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  #1  
Old 02-02-2011, 09:05 PM
Ralph G. Briscoe Ralph G. Briscoe is offline
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.38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load?  
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Default .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load?

I've been working up a max standard pressure defense load for use in my vintage Detective Specials. 158 gr LSWCHP/Unique/Winchester primers. The data are is over the map--
Hornady 1973 manual--max 6.1 grains (not designated +P)
Speer 1974 manual-- max 4.7 gr
Lyman 1970 manual-- max 5.4 gr
Lyman 1973 cast manual--max 5.1
Hornady 5th edition manual--max 4.2
Alliant manual-- max 4.3 gr (they list 4.5 gr as "plus P")

Any wise advice as to how hot I can safely load for these old guns would be appreciated. I recently saw a vintage Colt ad which listed the ammo suited to the D Special. They included the 38/44 loads--no thanks
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Old 02-02-2011, 09:26 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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bmcgilvray will be around soon. He uses Unique on his Wheaties!

I am a late comer to Unique. I know that is sacrilege to some. I have found a wonderful use for it though. Just not in the 38Spl!
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Old 02-02-2011, 09:27 PM
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Why just read Alliant's reloading guide, handily available online.

How "vintage" are your DSs? I used to go pretty easy on my 1916 Police Positive Special.



But my "standard" Unique loading is right there as the max in the Lyman 1970. Not that I'd encourage any of you to use it - while it's always worked in my guns, it's clearly too puissant for modern steels. Uncle Erich says to be sure not to use any load that might scare a lawyer at Alliant!

Last edited by Erich; 02-02-2011 at 09:33 PM.
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Old 02-02-2011, 09:49 PM
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I love Unique. Kinda hard for me to believe sometimes, but I probably use more Unique and 231 than any other powders anymore. Even more than 2400 and H-110 these days.

In Handloader #217 Brian Pearce has a bunch of loads listed for both standard and plus P levels. I have used several of them in my guns.

He shows a load of 5 grains of Unique under the 173 grain Lyman 358429 Keith bullet as being pressure tested to be at, or under standard SAAMI pressure levels of 17,000 psi, and giving a muzzle velocity of 932 fps.

In my 15-3 it is a nice and accurate load, and for defense, I would have total confidence in it, especially if I had to go through winter type clothing.

Since you are asking about loads for a 158 grain cast bullet though, he shows 4.8 grains of it under the Speer 158 swaged swc hp as giving 898 fps from a M-14 S&W. It is a lighter charge weight load than the one for the heavier Lyman bullet because the Speer bullet is soft and will lead at speeds much over 800-900 fps, so he was staying within those guidelines.

In the +P load data he shows 5.5 grains of Unique under the Lyman Keith bullet as giving 1002 fps from a 6" M 14 S&W. I have fired this one too, and it is as accurate as the standard pressure load, and it is definately one to be taken seriously for defense if your gun will handle them.

It would be a safe load with any 158 grain cast SWC that has an as seated depth inside the case that is no greater than the Lyman bullet, since the Lyman bullet is heavier and has as long, or even longer bearing surface. I have had no trouble what so ever when switching from the 173 Keith bullet to 158 cast swc's. Recoil is a bit less with the lighter bullet, and accuracy remains about equal with the slugs I have on hand.

As always: Start low and work up in your gun watching for any signs of excess pressure.
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Old 02-02-2011, 09:56 PM
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Well the average of all those loads comes to 4.966 grs.
Take out the high value and the low value comes to 4.879 average.

But don't forget, these are all different tests, dates and probably different bullets. Every test varies.
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Old 02-02-2011, 11:18 PM
Ralph G. Briscoe Ralph G. Briscoe is offline
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.38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load?  
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Thanks for the great replies.
Hadn't thought of averaging the loads but I started out with 4.7
grains....the average came to 4.8--pretty close. 4.7 chronographs at 795 out of my LCR ....not bad....might move up in 10th grain increments and hope to get up to 850 fs or so by the time I reach 5 gr.
Nice old PP Erich! I've got a '27...a reblue but a sweet old gun.
I go easy on it--3.3 gr of Trailboss/158gr SWC....light load that shoots to point of aim.
I'd like to try that 173 gr. Keith bullet. Do you cast them or buy them? My casting gear has been in mothballs for 30 years but guess I could break it out....
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Old 02-02-2011, 11:26 PM
Ralph G. Briscoe Ralph G. Briscoe is offline
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.38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load?  
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PS--
To answer your question Erich, my Detective Specials are a '36 and a '60. I use the LCR for test purposes and occasional carry.
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Old 02-02-2011, 11:42 PM
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Go to this site, then scroll down to the listiings for "revolver". You'll see the Keith bullet-
Mt. Baldy Bullets

and here. Click on the pick of the bullet that you are interested in and it will open a window with a larger view-

Beartooth Bullets Secure Online Shopping
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  #9  
Old 02-02-2011, 11:54 PM
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.38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load?  
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5.0 grains of Unique has been a standard pressure load in .38 spl. since 1935 (Phil Sharpe's manual) Notwithstanding the plethora of lighter load data (much of it linked to swaged bullets which are sometimes loaded light to prevent barrel leading issues) good manuals have continued to list 5 grains or a bit more as standard pressure loads all the way thru to the present. 5.4-5.5 has likewise been listed in MANY sources as a +P loading with 158-160 grain bullets. A few sources from the 38/44 era 'til the present have presented 6 grains of Unique as a max load with 158-160 SWC.....most of those sources don't provide pressure data but one that did had the 6 grain load as 25kCUP-which is over SAAMI but under Proof pressures.
My standard .38spl load is 5 grains of unique with a 160. It leaves very little to be desired.
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Old 02-03-2011, 01:37 AM
Ralph G. Briscoe Ralph G. Briscoe is offline
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.38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load?  
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Thanks again guys.
I noted that Keith bullets can be purchased sized but not lubed pretty inexpensively ($11/100). I may see if my old Lyman 45 still works and lube them myself.
Treeman, Looks like 5 grains is where I'm headed. Is the Phil Sharpe book available in reprint? I have an original copy of his "The American Rifle" that was given to me decades ago by the man who got me started handloading...quite a treasure.
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Old 02-03-2011, 02:38 AM
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Using 5.0grs of Unique from PMC cases with WSP primers and Speer 158gr LSWCHP bullets I chrono'd the average velocity from my Colt DS @ 782 fps.

From a 4" S&W 67 it ran 901 fps.
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  #12  
Old 02-03-2011, 03:21 AM
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Lyman #49 (2010) and Lyman Cast Handbook #4 (2011) both list the Max charge of Unique as 4.5gr under a 158gr lead bullet.

Lyman Cast Handbook #3 (1980) lists a Max charge of 5.1gr Unique and a charge of 5.4gr for a +P load.
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Old 02-03-2011, 06:38 AM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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subliminal message to follow:

cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own.


I just wondered if you would ever consider breaking out your old casting gear. Maybe you could cast your own bullets. That way, you could be unaffected by bullet shortages, have what you want when you want in the quantities you want at the price you want.


Again, just wondering!


cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your owncast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own.


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  #14  
Old 02-03-2011, 07:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ralph G. Briscoe View Post
I've been working up a max standard pressure defense load for use in my vintage Detective Specials. 158 gr LSWCHP/Unique/Winchester primers. The data are is over the map--
Hornady 1973 manual--max 6.1 grains (not designated +P)
Speer 1974 manual-- max 4.7 gr
Lyman 1970 manual-- max 5.4 gr
Lyman 1973 cast manual--max 5.1
Hornady 5th edition manual--max 4.2
Alliant manual-- max 4.3 gr (they list 4.5 gr as "plus P")

Any wise advice as to how hot I can safely load for these old guns would be appreciated. I recently saw a vintage Colt ad which listed the ammo suited to the D Special. They included the 38/44 loads--no thanks
That spread is insane. From 4.2 up to 6.1?! If my math is correct, you're talking a reduction of 30% by weight over the past three decades.
Is this pretty much across the board for all calibers?
I get that the product liability brought on by stupid humans has caused the manufacturers to call in the lawyers but there has to be an impetus.
Was there an influx of cheaply made handguns in the 70's and 80's that in part may have caused this?
Not to start a war, but when was the Glock introduced?
I do know that on Buffalo Bore's site, they specifically prohibit the use of some of their ammo in some Taurus guns. No doubt some Jack Wagon is gonna blow himself up anyway and sue.
All this leads me to believe that pre-70's Smith's and Colts have a bunch of unlocked potential - and that in itself can lead to another dangerous thought ...

Last edited by blujax01; 02-03-2011 at 07:11 AM. Reason: Bad math
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Old 02-03-2011, 07:52 AM
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What are you guys using to meter out Unique? I have tried in my RCBS Uniflow, Lyman Ideal 55, and Lee Pro Auto Disk. The Auto Disk ran the best but the flakes would gum up under the nylon wiper after a while. The RCBS and Lyman both seem to bind or jam every so often and never meter out the same amount for me. I get some light and then some heavy. I have a worse time with Trail Boss. TB I have given up on but I have a pound of Unique that I would still love to use.
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Old 02-03-2011, 08:07 AM
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Ralph G. where did you find unlubed Keiths for $11 per hundred? Too expensive for plinking for me but would make a good carry load for my 28 and Security Six for wondering in the woods.
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximumbob54 View Post
What are you guys using to meter out Unique? I have tried in my RCBS Uniflow, Lyman Ideal 55, and Lee Pro Auto Disk. The Auto Disk ran the best but the flakes would gum up under the nylon wiper after a while. The RCBS and Lyman both seem to bind or jam every so often and never meter out the same amount for me. I get some light and then some heavy. I have a worse time with Trail Boss. TB I have given up on but I have a pound of Unique that I would still love to use.
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Old 02-03-2011, 10:22 AM
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What are you guys using to meter out Unique? I have tried in my RCBS Uniflow, Lyman Ideal 55, and Lee Pro Auto Disk. The Auto Disk ran the best but the flakes would gum up under the nylon wiper after a while. The RCBS and Lyman both seem to bind or jam every so often and never meter out the same amount for me. I get some light and then some heavy. I have a worse time with Trail Boss. TB I have given up on but I have a pound of Unique that I would still love to use.
For light loads with any bulky powder and the Lyman #55 try this: Only open the upper most slide. This will make the cavity to fill longer and not deeper. It seems for me with deeper cavity openings, I get bridging more often.

This works for me with the Lyman. Give it a try. If you need more powder, you may be up a creek with this method. If I remember correctly though, you should be able to get into the 6gr range. At work or I would try it to let you know what I get.

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Old 02-03-2011, 10:34 AM
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I've followed OCD1's advice with the Lee Dippers. I need to try smith crazy's method with the Lyman 55 I have.

I purchased additional dippers in the 0.5cc, 0.7cc, and 0.1cc sizes and modified them to throw various charges of Unique within the 3.0 gr. to 8.7 gr. range. I have more confidence in the consistency of this method for my use than using any of the other powder measures I have. I don't feel the need to constantly check my charge weights on my scale.
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Old 02-03-2011, 10:54 AM
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Ralph, I'd go easy on the '36, but that's just me.
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Old 02-03-2011, 11:27 AM
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max bob,

I too have had trouble getting consistent charges of Unique, to the point where I gave up on it. Back when I was still using it I had the best luck with the now discontinued Bullseye Pistol Powder measure. It had a cast body with brass drums/roters, drilled to various volumes for Bullseye powder. With some experimentation I found the roters useful for throwing charges of various powders including Unique. You could probably find one of them at a gunshow, along with roters of various sizes.

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Old 02-03-2011, 11:33 AM
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cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own, cast your own.



It is 70 degrees F, I am in shorts and T-shirt no shoes. I am going shooting while you are freezing and under snow.

It is 70 degrees F, I am in shorts and T-shirt no shoes. I am going shooting while you are freezing and under snow.

It is 70 degrees F, I am in shorts and T-shirt no shoes. I am going shooting while you are freezing and under snow.

Might have to turn the A/C on later.

I can shoot when I want where I want

Of course if you want to drive down here with all those bullets we can shoot them up real fast!
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Old 02-03-2011, 11:36 AM
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But back to the question, I can't get Unique to meter consistently with my Lee Pro disc either. It does not clog or leak it's just not as consistent as I would like. I am going to test it on the cheapo Lee Perfect Powder measure. See how that works.
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Old 02-03-2011, 11:49 AM
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Just to add a data point, Unique meters very well on my Dillon 550. I check it every 100 rounds, and it's always spot on, well within .1gr.
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Old 02-03-2011, 12:07 PM
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my standard load is 155 lyman hp and 158 lee fp. with 5 gr. unique with a standard primer, very accurate load. i use a belding mull measure, it works every time. i also use a old uniflo from the 60s it is consistent. i use 50% ww 50% soft lead with almost no leading. and i CAST MY OWN!!

Last edited by olskool; 02-03-2011 at 12:10 PM.
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Old 02-03-2011, 12:13 PM
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Unique clumps up in my RCBS 1500 Chargemaster, which results in more frequent overthrows than I like. No biggie, just throw them back in the hopper. But it takes more time to throw 100 precisely weighed charges with Unique than it does with, say AA#7.

That said, it's just not an issue for me if I'm loading blasting ammo that's not at the max level. The Uniflow does fine with Unique in that situation.
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Old 02-03-2011, 12:54 PM
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I respectfully disagree with my more learned colleagues.

I have used 4.3 grains Unique for 40+ years in .38 Special under 158 gr RNL. In my opinion, it is not unlike Winchester's "Any Rifle" .45-70 load. It isn't a Magnum; it won't bring down satellites, or charging brown bears. It is a .38 Special and is very accurate.

Plus 1 on the Lee dipper method.

If the .38 isn't enough, use the Krag.
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Old 02-03-2011, 01:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicky4968 View Post
Plus 1 on the Lee dipper method.

If the .38 isn't enough, use the Krag.

A DIPPER!!??? Grandpa used to use one of those for loading his shotgun shells!!! "X" amount of 3F BP in a 2 3/4 paper hull

Last edited by Sully; 02-03-2011 at 01:19 PM.
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Old 02-03-2011, 01:30 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maximumbob54 View Post
What are you guys using to meter out Unique? I have tried in my RCBS Uniflow, Lyman Ideal 55, and Lee Pro Auto Disk. The Auto Disk ran the best but the flakes would gum up under the nylon wiper after a while. The RCBS and Lyman both seem to bind or jam every so often and never meter out the same amount for me. I get some light and then some heavy. I have a worse time with Trail Boss. TB I have given up on but I have a pound of Unique that I would still love to use.
I know a lot of the guys here have trouble with Unique, but until I came to this site, I never had any idea that ANYONE ever had trouble with Unique.

I have used almost nothing but Unique in my Dillon 550B since buying it new in 1988 specifically for loading my .45 ACP's, and that is all it has ever loaded. Everything else gets loaded on my old Pacific reloading setup bought new 30 years ago now.

The Pacific powder measure drops charges of Unique like who'dathunkit. No bridging, no hang ups, no problems.
It came with two inserts- one for pistol, and one for rifle. I leave the rifle insert in even for small cased pistol rounds like the .38. It works just fine with loads as light as 2.5 grains of either Unique or 231, so why switch the the one for pistol?


For some unexplained reason, I feel the urge to go cast some bullets .
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Old 02-03-2011, 01:30 PM
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I have several custom made dippers made from old empty brass that I filled down to deliver the exact amount of certain powders. You can do the same with the plastic Lee dippers but then the original stamped cc measurement is wrong.

If I am loading 20, 30-06 rounds. Or testing different loads, It's as accurate as anything out there, plus I use my reading glasses and flashlight to confirm every case is filled as it should be.
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Old 02-03-2011, 01:32 PM
webley green webley green is offline
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The Lee Perfect Powder Measure is what I use; in fact I have two of them for my reloading. Unique is my only pistol powder. I load .38, .357, .45 and .45 Colt.
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Old 02-03-2011, 02:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gun 4 Fun View Post
For some unexplained reason, I feel the urge to go cast some bullets .
"With a sinister grin on his face, Skip turns to his faithful assistant, Egor, and exclaims: It's working Egor, it's working!"


I think the reason that you aren't/haven't experience the types of problems others have is equipment. I had some problems with my Lyman #55 as mentioned above. I solved them. Loading on the Dillon Square Deal or the XL650 and my Unique loads are spot on. +/- .1. Plenty good enough for handgun ammo.

Another reason may be charge weights. Undoubtedly you aren't trying to see how low you can go with Unique. Some do and find it to be troublesome. Use a different powder is my suggestion to them.

Paul5388 did a neat test with accuracy and charge weights. Even some of the ball powders did pretty poorly with weights under 5gr. Maybe he will chime in here soon.
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Old 02-03-2011, 02:13 PM
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Hey Skip-

I hope you and Egor are keeping warm around the smelting pot in that old stone castle since getting all the snow.
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Old 02-03-2011, 02:43 PM
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What is this "Lee dipper method" you speak of? I own Lee dippers and thought I was using them correctly. Has someone found a more "perfect" way?
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Old 02-03-2011, 05:25 PM
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Quote:
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What is this "Lee dipper method" you speak of? I own Lee dippers and thought I was using them correctly. Has someone found a more "perfect" way?
The only more perfect way is to make your own out of 9mm or 40 SW brass.
The Lee are set amounts. Say it holds 5 grains of xyz powder but you want 4.5 grains? You can file the plastic down to exactly hold 4.5 or just make one out of a 9mm brass and file it down , glue or solder a little handle on it.
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Old 02-03-2011, 06:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OCD1 View Post
The only more perfect way is to make your own out of 9mm or 40 SW brass.
The Lee are set amounts. Say it holds 5 grains of xyz powder but you want 4.5 grains? You can file the plastic down to exactly hold 4.5 or just make one out of a 9mm brass and file it down , glue or solder a little handle on it.

That concept ONLY works for 1 drop weight.....of 1 powder. It doesnt work for any more or any less of "XYZ" powder....doesnt work for even 4.5 gr of "ABC" powder and cant begin to measure various ( not 4.5 gr) drop weights of other powders. I have enough "junk" cluttering up my bench without a small herd of homemade ( or factory made) powder dippers
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Old 02-03-2011, 07:09 PM
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I made up a chart listing what charges my modified Lee dippers throw for each of the different powders that I commonly use. I have it thumbtacked to the wall behind my press.

If I feel like using the dippers, I just refer to my chart, double check the charge on my scale, and start scooping.
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Old 02-03-2011, 07:32 PM
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Skeeter Skelton suggested using 5.0 grs. of Unique under a 158-160 gr. hard-cast SWC. He suggested this only be used in modern revolvers of good solid construction. I do not know if it would give problems in a aluminum framed revolver. I have used it in all of my .38/.357 revolvers for at least 25 years without any problems whatsoever. It is my standard load for the .38 Special. HTH.
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Old 02-03-2011, 07:45 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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OCD1's suggestion is a good one for those that are super OCD!

If you couple it with Paul5388's scale method, you can use the dippers for "NOP" or "TUV" powder if you want. At that point, using a scale too, a big dipper gets you close and then you "trickle" in from the smaller dipper.

Now, I'm not that OCD when it comes to handgun ammo. A .5gr difference isn't going to make much difference (as long as it isn't an overcharge) in the way most folks shoot a handgun anyway!. That's a generalization, so, just cool it.

Here is Paul doing his thing:


And a link to the last thread where he posted it:

Tips and Tricks!

Good advice for those OCD folks!

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Old 02-03-2011, 07:51 PM
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Late to the party, but when I meter Unique in my Uniflow I use the baffle and always keep the hopper 3/4 full. Works pretty good.
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Old 02-03-2011, 08:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sully View Post
That concept ONLY works for 1 drop weight.....of 1 powder. It doesnt work for any more or any less of "XYZ" powder....doesnt work for even 4.5 gr of "ABC" powder and cant begin to measure various ( not 4.5 gr) drop weights of other powders. I have enough "junk" cluttering up my bench without a small herd of homemade ( or factory made) powder dippers

Well the reply was not for you it was for Billy Wayne. You are correct, once adjusted it is for one weight and one powder but no different than the original dippers.

And you know what? You don't have to use it.
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:07 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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Easy big fella, easy there!
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:07 PM
Ralph G. Briscoe Ralph G. Briscoe is offline
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FKimble--http://www.blackriverbullet.com/page0002.html

Smitty--I somehow get the feeling that you think it would be a good idea for me to play with molten metal while inhaling noxious fumes)
I must admit that I was perusing the Lyman molds for that Keith bullet in the Midway catalogue this afternoon, so I'll probably end up back at it before the year's out....probably soon as it's warm enough to work outdoors. I haven't cast a bullet since 1978 when I made a crapload of Lyman 38 141gr wadcutters....just shot the last of them this year.
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:21 PM
Skip Sackett Skip Sackett is offline
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Smitty--I somehow get the feeling that you think it would be a good idea for me to play with molten metal while inhaling noxious fumes)
Go for it!
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:28 PM
Ralph G. Briscoe Ralph G. Briscoe is offline
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P.S.--Unique measuring difficulties
I just threw 10 4.7 grain charges of Unique with my ancient Ohaus measure and weighed them on my ancient RCBS scale....no discernable differences. I was thinking of modernizing my equipment....maybe not.
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:39 PM
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P.S.--Unique measuring difficulties
I just threw 10 4.7 grain charges of Unique with my ancient Ohaus measure and weighed them on my ancient RCBS scale....no discernable differences. I was thinking of modernizing my equipment....maybe not.
I'm impressed! First the realization that you NEED TO CAST and then figuring out that the newest fangledist thing isn't needed at all!

You are one smart cookie, Ralph!

Glad you came by!
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:48 PM
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Been using Unique since about 1962 in .38/.357, 9mm, .45 ACP, .44 Spl., and .45 Colt; about 99% of my pistol shooting is with it. Charging has been with the Lyman 55. I think the B&M was a bit more consistent but hard to tell. Of late I use the RCBS Little Dandy with the rotors drilled out as needed, and like that.

I use the 5.0 charge with the Lyman 358477 150 grain bullet for everything, including an old Victory Model now and then and an alloy 442.No problems at all.
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:58 PM
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Ralph, thanks for the link. I was aware of that supplier. My last contact with him was he was currently not making bullets due to a health issue. I recently saw something indicating he may be back in business. But I see nothing to indicate his bullets are sized but not lubed. Lube is usually applied during the sizing process. His site does mention the "size" but the omission of lube info probably means he is just using a standard lube. Rim Rock also makes a Keith style bullet. But their lube groove, while square cut, is very shallow. The one's I received weighted approx 165 grains, a little lighter than advertised.
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Old 02-03-2011, 09:59 PM
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I just loaded up some hard cast 160 gr LSWC + 4.7 gr Unique using my Chargemaster 1500. A very handy gizmo.

The intended launch vehicle is my 642. 4.7 gr Unique is about as hot as I can stand - any higher and the cylinder release chews up my thumb.
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Old 02-03-2011, 10:14 PM
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.38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load? .38 spcl/158gr SWC/Unique--What's the real maximum standard load?  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TN
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ralph G. Briscoe View Post
P.S.--Unique measuring difficulties
I just threw 10 4.7 grain charges of Unique with my ancient Ohaus measure and weighed them on my ancient RCBS scale....no discernable differences. I was thinking of modernizing my equipment....maybe not.
I was giving serious consideration tonight to moth balling my DU-O-Measure. I set it up to throw 6.0 gr of Unique, once it did and verified with the Ohaus 5-0-5 beam scale, I proceeded to load about eighth cases and decided to stop and just check a few.

I found the cases varied as much as .5-.8 gr. The first couple was dead on. The next few were .3-.5 under at 5.5-5.7 gr from my original setting of 6.0. Some were even higher at 6.2 gr.

Any ideas as to what may be going on with it? I can't trust it to throw charges I initially set anymore. I had to end up using the trickler half the time as most were below my setting with a few even higher. Time for a new Lyman 55?
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