Unique. What to expect
- Thread starter MightyMO1911
- Start date
FrankenMauser
New member
My notes on Unique:
Light, low pressure loads will be sooty, sooty, sooty. But it cleans up as pressure increases.
Works great in everything. It may not be the "best" powder for many applications, but it, literally, works in everything.
Metering, like 44 AMP said, has never been much of an issue for me. The Internet hates it, but my tools don't. It doesn't meter as nicely as tiny little ball powders like Ramshot TAC or Hodgdon Lil' Gun; but it still isn't like trying to meter cloves. My Uniflow powder measure complains a little bit about Unique, but it still spits out proper, consistent charges. And my Dillon measures... they ran perfectly with Unique.
A few years ago, I loaded up 3,500 rounds of my go-to (moderately light) 9mm load using Unique. ....It only used two pounds of powder.
Light, low pressure loads will be sooty, sooty, sooty. But it cleans up as pressure increases.
Works great in everything. It may not be the "best" powder for many applications, but it, literally, works in everything.
Metering, like 44 AMP said, has never been much of an issue for me. The Internet hates it, but my tools don't. It doesn't meter as nicely as tiny little ball powders like Ramshot TAC or Hodgdon Lil' Gun; but it still isn't like trying to meter cloves. My Uniflow powder measure complains a little bit about Unique, but it still spits out proper, consistent charges. And my Dillon measures... they ran perfectly with Unique.
A few years ago, I loaded up 3,500 rounds of my go-to (moderately light) 9mm load using Unique. ....It only used two pounds of powder.
NoSecondBest
New member
In every gun I've ever owned and used Unique in, I've always been able to find some other powder that worked better in that gun. However, I've never found a powder more versatile. I've used it in just about every handgun caliber and in several rifles using lead bullets. As stated, it's been around a very long time. I'd guess that's the reason. I always have a bottle on my loading bench.
MightyMO1911
New member
And that longevity and versatility is exactly why I want to store up a few pounds for a rainy day. From the conversation here I'm excited to try it. My go to, main bullet in my 1911 is the 230 grain lrn. Bullseye works very well and I'm hopeful unique will also be the ticket.
Be aware that there is a lot of data out there using Unique and some of it will conflict. I use the old Lyman factory duplication load for 230gr .45acp, both jacketed and cast. Been using that load since the 70s. No issues in any of my guns.
However, that load is above some published data for 230LRN. Use your own best judgment.
However, that load is above some published data for 230LRN. Use your own best judgment.
357, Unique, 125's.
This post prompted me to look at my chronograph archives to find what I had for 357 Magnum; 125gn JHP; Unique. Upon looking, it would seem that I had never completed the load workup and stopped at 9.2gns; with the notes stating that it (the 9.2) was the most consistent of the previous charge weights, with no signs of pressure, along with the suggestion to continue working up. I guess I left it unfinished. Rather ironic considering how well suited Unique is for the application.
For some background: when I shoot 357 mag, I prefer 158's and have a lot of recipes for them. I don't shoot 125's much and I was pleased with the results of Power Pistol; not pleased with the results of HS-6 (high SD's); and I left Unique unfinished and forgotten about. . . Or so it would seem.
So off to the load bench this evening to load up groups of 10 each (hand weighed) of 9.2; 9.3; 9.4; 9.5; & 9.6gn. Speer #14 peaks at 9.6gn.
These will be shot through my 3" bbl 686 - the gun I shoot the most and sometimes carry. Once I find the best of the group, I'll load up 40 more. I'll shoot 20 in my 3" bbl again - to check for repeatability, and 20 in my 4" bbl 686.
This post prompted me to look at my chronograph archives to find what I had for 357 Magnum; 125gn JHP; Unique. Upon looking, it would seem that I had never completed the load workup and stopped at 9.2gns; with the notes stating that it (the 9.2) was the most consistent of the previous charge weights, with no signs of pressure, along with the suggestion to continue working up. I guess I left it unfinished. Rather ironic considering how well suited Unique is for the application.
For some background: when I shoot 357 mag, I prefer 158's and have a lot of recipes for them. I don't shoot 125's much and I was pleased with the results of Power Pistol; not pleased with the results of HS-6 (high SD's); and I left Unique unfinished and forgotten about. . . Or so it would seem.
So off to the load bench this evening to load up groups of 10 each (hand weighed) of 9.2; 9.3; 9.4; 9.5; & 9.6gn. Speer #14 peaks at 9.6gn.
These will be shot through my 3" bbl 686 - the gun I shoot the most and sometimes carry. Once I find the best of the group, I'll load up 40 more. I'll shoot 20 in my 3" bbl again - to check for repeatability, and 20 in my 4" bbl 686.
Last edited:
MightyMO1911
New member
Nick that's good stuff. I'm anxious to see your results. The process you're using now is where I have the most to learn.
MightyMO1911,
That's kind of why I posted the above information - it's mostly for the consumption of our novice loaders here on TFL. I kind of wanted to give a feel for the work up process.
I will post the results in this thread and my thoughts on it; along with my next steps.
Speaking of load work ups: I want to created a recipe for 148gn Hard Cast Lead DEWC's for 357 Magnum. I load/shoot tons of soft cast 148 DEWC's for 38 Special - more than any other ammo. But I discovered how awesome soft cast performs in 38 target/match loads when I was already sitting on about 3000 hard cast DEWC's. So that left me with 3K hard cast slugs without a purpose. Time to create a purpose.
What I want is a target 357 magnum with considerably more spunk than a standard 38 target load. Since they're hard cast, I'm looking for about 900 fps - that's potent enough to properly obturate the slug for maximum barrel sealing; yet mild enough to not lead the barrel due to velocity. I'm thinking Bullseye for the propellant - subject to change. This is as far as I've gotten - the basic concept.
And here's why I'm mentioning this:
There is probably no published load data at all for 148gn LDEWC/357 Magnum. I don't know for sure - I haven't actually looked. So, I'm probably going to need to come up with a starting point on my own (not the first time, won't be the last). I'm am going to start a Word Document chronicling the process - from basic concept (where I am now), to research, through all the work up steps, to final finished product - in detail. After the process is complete and I am completely satisfied with the load recipe, I'll post it here in the "roll your own" section. It think it will be useful for novices and veterans alike; and create some constructive discussion. And in the process, hopefully we will all share ideas and practices and it will be educational for all of us - me included.
That's kind of why I posted the above information - it's mostly for the consumption of our novice loaders here on TFL. I kind of wanted to give a feel for the work up process.
I will post the results in this thread and my thoughts on it; along with my next steps.
Speaking of load work ups: I want to created a recipe for 148gn Hard Cast Lead DEWC's for 357 Magnum. I load/shoot tons of soft cast 148 DEWC's for 38 Special - more than any other ammo. But I discovered how awesome soft cast performs in 38 target/match loads when I was already sitting on about 3000 hard cast DEWC's. So that left me with 3K hard cast slugs without a purpose. Time to create a purpose.
What I want is a target 357 magnum with considerably more spunk than a standard 38 target load. Since they're hard cast, I'm looking for about 900 fps - that's potent enough to properly obturate the slug for maximum barrel sealing; yet mild enough to not lead the barrel due to velocity. I'm thinking Bullseye for the propellant - subject to change. This is as far as I've gotten - the basic concept.
And here's why I'm mentioning this:
There is probably no published load data at all for 148gn LDEWC/357 Magnum. I don't know for sure - I haven't actually looked. So, I'm probably going to need to come up with a starting point on my own (not the first time, won't be the last). I'm am going to start a Word Document chronicling the process - from basic concept (where I am now), to research, through all the work up steps, to final finished product - in detail. After the process is complete and I am completely satisfied with the load recipe, I'll post it here in the "roll your own" section. It think it will be useful for novices and veterans alike; and create some constructive discussion. And in the process, hopefully we will all share ideas and practices and it will be educational for all of us - me included.
My favorite and most trusted source for Alliant data are the pre-2006 Alliant printed guides. I have quite the gamut of them even though there is hardly any difference in them over the years. All published Alliant data went to hell in 2006 when they "streamlined" it with ATK bullet products. All the data got dumbed down.
Pre-2006 Alliant data for Bullseye shows two loads in .357 Mag for LWC. One is listed as (target) which I simply have to assume is soft swaged lead as the charge weight is 2.8gr of Bullseye. (2.7gr for LWC target in .38 Spl, the classic load)
The other wadcutter load listed for 148gr LWC in .357 is a max load of 5.7gr, 34k PSI. I would expect that load to be FAR more than what you want to find, but at least you have a publsihed max to give you an idea.
Pre-2006 Alliant data for Bullseye shows two loads in .357 Mag for LWC. One is listed as (target) which I simply have to assume is soft swaged lead as the charge weight is 2.8gr of Bullseye. (2.7gr for LWC target in .38 Spl, the classic load)
The other wadcutter load listed for 148gr LWC in .357 is a max load of 5.7gr, 34k PSI. I would expect that load to be FAR more than what you want to find, but at least you have a publsihed max to give you an idea.
buck460XVR
New member
Around here it was the first to disappear during the panic buying sprees and the last to reappear because of it's utility. Can be used for virtually any handgun caliber and there is volumes of published data on it. It also is generally very economical to buy and use since powder charges are relatively low, especially in magnum revolver calibers. As for the metering, Unique shoots very consistent when measured by volume. This is why it is preferred by those that use dippers instead of charging by weight. While the weight of charges thrown by a powder meter may vary, the volume generally does not, unless the powder has bridged. Thus while charges may vary +/- 1 gr or so in weight, if the volume is consistent, so will the accuracy be. I've experimented with Unique charging by exact weight and just by volume as thrown by a powder measure or using dippers, and saw little or no difference in accuracy.
I used Unique for years with good results. However, when I went to progressives I found that on occasion it will not throw a charge. This is where I learned the lesson that I pass on to everyone with a progressive press, get a powder check die.
For the above reason I left Unique and moved to Universal. Very close on burn rate and powder charges and meters better.
For the above reason I left Unique and moved to Universal. Very close on burn rate and powder charges and meters better.
MightyMO1911
New member
Well the very first thing I've learned/noticed in this discussion is I need to keep much better notes. I always record the load and then the load results but not much more. I can see now I need to get a dedicated notebook or 3 and continue with that information, but also include whatever observations I made as well. As well as recommendations to myself for future reference, what I should change, if anything, and the like. I can also see I'm going to need to invest in a chronograph. Oh man. I'm gonna have to get a second job too because I'm gonna need more bullets, more, well, everything. But first, I most definitely need to keep better notes.
MightyMO1911, if you like the craft of loading and it's not just to put together enough ammo to go shooting without breaking your wallet, then you need a chronograph.
Midway sells the one I have. It's a Chrony Beta Master or something like that. Ah heck, I'll just hunt down the link:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/244882/shooting-chrony-beta-master-chronograph?cm_vc=ProductFinding
It's nothing special - just does the job consistently. I don't know what else it needs to do.
Chronographing is more than just measuring velocity. Obviously, that's the primary purpose. But getting Standard Deviation numbers are huge when doing good workups. I usually choose the recipe that "settles down" and has a low SD, not the one with the most velocity. I've learned over the years that recipes with low SD's are always accurate. That is not to say that high SD numbers can't be accurate too; but the low ones always are.
I shoot a lot of 38 Special target ammo. Some of my recipes have SD's in the 7's or even lower. 45 ACP too.
When I chronograph, I record every shot on paper. The chrono stores the data, but I also write it down - I trust paper. And I can always refer back to it. I have an Excel spread sheet for this. I'm sure other Excel wizzes have spread sheets more elaborate; but what I use, works for me.
Maybe I'll get out tomorrow and chrono the rounds mentioned above. I actually have a bunch of 38 special target stuff to do too - they're first in line, actually. Maybe I'll get to all of them
Midway sells the one I have. It's a Chrony Beta Master or something like that. Ah heck, I'll just hunt down the link:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/244882/shooting-chrony-beta-master-chronograph?cm_vc=ProductFinding
It's nothing special - just does the job consistently. I don't know what else it needs to do.
Chronographing is more than just measuring velocity. Obviously, that's the primary purpose. But getting Standard Deviation numbers are huge when doing good workups. I usually choose the recipe that "settles down" and has a low SD, not the one with the most velocity. I've learned over the years that recipes with low SD's are always accurate. That is not to say that high SD numbers can't be accurate too; but the low ones always are.
I shoot a lot of 38 Special target ammo. Some of my recipes have SD's in the 7's or even lower. 45 ACP too.
When I chronograph, I record every shot on paper. The chrono stores the data, but I also write it down - I trust paper. And I can always refer back to it. I have an Excel spread sheet for this. I'm sure other Excel wizzes have spread sheets more elaborate; but what I use, works for me.
Maybe I'll get out tomorrow and chrono the rounds mentioned above. I actually have a bunch of 38 special target stuff to do too - they're first in line, actually. Maybe I'll get to all of them
I love it in .45, and the only reason I don't load it more, is because it's hard to find.
Other powders that do well and are very much like it are power pistol, and WSF. They both meter better. I still like it better, just because of the sheer amount of load data available.
It does have poor SD numbers, but it shoots so well, I just ignore it.
Other powders that do well and are very much like it are power pistol, and WSF. They both meter better. I still like it better, just because of the sheer amount of load data available.
It does have poor SD numbers, but it shoots so well, I just ignore it.
Pathfinder45
New member
Unique in the 45 Colt.....
The 45 Colt is my most shot, most reloaded centerfire. There are a lot of good powders for it that I use, some I might prefer for a specific application. I have several favorite powders..... But there are really only two powders that truly define the 45 Colt in its essence, that all other powders must be be compared against. The second of these is Unique; it is especially suited to this cartridge. There are some powders that may give higher velocity in the, "Ruger Only", realm, but those aren't good powders for much else. Unique will give excellent accuracy with bullets of around 250 grains +or- 50 grains with loads generating 700 to 1100 or so fps.
The other powder is the first powder: Genuine Black Powder, tightly packed and lightly compressed, preferrably fffG, will probably yield about 975fps with 250 grain cast bullets. The true standard of 45 Colt powders; everyone that shoots a 45 Colt ought to try it for a fuller appreciation of this great caliber.
The 45 Colt is my most shot, most reloaded centerfire. There are a lot of good powders for it that I use, some I might prefer for a specific application. I have several favorite powders..... But there are really only two powders that truly define the 45 Colt in its essence, that all other powders must be be compared against. The second of these is Unique; it is especially suited to this cartridge. There are some powders that may give higher velocity in the, "Ruger Only", realm, but those aren't good powders for much else. Unique will give excellent accuracy with bullets of around 250 grains +or- 50 grains with loads generating 700 to 1100 or so fps.
The other powder is the first powder: Genuine Black Powder, tightly packed and lightly compressed, preferrably fffG, will probably yield about 975fps with 250 grain cast bullets. The true standard of 45 Colt powders; everyone that shoots a 45 Colt ought to try it for a fuller appreciation of this great caliber.
357 Mag 125gn JHP / Unique workup - range report
Went to the range today. I said I'd post the results and here they are:
The workup is from 9.2gn through 9.6gn, in .1gn increments (all hand weighed). Speer #14 peaks at 9.6gn. This is a continuation segment of a previous workup with lower charge weights - I didn't just start at 9.2gn.
9.2gn - 1312 fps; 12.20 SD
9.3gn - 1315 fps; 17.94 SD
9.4gn - 1305 fps; 16.73 SD
9.5gn - 1316 fps; 22.38 SD
9.6gn - 1276 fps; 42.79 SD
As you can see, results are odd and causes one to cock an eyebrow. Note the nearly flat results as charge weights increase; with the highest charge weight showing 40 fps less than the previous. Also note that Standard Deviations increase with increased charge weights. These two phenomena in conjunction with one-another has the classic appearance of an impending pressure spike - a bit like the waters receding before a tsunami. Now I don't know if there would be a pressure spike in the next few 1/10th grains, but I'm certainly not going to find out. All primers looked good and there was no difficulty with case extraction with any.
I have the data I need. It's obvious that the 9.2gn is the loading that my gun (686 3" bbl) likes best. The purpose of the load workup has been met and I now consider the 9.2gn to be my "set" round for 357/125/Unique.
Went to the range today. I said I'd post the results and here they are:
The workup is from 9.2gn through 9.6gn, in .1gn increments (all hand weighed). Speer #14 peaks at 9.6gn. This is a continuation segment of a previous workup with lower charge weights - I didn't just start at 9.2gn.
9.2gn - 1312 fps; 12.20 SD
9.3gn - 1315 fps; 17.94 SD
9.4gn - 1305 fps; 16.73 SD
9.5gn - 1316 fps; 22.38 SD
9.6gn - 1276 fps; 42.79 SD
As you can see, results are odd and causes one to cock an eyebrow. Note the nearly flat results as charge weights increase; with the highest charge weight showing 40 fps less than the previous. Also note that Standard Deviations increase with increased charge weights. These two phenomena in conjunction with one-another has the classic appearance of an impending pressure spike - a bit like the waters receding before a tsunami. Now I don't know if there would be a pressure spike in the next few 1/10th grains, but I'm certainly not going to find out. All primers looked good and there was no difficulty with case extraction with any.
I have the data I need. It's obvious that the 9.2gn is the loading that my gun (686 3" bbl) likes best. The purpose of the load workup has been met and I now consider the 9.2gn to be my "set" round for 357/125/Unique.