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Old 01-23-2017, 06:35 AM
MyDads38 MyDads38 is offline
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Default UNIQUE-Am I missing something?

Was at the LGS yesterday and they happened to have 4 lbs. of HP-38 on the shelf. I bought all 4 lbs. @ $19.99/lb. I didn't really need it (have 16 lbs. of W231), but at the price, I couldn't leave it. They also had 10-1 lb. bottles of Unique on the shelf for the same price. I've never been a fan, since I only load target/range ammo in standard calibers (38 Spec, 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 auto) and have Bullseye, Red Dot, W231, TiteGroup and 700X on hand.

Honestly, I'd prefer to find more Bullseye, I have good luck with my other powders; but the price keeps me asking myself if I should buy some anyway? Another LGS has primers on sale @ $25/1,000 and that makes more sense to me than buying the Unique. So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
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Old 01-23-2017, 07:17 AM
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Do a cost analysis to determine the cheaper load. Six grains of Unique versus four grains of W231 will be a higher cost powder charge for Unique. I use Unique in 44 mag loads that give more than adequate "Umph!" for shooting paper compared to the cost and power level of Win 296 or AA #9.

You might find out that it doesn't make much difference in cost when your "on hand" powder inventory is multiple pounds of powder.
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Old 01-23-2017, 08:18 AM
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Heck, if you are loading paper target loads stick with what you have. Contrary to what some will say about Unique not throwing consistently... it has been and is a great powder. The best?? Nah I use much of it but much for shotshells in 20-28 ga. Blowing holes in paper? Unless you want more than target loads use the RD GD 231 HP-38 and their ilk. Cheaper and easier. At 25 bucks buy primers. You can have all the powder you want but you'll need the primers and that is a good price now. Powder has really come down in price. I bought 2 pounds of CFE 223 yesterday at Wally World at 22 bucks + 88 cents tax per. Their primers were 35 or 36 per M. But I have at least a hundred M...Buy primers!
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Old 01-23-2017, 08:23 AM
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I would pass on Unique, the only reason I have 2 lbs. in my stash is because that is what everybody recommended when I started reloading. Found out really quickly that it meters so poorly that if you want consistent velocities that you need to hand weigh every single charge thrown. My preference as a replacement for Unique is Vihtavouri 3N37. While it is at least 50% more per pound than Unique it meters wonderfully and gives me excellent results. And while I do enjoy the reloading process I find it much more enjoyable when I can charge 300 cases in the time it would take to charge 50 cases using Unique.
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Old 01-23-2017, 08:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MyDads38 View Post
..... So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
Hope elbow joint replacement becomes perfected.
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Old 01-23-2017, 08:31 AM
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Default There seem to be two camps....

People that like fast powders because they are more economical. Also they can be pushed to fairly warm loads. Being on a tight budget I'm a fast powder fan.

People that won't touch fast powders because of potential damage from overloads.

Since you do a lot of target shooting you naturally want to keep a stock of Bullseye, Titegroup or similar powder, not for economy but for it's fine performance in target shooting. It sounds like Unique is 'optional' for you. With the variety of powders that you use already there's no particular advantage for you in you having Unique.

I can get 2500 .38 target loads from a pound of Bullseye. I get about half as many general purpose loads using Unique.


The reason I like Unique is that it's a great general purpose powder AND its versatility in both pistol and rifle loads. Therefore, I keep some in stock.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:09 AM
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Unique has always worked consistently thru our RCBS powder thrower & our Dillon 550B's powder throwers... if I consistently operate the handles of either with the same amount of force each time...but this is true of every powder & powder thrower.. if you are not doing things the same each time, I suspect your results will be sporadic with nearly anything.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:19 AM
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Unique is like the stack of wood I keep around. I don't have a fireplace, but one day I might want a fire...

I can find a load for any center fire handgun I own that uses Unique and it will generally preform quite well.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:43 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MyDads38 View Post
. . . So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
I'd seriously consider building an underground powder magazine . . . about seventy-five feet from the house!
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:59 AM
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Unique is pretty good for less-than-full-house 44 magnum loads.
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:07 AM
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I've never been a fan either. I went through a couple of pounds and never found it to be the most accurate.

With faster powders you're probably throwing and average load of maybe 5 grains? With 75# of powder you'll need something on the order of 100,000 primers. No sense buying more powder if you don't have the primers for it.
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:16 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeet 028 View Post
Contrary to what some will say about Unique not throwing consistently...
If he's using 700X I doubt that's an issue for him. 700X is the worst metering powder ever.
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:32 AM
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Like rwsmith said--Unique is about the only powder you can use in pistol and rifle of about any caliber.

Last edited by 4barrel; 01-23-2017 at 11:11 AM.
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:33 AM
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I started using Unique 40 years ago for shotshell loads. When I drifted into loading for handguns, the Unique I already had was immediately useful.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith View Post
The reason I like Unique is that it's a great general purpose powder AND its versatility in both pistol and rifle loads.
Rifle loads ???
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:56 AM
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Default Indeed.....

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Originally Posted by Gamecock View Post
I started using Unique 40 years ago for shotshell loads. When I drifted into loading for handguns, the Unique I already had was immediately useful.



Rifle loads ???
Besides the pistol caliber rifles it is great for reduced loads in many calibers. Like I mentioned before, I don't keep it for just being a good powder, but for what you can do with it.
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Old 01-23-2017, 11:04 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glenwolde View Post
If he's using 700X I doubt that's an issue for him. 700X is the worst metering powder ever.
I bought 2 lbs. Of 700X because I found it during the "shortage". I haven't opened either container and probably won't, unless I just want to give it a try. At that time, if Unique had been on the shelf, I would've bought it too.

I remember in the early 80's, when I first started reloading; I had a can of Unique for my 357 & 44 mag reduced loads. Since I no longer shoot magnum calibers I stay with faster burning powders for target/range plinking loads. I guess I will leave the Unique on the shelf and stock up on more primers and bullets. Since the election, ammo/components seem to be more plentiful and staying on the shelves longer-evem 22 LR!!

And with app. 75 lbs. On hand, with charge weights from 2.8 -5.0 grs., I'll be okay for a while
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Old 01-23-2017, 11:17 AM
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If you have all that HP38/231 you really don't need any Unique. They both work about the same for me in handgun loads with the Unique being much more difficult to get accurate weights with my powder measure.
Both of them have been around forever so there are about as many loads published for one as the other.
So go buy the primers!
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Old 01-23-2017, 12:37 PM
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There are a lot of powders I prefer besides Unique, If I only had a choice of one powder it would be Unique. It is the .38 special/ 308 Winchester of the Powder world.
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Old 01-23-2017, 01:01 PM
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I liked the old formula Unique, when they changed it to the new Unique I only burned one can then switched to 700X. Have shot about 90 lbs of 700 X and really like it.
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Old 01-23-2017, 01:04 PM
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If you can get large and small pistol primers for $25/1000, load up. I'm still seeing $35-$40/1000 before sales tax at the big box stores like Sportsmans Warehouse, Bass Pro and Academy. Prices are higher at the LGS.
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Old 01-23-2017, 01:44 PM
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Yes you can do the cost thing, of 4grs vs 6grs of powder.

You can also notice 1220fps vs 1550fps in a 357 magnum load
or a 9mm 115gr at 1150fps vs 1263fps in a 3.5" pistol.

It never hurts to have a pound of Unique around, even if you have to shoot the 12 Ga.
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Old 01-23-2017, 02:16 PM
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I have never had any problem with 700X metering in about a little over 3 decades of using it.
Now, 800X is a whole different ball of wax.
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Old 01-23-2017, 03:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 29aholic View Post
I have never had any problem with 700X metering in about a little over 3 decades of using it.
Now, 800X is a whole different ball of wax.
I have problems with both. I use a Lee Auto-Disk measure which might be part of the problem. I'd use another measure but I like fixed cavity, and it's the only one that's automatically actuated so I can use it on my Dillon.

When I use 700X or 800X I strap a $7 Walmart aquarium pump to the measure to keep it flowing. Works like an agitator.
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Old 01-23-2017, 03:21 PM
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I use a lot of unique. Mostly in 9mm, 40 and 45acp. But I've also loaded a lot of 240gr lead with 10-12gr of unique that worked awesome. It's a powder I'll always keep in stock
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Old 01-23-2017, 04:16 PM
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Default What did they do????

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Originally Posted by Ed Fowler View Post
I liked the old formula Unique, when they changed it to the new Unique I only burned one can then switched to 700X. Have shot about 90 lbs of 700 X and really like it.
What did they change in the 'old' Unique?
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Old 01-23-2017, 04:19 PM
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While it doesn't meter the best out of my Hornady measure, I find it it a pretty descent powder for my 38spl. Rather than hand weight each charge, I just don't load them right up to the max to account for + or - a tenth of a gr in charge weight. It has a tendency to leave a few flakes in the chambers and barrel, but I have found my 38spl loads are fairly accurate with the stuff.

Admittedly though, my main 38spl powder is Power Pistol. That is what I use for the little stash of +P I like to keep on hand for carry rounds.

Poor metering powder???? I give you IMR4350! Wow that stuff is aweful!! But I won't switch because my rifles like it so much. I don't mind hand weighing my rifle rounds, I don't load them in bulk like I do handgun rounds.
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Old 01-23-2017, 04:24 PM
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I was considering getting some Unique for .38 and .32 loads because I understand that it is a "fluffy" case-filling powder, thereby having an extra measure of safety over potential double-charging. Is there another "fluffy" powder that measures better than Unique and would be suitable for .32 and .38 loads?
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Old 01-23-2017, 04:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith View Post
What did they change in the 'old' Unique?
The old unique was what some called 'dirty' and smoked up a revolver. My 45 long colt revolvers loved it, then they "cleaned it up" their powder my revolvers were no longer as accurate, leaded quicker and were a little cleaner.

I don't know what they did, I bought all I could find of the old Unique and when it was gone switched to 700X and find it as accurate as my old Unique.

That is my experience with my hardware, others may have better experiences.

I do all of my handgun shooting at long ranges, 100 yards or better so miner changes can have more noticeable results.
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Old 01-23-2017, 05:54 PM
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That's a good price on the primers. Go with them.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:13 PM
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I too have never had any powder measure charge inconsistency with either Unique or 700-X. But I use the same ole Lyman 55 measure I bought back in the late 1960s. I now have two of them, have never used any other. I also use home-made powder hopper baffles, and that helps also.
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:42 PM
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Default Cleaner but less accurate???

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Fowler View Post
The old unique was what some called 'dirty' and smoked up a revolver. My 45 long colt revolvers loved it, then they "cleaned it up" their powder my revolvers were no longer as accurate, leaded quicker and were a little cleaner.

I don't know what they did, I bought all I could find of the old Unique and when it was gone switched to 700X and find it as accurate as my old Unique.

That is my experience with my hardware, others may have better experiences.

I do all of my handgun shooting at long ranges, 100 yards or better so miner changes can have more noticeable results.
I question their marketing judgement on that one.

How about cleaner and still accurate?
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:42 PM
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Default Cleaner but less accurate???

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ed Fowler View Post
The old unique was what some called 'dirty' and smoked up a revolver. My 45 long colt revolvers loved it, then they "cleaned it up" their powder my revolvers were no longer as accurate, leaded quicker and were a little cleaner.

I don't know what they did, I bought all I could find of the old Unique and when it was gone switched to 700X and find it as accurate as my old Unique.

That is my experience with my hardware, others may have better experiences.

I do all of my handgun shooting at long ranges, 100 yards or better so miner changes can have more noticeable results.
I question their marketing judgement on that one.

How about cleaner and still accurate? Or not change it at all?
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Old 01-23-2017, 09:57 PM
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I find the discussion interesting because I like Unique gun powder but I have found it nearly impossible to find for sale.
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Old 01-23-2017, 10:53 PM
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Originally Posted by MyDads38 View Post
So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
Go shoot.

On the subject of Unique, given your cartridges and apparent loading style, I could make a case for using it in 9mm or 40. But while it's a good powder--I like it a lot--no powder is magic. Although I am an admitted powder addict.

I did purchase an 8# keg of Unique, which I'm about to tear into now that my 1# bottle is almost empty. That keg is named "Hillary"--I bought it Just In Case, because I can load all my cartridges with it acceptably.

I think I'm going to try Bullseye in 9mm next. Something faster than the Unique and Universal I've been using, just to see if it shrinks my "out there" groups any.
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Old 01-23-2017, 11:19 PM
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Hello, glenwold when did Walmart sell powder and primers?
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Old 01-23-2017, 11:37 PM
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Quote:
I did purchase an 8# keg of Unique, which I'm about to tear into now that my 1# bottle is almost empty. That keg is named "Hillary"--I bought it Just In Case, because I can load all my cartridges with it acceptably.
I did the EXACT same thing when I found a 8# keg last year when there was nearly NOTHING else on the shelves - and for the same reason of universal cartridge reloading - including light 30-30 rounds where 10 grains makes a nice target/field round. I'll admit I was stocking up Had the election gone the 'other way' !
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Old 01-24-2017, 01:06 AM
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Everyone should be aware that the faster shotgun/pistol powders work fine for low to medium velocities in CF rifle cartridges of .30 cal and greater, essentially producing black powder level MVs. And charges are usually about 15 grains max regardless of bullet weight. I've loaded lots of .30-'06 cartridges using 13 grains of Red Dot. And they even group very well at shorter distances. A little powder will go a long way with such loads.
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Old 01-24-2017, 01:11 AM
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MyDads38 wrote:
Another LGS has primers on sale @ $25/1,000 and that makes more sense to me than buying the Unique. So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
It depends. How are you situated for primers? It sounds like you have plenty of powder, so if you're not flush with primers, I'd probably go that way.
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Old 01-24-2017, 10:19 AM
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Was at the LGS yesterday and they happened to have 4 lbs. of HP-38 on the shelf. I bought all 4 lbs. @ $19.99/lb. I didn't really need it (have 16 lbs. of W231), but at the price, I couldn't leave it. They also had 10-1 lb. bottles of Unique on the shelf for the same price. I've never been a fan, since I only load target/range ammo in standard calibers (38 Spec, 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 auto) and have Bullseye, Red Dot, W231, TiteGroup and 700X on hand.

Honestly, I'd prefer to find more Bullseye, I have good luck with my other powders; but the price keeps me asking myself if I should buy some anyway? Another LGS has primers on sale @ $25/1,000 and that makes more sense to me than buying the Unique. So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
Despite all the powder I have (about 35 lbs) whenever I go to a show and see good deals I cant resist . have 8 lbs of Power Pistol saw them at a show for 17.00 I even asked the lady if that was the right price she said yes I said ok, ring up 2.
Is there a powderholic anonymous group I can join ?
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Old 01-24-2017, 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by MyDads38 View Post
Was at the LGS yesterday and they happened to have 4 lbs. of HP-38 on the shelf. I bought all 4 lbs. @ $19.99/lb. I didn't really need it (have 16 lbs. of W231), but at the price, I couldn't leave it. They also had 10-1 lb. bottles of Unique on the shelf for the same price. I've never been a fan, since I only load target/range ammo in standard calibers (38 Spec, 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 auto) and have Bullseye, Red Dot, W231, TiteGroup and 700X on hand.

Honestly, I'd prefer to find more Bullseye, I have good luck with my other powders; but the price keeps me asking myself if I should buy some anyway? Another LGS has primers on sale @ $25/1,000 and that makes more sense to me than buying the Unique. So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
I used Unique for my .45 Colt loads I like loading around start,
dirtiest powder I ever shot. Tap the cases on the bench results in powder residue don't know if burnt or unburnt, stepped up a little on the load , somewhat better but not what I would call clean. I went back to my red dot, cylinder and barrel cleaner now, no residue at all. only problem is now I have about 3lbsof it left
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Old 01-24-2017, 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by MyDads38 View Post
Was at the LGS yesterday and they happened to have 4 lbs. of HP-38 on the shelf. I bought all 4 lbs. @ $19.99/lb. I didn't really need it (have 16 lbs. of W231), but at the price, I couldn't leave it. They also had 10-1 lb. bottles of Unique on the shelf for the same price. I've never been a fan, since I only load target/range ammo in standard calibers (38 Spec, 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 auto) and have Bullseye, Red Dot, W231, TiteGroup and 700X on hand.

Honestly, I'd prefer to find more Bullseye, I have good luck with my other powders; but the price keeps me asking myself if I should buy some anyway? Another LGS has primers on sale @ $25/1,000 and that makes more sense to me than buying the Unique. So with 75 lbs. powder on hand, what would you do?
I used Unique for my .45 Colt loads I like loading around start,
dirtiest powder I ever shot. Tap the cases on the bench results in powder residue don't know if burnt or unburnt, stepped up a little on the load , somewhat better but not what I would call clean. I went back to my red dot, cylinder and barrel cleaner now, no residue at all. only problem is now I have about 3lbsof it left
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Old 01-24-2017, 11:06 AM
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My Dillon 550 measure seems to dispense Unique without issue. I shoot thousands of .38's per year in SASS and IDPA/ICORE.

Unique is gunpowder, when ignited, burns and leaves a residue just like ALL gunpowders do. No big deal, you are going to clean the gun anyway....get over it!

If you think Unique is dirty, go shoot blackpowder...

Randy
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Old 01-24-2017, 11:18 AM
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If I had depended on Unique to keep me in powder the past 7 yrs I would of not been able to have hardly any fun . I only could find 2#'s in that time . So I switched to another great powder , about the same burn rate , very very accurate , burns clean and was much more available .
I also found that 8.0 grs of Ramshot Zip performed a lot better than Unique for me in 45 Colt loads using a 255 gr cast bullet . So , with those 2 powders , I'll just say , " Adios Unique " .
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Old 01-24-2017, 11:39 AM
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Started using Unique in handgun loads over 40 years ago. Very versatile powder with applications for 9X19, .38 Spl (and +P), .357 mag, .44 Spl, .45ACP. All of those can be loaded for midrange and practice ammo at over 1000 rounds per pound of powder. In my experience (25,000-plus rounds) accuracy is as good as just about anything and better than some others.

As for accuracy of metering, my old Lachmiller powder measure drops Unique with extreme accuracy, much better than several other powders.

As for Unique being "dirty", I have not noticed any significant difference in my pistols or revolvers. Cleaning after shooting is no more of a chore than with any other ammo.

The only other comment I would make is that Unique changed a bit in recent years, and older reloading data should not be relied upon with current production Unique. If your pet loads are more than 4 or 5 years old (as all of mine are) your next purchase of Unique will make it time to work up new loads, preferably starting with Alliance's published data.
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Old 01-24-2017, 11:47 AM
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Quote:
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Hello, glenwold when did Walmart sell powder and primers?
Hi, Walmart has never sold primers and powder as far as I know. You may have misread my post.
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Old 01-24-2017, 11:57 AM
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I kwow for a fact that that several Wal-Marts in West Viginia sell reloading supplies. At least they did about 3 yrs ago.
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Old 01-24-2017, 01:25 PM
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Hi, Walmart has never sold primers and powder as far as I know. You may have misread my post.
Well, in Montana Walmart sells all reloading components. Maybe not in your area , but Walmart DOES sell them.

Randy
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Old 01-24-2017, 01:37 PM
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The last time I was in Cody I stocked up on Unique and Bullseye at Walmart
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Old 01-24-2017, 08:21 PM
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I have not been without Unique at any time in the last 50 years . Wont be without it as long as I can get it . Hell , it's probably even good on ice cream !

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Old 01-24-2017, 09:02 PM
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If you're going to stick with only loading target rounds in those calibers, and have plenty of 231, no real need for unique.

Unique does give the capability for higher velocity lead, and jacketed factory velocity in all those calibers, with excellent accuracy.

Saying the lack of smoothness in throwing charges with unique relates to the rounds accuracy, is kinda like someone telling someone else size doesn't matter. It makes the someone feel better.
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