IMR 700X advice, please

[NewGuy1911]

Will be learning reloading from a friend and could use an education about IMR 700x powder. First reloading lesson and it's for both a 4" & 5" 1911 45 acp with Bear Creek 200 gr LSWC. Aiming for the Wilson Combat load and whatever the IDPA power factor is.

Happy New Year

[Bill Steele]

Will be learning reloading from a friend and could use an education about IMR 700x powder. First reloading lesson and it's for both a 4" & 5" 1911 45 acp with Bear Creek 200 gr LSWC. Aiming for the Wilson Combat load and whatever the IDPA power factor is.

Happy New Year

Hodgdon has your exact load online. 4.6gr start - 5.3gr max. I would load it a little longer than their minimim OAL, maybe shoot for 1.265" OAL. Crimp to .469" OD at the case mouth (Wilson spec, will help with feed on those SWC's).

Good luck, have fun.

[hanover67]

Same here. I use 4.5gr of 700X and a 185gr LSWC. Works fine.

[NewGuy1911]

Thanks Bill Steele & hanover67,

Another question;

I've only shot fmj factory ammo, might I have problems with the Bear Creek moly LSWC?

[rsrocket1]

You never know until you try. I went through 2 boxes of these and could not get them to reliably feed into my old Thompson AO 1911. I tried different lengths, different crimps, polishing the ramp and hood and originally gave up after a hundred rounds into the first box. Then, they suddenly started feeding 100%, so I bought another box full and started getting the same problems. My 1911 has the small/narrow feed ramp and I heard the wider mouth found on most modern 1911's eat SWC's just fine.

I gave up on the Bear Creek SWC's when I started casting. I use the Lee TL452-230-TC and it feeds 100% perfectly, just like military hardball and I haven't looked back. I may have to eventually if I want to save some lead and shoot 200g instead of 240g which is where these drop.

There is a very good chance that your gun will eat up SWC's just fine, but don't assume. Try some out and judge for yourself. It may take a few trials.

[NewGuy1911]

Hi rsrocket1,

My understanding lead for casting bullets is hard to come by. Some 25 yrs ago I set a side some acoustic lead and weights. Never did the cast lead thing.

Someday I might try a cowboy round (230-240gr, flat-nose, with small hollowpoint) in the 1911 45. The round I'm thinking of hunters have used with success.

[sargenv]

Actually, lead is readily available in just about any alloy you want, unfortunately you will also pay for it.. the days of free lead wheel weights is gone.. since at least in Cali, they mandate lead free weights on all cars.