Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is a legendary double base, flake propellant that has served as a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades. Originally a DuPont product, then IMR, and now distributed under the Hodgdon brand, Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is famous for its extreme versatility in both shotgun and handgun applications. Whether it is used for light 12 gauge target loads or as a high-efficiency powder for common pistol calibers, this propellant is prized for its ability to deliver consistent performance with relatively low charge weights.
- Main Application – 12 and 16 gauge clay target loads and various handgun cartridges.
- Key Advantage – High energy density allowing for economical, high-volume reloading.
- Burn Rate – Fast; it sits in the upper tier of the burn rate spectrum.
- What This Guide Covers – Technical specifications, physical properties, comparison with competitors, and optimized component pairings for 38 Special and 45 ACP.
Best For: Economical high-volume shooters who reload both shotgun and handgun ammunition.
Powder Description & Technical Profile
Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is a double base powder, meaning it contains both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin. This composition contributes to its high energy content and reliable ignition. Physically, it consists of thin, large diameter flakes. These flakes are designed to burn rapidly, making Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X ideal for low-pressure target loads where a quick pressure peak is required to ensure a clean burn and consistent velocity.
The expert “feel” of Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is characterized by its “snappy” and efficient nature. In a handgun, it provides a very distinct, fast recoil impulse that many competitive shooters find helpful for quick sight recovery. In shotguns, it is a staple for 1-1/8 oz. and 1 oz. 12 gauge loads, offering the right pressure curve to effectively push shot columns through standard target barrels without excessive muzzle blast.
Pros
- Extremely economical; low charge weights mean more rounds per pound of powder.
- Multi-purpose utility across various shotgun gauges and pistol calibers.
- Proven track record of accuracy in 38 Special and 45 ACP.
- Wide availability and long-standing load data support.
Cons
- Large flake size can lead to “bridging” in small-diameter powder drops or small pistol cases.
- Metering can be less consistent in smaller volumetric measures compared to spherical powders.
- Can be somewhat dirty when used at the very bottom end of the pressure range.
Technical Characteristics
The technical profile of Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X reflects its design as a high-energy target propellant:
| Property | Specification |
| Powder Type | Double Base |
| Grain Shape | Large Thin Flake |
| Density (g/cc) | 0.480 – 0.510 |
| Burn Rate Category | Fast |
| Primary Use | Shotgun (12/16 Ga) and Handgun |
Temperature Stability & Burn Rate Analysis
Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X offers respectable temperature stability for a traditional flake powder. While it does not utilize the modern coatings found in the “Enduron” or “Extreme” lines, its fast burn rate naturally mitigates some of the effects of temperature swings, as the powder is almost entirely consumed within the first few inches of the barrel.
In terms of the burn rate hierarchy, Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is positioned very close to Hodgdon Clays and Alliant Bullseye. It is slower than Hodgdon Titewad but significantly faster than mid-range powders like Hodgdon CFE Pistol.
Stability Comparison
| Powder Name | Stability Level | Velocity Deviation (Per 50°F) |
| Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X | Standard | 25-40 FPS |
| Hodgdon Clays | High | 15-25 FPS |
| Alliant Red Dot | Standard | 30-45 FPS |
Powder Comparison
Comparing Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X to its peers highlights its role as a bridge between specialized shotgun powders and classic pistol propellants.
| Powder | Burn Rate | Density (g/cc) | Primary Cartridges |
| Alliant Bullseye | Faster | 0.495 | 45 ACP, 38 Special |
| Hodgdon Clays | Slightly Faster | 0.540 | 12 Gauge, 45 ACP |
| Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X | Subject | 0.495 | 12 Gauge, 45 ACP, 38 Special |
| Alliant Green Dot | Slower | 0.465 | 20 Gauge, 45 ACP |
| Hodgdon HP-38 | Much Slower | 0.615 | 9mm Luger, 38 Special |
Performance, Metering & Equipment
Metering is the primary technical challenge when working with Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X. Because the flakes are large and thin, they can occasionally stack or “bridge” in the narrow throat of a powder measure. To combat this, reloaders often use a powder baffle or a measure with a dedicated pistol rotor, such as the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure.
For those using progressive presses, the Dillon Precision Powder Measure 1050 is generally reliable with this powder, provided the hopper is kept at least half-full to maintain consistent head pressure. If precision is the goal for target loads, the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 can help overcome flake metering variances by weighing every charge.
Fouling with Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is moderate. At higher pressures (within its safe range), it burns quite clean. At very low “cowboy” pressures, you may notice some greyish residue in the barrel, though this is easily removed during standard cleaning.
Recommended Cartridges and Applications
The versatility of Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is its greatest strength, spanning across both smoothbore and rifled platforms.
| Cartridge | Primary Application |
| 12 Gauge | Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays |
| 16 Gauge | Upland Bird and Target Loads |
| 45 ACP | Target, Bullseye, and IPSC |
| 38 Special | Cowboy Action and Target Loads |
| 9mm Luger | Light Practice and Plinking Loads |
Bullets
Because Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X is a fast-burning propellant, it is best paired with standard to light-for-caliber bullets to avoid excessive pressure spikes.
| Brand | Model | Weight Range |
| Sierra | Sierra MatchKing | 185-200 Grains |
| Hornady | Hornady Interlock | 110-158 Grains |
| Nosler | Nosler Custom Competition | 115-185 Grains |
| Lapua | Lapua Scenar | 115-124 Grains |
| Speer | Lead Round Nose | 148-230 Grains |
Primers
Consistent ignition is vital for flake powders. The following primers are recommended for use with Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X:
- CCI 500 – Small Pistol Standard
- Federal 100 – Small Pistol
- Winchester WSP – Small Pistol
- CCI 300 – Large Pistol Standard
- Federal 150 – Large Pistol
- Winchester WLP – Large Pistol (Standard/Magnum)
- Remington 9-1/2 – Large Pistol
- Fiocchi Small Pistol – European Standard
- Sellier & Bellot V360157 – Small Pistol
- Winchester W209 – 12/16 Gauge Shotgun
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X remains a top-tier choice for the reloader who wants one powder to do many things. While its metering characteristics require a bit more attention than modern spherical propellants, its economy and performance in the 12 gauge and 45 ACP are undeniable. It is a “workhorse” powder that provides excellent value for those loading in high volumes.
Expert Pro Tip: If you experience inconsistent “drops” with Hodgdon Hi-Skor 700-X on a progressive press, try tapping the side of the powder hopper with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler or installing a small vibration motor. This helps the large flakes settle more uniformly in the metering chamber, significantly reducing charge-to-charge weight variance. Additionally, always use a powder baffle to ensure that the weight of the powder column in the hopper does not affect the density of the charge being dropped.
