I use a Beseler 23C with a dual dichro head. For an 8X10 from a 6X7 neg, I use a three second exposure with an 80mm componon at 50m 50y at f11. Colour paper is MUCH faster than b&w. Granted, I have only used Supra 111, Supra Endura, and Edge. The newer Supra Endura and the Edge look very similar except for the thinner paper base of the Edge. The Supra 111 was old expired stuff, and was a little slower than the more modern stuff that is useable in optical or digital printing. My times are short since I also use the conical light integrator and condensors with my 23C. If you use a diffuser like most people do, you will find that your print times are more along the lines of 10 to 20 sec. When I need to dodge and burn (which is not as often with colour) I can stop the lens down a few stops. I don't see any difference in an 8X10 from 6X7 neg at f11 or f22 from my componons.
Here's another trick I learned when using drums. The paper goes in to the drum with the emulsion towards the inside of the drum. When I dry the drum (literally push a tea towel into the drum, and give it a twist, then pull it out) there may be a few drops of water in the bottom of the drum. No problem. Leave the drum upright when you load it, and the few drops stay in the bottom of the drum with no effect on the paper. As soon as I lay the drum on its side on the roller base, I pour in the pre-wet and the whole mess is wet anyway. It works for me. I have never had any streaks on any of my RA4 prints. Whether it is because of the way I load the drum, or the type of roller base I use, or just $hit luck, I don't know.
One more thing. Drums usually have slots on the inside with stuts that fit into the slots for different size paper. The paper is supposed to be placed in between the two struts so it will be held tight against the sides of the drum. I have three different types of drums at home, and I don't use the struts in any of them. I just put the paper in the drum, and put the cap on. The only time I would use the struts is when I have a couple of 5X7's in the one drum.
Kodak makes a safelight filter for colour work which I use. I'd tell you the filter number if I was at home (#13?). It is really dim (probably just my old eyes). It is just enough to see your way around the darkroom. If I wait about 3 minutes, I can see enough to use a paper cutter and cut the Edge paper into sheets, with no ill effects on the cut paper. There are still some Edge rolls left on ebay for cheap. An 8"X610' roll is about $40 plus shipping. I bought three rolls for around $120 including shipping. That's over 2000 sheets!! I cut a few hundred sheets, and put the rolls in the freezer. I like the results of the Edge paper, and it sure fits in my budget. Filter packs and exposure times are very close to endura. Just my $.02.
