I am finding that unique measures erratic after sitting in the Lee pro auto disk for a few hours, the measure will increase by .4 - .5 grains, will measure consistently 8.7 - 8.8 grains then after a few hours sitting will increase to 9.0 - 9.2 grains. Thinking maybe the flake powder settles/compresses thus allows more powder thru the measure? To fix I turn the off the auto disk, remove excess powder, turn it back on and seems to work fine?

I'm relatively new to reloading, about four years under my belt, and gave up on Unique after trying one pound. It meters poorly, burns dirty, gives large ES and SDs, and was position sensitive in my testing. I didn't find any redeeming qualities.

I like Trail Boss for regular .38 special, Power Pistol for .38 +P and .40 S&W, and 2400 for .357 magnum. I also tried Unique in my 12 gauge and was unimpressed as well. I use Red Dot or Clays there.

It may be a jack of all trades powder, but in my experience, it is truly master of none. I strive for excellence in my loads, so Unique was not replaced when it ran out.

I just reloaded some 38 special and now 45 LC, I am a hyper person and cannot sit down for long so I reload a few, work in the yard come back reload a few more, etc. I find myself checking every other round for proper powder measure and if its way off I go thru the process of resetting the auto disk!

Waywatcher, I appreciate the input, thanks!

Your experience is not unusual. Depending on the equipment used Unique will do fine or as was said by someone here: "It meters like rocks".

Wow! I've used Unique for over 30 years and love it. Revolver cartridges to 12 ga. . Course I don't use lee measuring equipment.

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S&W Accumulator

I don't think people with a DILLON run into that problem. Every time you pull the handle you jar the powder to compact it. I have several & long as you wipe them down every 400-500 rounds no problems. Like that wabbet beating on the drum.---PS--UNIQUE IS ONE OF THE BEST ALL AROUND PISTOL POWDERS OUT THERE.

Powder will settle.
A trick I learned long ago is, after filling the reservoir, to tap it 20 times on the left and again on the right to settle the powder. I use a long thin blade screwdriver and tap with the plastic handle.
About the same time, also gave up on Lee powder dispensing equipment. Not their finest act.
Have also found that, when running at the right pressure level, Unique is one of the better performing powders in medium revolver loads, regardless of the SD numbers.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

I use an RCBS Uniflo powder measure and Unique with good results as long as the charge is over 4.2 grains. Fill the measure, tap the reservoir numerous times and then keep it at least half full. Charges stay within .1 grain.

Try this, I'm going to.
How to make a powder measure baffle - AR15.COM

Following the KISS principle I use Unique for just about everything from 38 to 12 ga, except Trailboss for 45 LC. I have found that my Spolar shotshell reloader throws very consistent charges of Unique because it has that vibrating motor that vibrates the primer feed and the powder. My Dillon 650 stays dead on throughout a loading session in part I think like 4barrel said because everything gets a good jar whenever you pull the handle plus the automatic case feeder vibrates the whole machine. When I had Mec shotshell reloaders I had a problem with consistency due to static until I added a metal baffle between the powder bottle and the charge bar. Also have seen really good results with taping an aquarium pump to the frame of the loader to keep everything moving consistently with the vibration. I found that my RCBS uniflow measure throws consistent charges of Unique when I let the metal handle whack the frame while operating it but you really have to watch the powder adjustment die on that one because it will vibrate loose if you don't tighten it enough. I don't know anything about your Lee powder measure but suggest you contact the manufacturer because I don't think you should be having that much fluctuation

I was never too keen on Unique till I started reloading 44mag, lead target loads specifically. I always had a cpl pounds in my inventory, but found other powders were better for the various calibers I was loading. 38spl=W231, 357mag=many options, 45acp=bullseye,titegroup, 9mm=titegroup. I'm currently experimenting with W231/HP38 for my lead target loads in 44mag as my supply of Unique is almost exhausted.

Just buy some Universal and don't look back.

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GOA
USA Shooting Supporter

I use a RCBS Uniflow and don't seem to have much trouble. If you need a baffle here is the answer. Make your own templats.

RCBS Uniflow - Page 2

I use Unique with Dillon powder measure with no problems. I load .38 special, 9mm and .41 Mag moderate loads. I may switch to Power Pistol for the 9mm though.

Unique - my first powder, and maybe the last one I'd give up.

But it is a royal PITA in the Chargemaster 1500 - I get more overthrows with it than with anything else. Bridges like crazy. I don't find it to be as bad in the Uniflow, but - yeah - that's an issue.

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Now go make God proud...

When I started reloading in 75 I settled on Bullseye,Unique and 2400 for my three " go to" powders.....over the years I have loaded and shot about everything that has been on the market.....but I still load my 4" bl 41's,44's & 45 LC's with Unique.....used to buy it by the keg and have shot thousands of cast bullets downrange with it.....use an old Lyman measure to meter it. I can load heavy in the shorter barrels and not have a huge muzzle flash.

Ive heard a lot about it proforming poorly in Measures, but this is realy the first time in a post ive read about diferent measures reacting diferently. Im guessing you use a Lyman 55 right? How does it work in it? Im working on HP38, and 2400 loads now, but thinking of picking up some unique becouse its a mid range choice, and will also work in all the rounds I load. It will be nice to have a lb or two hanging around for the next time we get the panic buys like now.

You are correct, I use a Lyman 55 and also a Herter's powder measure that I have had since the early 70's.....I think it is probably made by Lyman for Herter's....but I have used both of these for decades and have metered a lot of powder thru them. Unique is a very flexible powder and it has served me well in the short barrel magnums, the 44 spl. and 45LC.....Anymore when I buy powder and primers I always buy twice what I need....just for those "panic occasions".

My C-H powder measure does a pretty good job of metering Unique, but I like to weigh often. My previous powder measure, a Lee PPM, did only a fair job with Unique so I mostly used a dipper and trickled a weighed charge. I like Unique and I'm not concerned with the "reports" of "dirty burning" because I don't wear dress clothes when I shoot (my white tux is worn only for dinner out!) and I can always wash my hands after I shoot a bunch. I have only shot about 300-350 rounds of Unique loaded 45 ACP at one time in my 1911 and never had the slightest problem with the gun malfunctioning because of "dirty" powder. I clean all my firearms after each session and I choose powders by their preformance not if I get my hands sooty. Some things are just overblown and meaningless...

Unique meters fine through my Lyman 55.

For those who say it is dirty, try using it in hotter loads. Unique likes to burn in the medium to high pressure range. When used in these applications it is anything but dirty. If your choice is between Unique and Trailboss, that is the wrong application for the former.

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All Rights Reserved

While I think its burn rate and applications might make it the best suited
powder out there for most casual target use, I can not handle its metering.
I have seen the situation you describe with other powders too.
I had gotten lazy and was leaving powder in the measure, now that I realize how that effects things I have quit doing that.
I have seen where a lot of people advocate Universal as a replacement for
Unique, I have switched to Accurate #5.
#5 , like all the Accurate powders I have used, meters very , very well.
I think Unique works wonderfully for my needs , I just can't seem to throw it consistently.
P.S. I have a RCBS Competition Powder Measure with Handgun Metering Drum, it does not help appreciably over the standard one that came with my Rock Chucker kit.
I do like its adjustments better then standard one though.
Chris

I find that a good firm crimp seems to make Unique burn cleaner and more consistently.

I can't tell if my hands get dirty from the Unique or from scooping up handfuls of brass from the concrete floor at the range.

It doesn't matter, still not giving up my Unique! It's like having butter at the dinner table, wouldn't be without it!

I am new to reloading. Been using Unique for .44spcl. I use the disks in the autopour. I haven't been double checking.

I have used Unique in a mec 600jr to a 366 progressive and it is the best powder for a 3 dram 1 1/8 oz 12Ga load shot in 33 degree weather for trap or birds that I have ever loaded,that will keep its velosity and get things done.

It is also great for medium and +P loads in the 38 special as well as high velosity loads in the 357 magnum and it really turns a 158 Lswc into a maxi load in a 6" barrel.
In the past I used it with the 9mm luger it did well with 115 and 125 JHP for me....as well as 30-06 X-lite target loads.

It is one powder that stays on my shelf.

Unique is my go to pistol powder. .38/357, .44 Spl and .45ACP. Meters pretty good through a old RCBS thrower.

Looks like we have the same taste with Unique & and old RCBS!

I use Unique on a Dillon.

If it's been sitting for any length of time I always throw the first one back in the powder hopper.

I only use Unique when I weigh every load. I have found it is so inconsistent even in a RCBS and Redding measure that I am afraid of bridging and a excess charge. I value my handguns too much to take a chance. But I do use it and it is an accurate powder, especially with a full load.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I find Unique to be quite consistant in my Lee Perfect Powder Measure.

All powders will settle in a measure, regardless of type. It's always prudent to throw back 4-5 charges to get everything back up to speed before loading again. Properly setup & used, most measures will throw Unique within 0.1gr.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I have used Unique through an un-modified RCBS powder measure for over 30 years and have never had even a hint of trouble with inconsistent measuring.

Also, I do not have excess powder residue left on my guns after I shoot because I use relatively heavy loads with this powder. For light loads I use Bullseye.