought is weaker than specs? I am using Remington small pistol primers in mixed brass.

I have tried COL of 1.125, and 1.135, (As per midway loadmaps). The 1.135 length is also giving me more feed problems than the 1.125 did.

[chris in va]

My Lyman manual shows 3.8 to be a suggested starting load with a max of 4.2.

[Marco Califo]

No, Powders do not change.

The IMR 700X data is included in this link:
http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
Hodgdon owns the IMR and Winchester powder brands and has combined the reloading data for all three. Your bullet is not listed specifically there.

[DannyB1954]

The closest they come to my bullet is the 125 HDY HAP, which is a similar design just not hollow point. Their data shows min of 2.9 and max of 3.4. Even at their max the Ruger SR9 does not eject or even stovepipe the case. I have to manually eject each round by racking the slide.

I am up to 3.8 grains of powder, and still getting stovepipes. I will kick it up to 4.0 and give it a go. I am also loading 38Spl with HDY 125XTP and 4.2gn feels good in that load, but I was afraid to go there with the 9mm because the case is so much smaller, but then 9mm his a higher pressure round.

[myfriendis410]

Several years ago Hodgdon started making the old classic powders--Bullseye, Unique etc. using a better quality cellulose to decrease powder residue. So yes; it has changed but not in the last few years.

[Marco Califo]

Hodgdon does not make Bullseye nor Unique. Those are made by Alliant.
The data for using powders does not change.

[DannyB1954]

I just find a lot of inconsistencies between all of the sources that I have available. I am using a name brand powder, (IMR 700X), and a name brand bullet,(HDY XTP 124), in a popular caliber,(9mm). I would think it would be easier to get good consistent info.

The 3.8 charge I used was a failure at 1.135" OAL, so I think my next step is to drop back on the powder and start with a shorter OAL. I will try 3.6gn with a 1.1 OAL

[Jim Watson]

I'd rather increase the powder.
Lyman goes up to 4.2 gr here.
Deeper seating is less predictable, a friend had trouble with it.

700X is a name brand SHOTGUN powder, on the fast side for 9mm.
Don't push it.

[GP100man]

I`m currently loading or in the starting mode of starting to load for 380 (wifes Bersa) & have found the fast shotgun powders very touchy when the boiler gets small!

I`d go with the AOL that gave the best feeding & increse the powder .1gr at the time until good ejection occurs.

One point I may mention ,you`re using mixed brass & interior capacitys may vary from brand to brand affecting pressures in such a small case.

If a load is worked up in a larger capacity case then put into a smaller capacity case that same load makes more pressure , see where I`m going here???hopefully just inconsistent results!

This may be the cause of your recent results, you`re right on the edge of the pressure curve for YOUR pistol to cycle.

Anyways ,I`m a true blue revolver shooter but have I have owned a few autos .
The 1 I`ll never forget was a 460Rowland fresh from R&D ya had to use rifle brass cutdown to shoot it , it`d throw brass 50 ft. seems like!!& even when ya found factory ammo it went 49.5 ft.

Talk about walkin around lookin down !!!

[DannyB1954]

Thanks to all for the info. The Hodgden load site lists the OAL at 1.069" for the HDY HAP which I am told is the same bullet as mine but not hollow point.