800 X for subsonic loads?

800X now discontinued is a victim of its propency of ''metering like corn flakes''.I might add a well deserved reputation.But that negative fact being put aside(after all,nobody is perfect...always thought the contrary but my wife keeps saying that my theory is flawed and that I am the flaw''),800X is situated in a very desirable spot considering its burning rate.

Nobody will dispute the fact that Unique is the most versatile powder,many going as far as saying if they could have but one powder it would be Unique...and I agree with this.But I rank 800X very close to that assertion.OK,you've got to build pressure up a little more with 800X compared to Unique for low vel target loads but I know many target and PPC shooters who offered Unique at a very low price after being disappointed with it(try it at 3.0 or 3.2 under a 148gr .38SPL and you'll get some pow and some POW with vertical stringing on your target.That's why I don't think either one is good for developping a target load.

I agree that under these conditions 800X will not fare any better but remember,I said after Unique it is a very good spare quarterback.Use it for +P 38SPL and also, almost up there with max velocity but not quite with a lot less powder in the 3 magnum revolvers;it is also an excellent(often in my experience better than Unique)in reduced cast bullet loads(30-30,45-70 38-55 and maybe another one or two I don't remember).One area where it is far superior to Unique is that it occupies more case capacity which is a desirable feature.

I consider myself lucky to have a 5 pounder still stashed  away but at the rate I'm using it,it won't last long.My favorite load for it;Lee RFN 210 unsized LLA lubed topping 10gr of 800Xin my .44Mag S&W 629 8 3/8''.Kick is gentle(am pushing near 70 and got arthritis in my left hand)and darn accurate.Couldn't ask for more.I hope they bring it back but doubt it!