|
|
03-07-2013, 08:02 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: N.Mississippi
Posts: 268
Likes: 22
Liked 56 Times in 44 Posts
|
|
Alliant Unique powder
Anyone use? Likes or dislikes?
Seems to be a pretty universal pistol caliber powder.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-07-2013, 08:07 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: houston texas
Posts: 392
Likes: 57
Liked 99 Times in 51 Posts
|
|
i use it in lead bullet handgun loads. i also use it in shotshell loads. hth.
|
03-07-2013, 08:12 PM
|
SWCA Member Absent Comrade
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SLC, Utah
Posts: 5,062
Likes: 739
Liked 3,271 Times in 1,282 Posts
|
|
It may be the most commonly used handgun powder in the U.S. Not the best powder for very light loads or very heavy loads but covers the great middle ground very well. I have been using it since 1975.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-07-2013, 08:22 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
Posts: 6,919
Likes: 179
Liked 4,294 Times in 2,106 Posts
|
|
It's a good handgun powder for all around use and bulky enough that a double charge in one of the common semi auto calibers would be very obvious. Down side is that it's not the best metering powder on the planet, so you do need to confirm your powder measure will be consistent with this powder or plan on weighing each charge.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-07-2013, 08:25 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 16
Liked 18 Times in 11 Posts
|
|
I like in my cast bullet loads. I even us it in my cast 30-06. Great for mild loads. Mike
|
03-07-2013, 08:32 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: N.Mississippi
Posts: 268
Likes: 22
Liked 56 Times in 44 Posts
|
|
Thanks for the quick replies guys...I'd ordered 8lbs on a chance the other day. figured I could sell it if it was not any good...
Ordering online sucks w/hazmat charges!
|
03-07-2013, 11:08 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 434
Likes: 193
Liked 212 Times in 85 Posts
|
|
It's my go to powder for .38 Spl, .44 Spl, and moderate loads for .357 Mag. And sometimes I use it for .45ACP.
|
03-07-2013, 11:10 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 15,082
Likes: 91,553
Liked 26,245 Times in 8,376 Posts
|
|
Alliant Unique powder
I probably use more unique than anything else.38 spl,45 acp,44 spl and 45 colt.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-07-2013, 11:20 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: NE
Posts: 320
Likes: 276
Liked 543 Times in 61 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by arjay
I probably use more unique than anything else.38 spl,45 acp,44 spl and 45 colt.
|
Exactly. Also good for 32 H&R mag.
|
03-07-2013, 11:49 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NC, Yadkin County
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 25,461
Liked 8,521 Times in 3,188 Posts
|
|
I use it for 32-20, .38 S&W, standard .38 Spec., .44 Spec. lite .44 Mag. and .45 ACP. Been using Unique since 1965. Larry
|
03-08-2013, 12:40 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Beaumont, Texas
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 66
Liked 1,116 Times in 324 Posts
|
|
New to reloading, too.
Been using it in my .44 Mag/240 LSWC's loaded down near .44 Special.
Won the first silhouette match I shot with it!
__________________
Professional Trainer
|
03-08-2013, 01:01 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,895
Likes: 736
Liked 1,208 Times in 737 Posts
|
|
i like it...and use a lot of it....41 mag.is one of my fav.uses for it
__________________
SWCA#2208
KK4EMO
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 01:07 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: (outside) Charleston, SC
Posts: 30,918
Likes: 41,503
Liked 29,153 Times in 13,781 Posts
|
|
If I could only have
If I could only have one powder it would be Unique. It's not the best at everything, but can be used as darn near anything.
|
03-08-2013, 01:35 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 30
Liked 698 Times in 391 Posts
|
|
Unique is a good, all around pistol powder. I use it for .40SW, .45ACP and .38SPL. It burns dirty at light loads, but clean and relatively smoke free at mid to hot levels.
The flakes tend to bridge in a powder hopper, causing low loads. Tap the hopper from time to time and, if possible, install an anti-bridging baffle at the bottom of the hopper (standard with Dillon). The baffle breaks up loose clumps so that the hopper below the baffle is uniform.
|
03-08-2013, 01:48 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
|
|
I have used it in 9mm with 115 to 124gr Jhps.........
38 spl from 110 to 158 Jhps and 125 to 158 lead bullets
from target to +p loads.
357 magnum loads are good from target to magnum loads
up to 158 lead but you do need other powders to get the most out of the 158 Jhp bullets.
12Ga shotgun loads from target 1 1/8oz to heavy field loads of 1 1/4oz at 1220fps work for me as well as.....
30-06 light target loads.
I always have a bottle on my shelf.
|
03-08-2013, 05:15 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 741
Likes: 1,440
Liked 528 Times in 220 Posts
|
|
I use it as a medium range powder. Been using it for 30 years. I refer to it as "burnt dirt". Still like it. It is one of the classics. Bullseye, Unique, 2400. I always keep a good supply of the classics.
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 06:38 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Former State Of GA.
Posts: 1,976
Likes: 3,983
Liked 2,869 Times in 990 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by richeyo2
Anyone use? Likes or dislikes?
Seems to be a pretty universal pistol caliber powder.
|
I'll be the negative post in this thread. I highlighted in your op the powder of choice for me.
I got fed up with Unique back in the early 90's. Yea, it does do what others here say, but metering ain't the best and it left me and my handguns freckle faced from the unburned flakes.
Universal has done everything good the old Unique does, only with better metering and more efficient burn for me.
__________________
GOA
USA Shooting Supporter
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 07:22 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: KY
Posts: 296
Likes: 301
Liked 102 Times in 58 Posts
|
|
It's one of the powders I use and would recommend.
|
03-08-2013, 08:12 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Roanoke, Va
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1,697
Liked 1,284 Times in 640 Posts
|
|
If it was good enough for Skeeter, it will work for me..dito for 2400...
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 08:26 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: California
Posts: 267
Likes: 45
Liked 66 Times in 50 Posts
|
|
I use it and Bullseye. They have stood the test of time.
__________________
I believe in the wadcutter.
|
03-08-2013, 09:03 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: FL W Coast
Posts: 322
Likes: 48
Liked 82 Times in 56 Posts
|
|
Ditto to much of the above re: handgun use. Very versatile, usually available at a decent price, tons of load information because it has been around so long, but doesn't burn too cleanly with lighter loads.
|
03-08-2013, 09:30 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 95
Likes: 3
Liked 11 Times in 5 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by richeyo2
Anyone use? Likes or dislikes?
Seems to be a pretty universal pistol caliber powder.
|
I have used it in my 45 acp and 38 special only draw back was in light loads it is a dirty powder but at top end it seem to burn a lot cleaner.I now run Clay's in my 45 and 38 for me it a super great clean burning powder
38 cal. 3.1 gr. with 158gr. SWC
45 acp 3.8 gr. with 200gr. SWC
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 11:00 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 15,082
Likes: 91,553
Liked 26,245 Times in 8,376 Posts
|
|
Alliant Unique powder
Bullseye for light loads
Unique for medium to heavy loads depending on caliber
2400 for magnum loads
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 02:54 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 485
Likes: 510
Liked 71 Times in 41 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by lonewolf5347
I have used it in my 45 acp and 38 special only draw back was in light loads it is a dirty powder but at top end it seem to burn a lot cleaner.I now run Clay's in my 45 and 38 for me it a super great clean burning powder
38 cal. 3.1 gr. with 158gr. SWC
45 acp 3.8 gr. with 200gr. SWC
|
Almost the same lead I am starting to use (.45acp=RNFP/38spl=LSWC) in the same calibers.
Question is on the Clay's-is there a specific number or designation on the bottle for this ? I have never seen a bottle of Clay's around here.
I see guys shooting iCORE etc and the ends of their barrels are black w/the dirty powder, some can't even see their front site and I would like a clean burning powder.
Thanks,
Jim
|
03-08-2013, 03:48 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 15,082
Likes: 91,553
Liked 26,245 Times in 8,376 Posts
|
|
Alliant Unique powder
I think I originally settled on the traditional 3 because you could walk in the store and they were in stock.Availability is important.
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 06:52 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 63
Likes: 43
Liked 15 Times in 11 Posts
|
|
Makes a good 9mm load but it hard to find right now.
|
03-08-2013, 07:50 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Fredericksburg,Virginia,U
Posts: 349
Likes: 67
Liked 440 Times in 145 Posts
|
|
Jim when you buy Clays make sure that it is JUST marked Clays. Hodgdon in their infinite wisdom have 3 different powders with the Clays name. First is just Clays (very similar properties to Red Dot) second is Universal Clays (very similar properties to Unique) and last is International Clays (very similar properties to Green Dot).
I LOVE my Unique but my current 38 Spec 158gr LSWCHP load uses 3.2 of Clays and my current WIMP load for my 45ACP uses 4.4gr of Clays pushing a 185 grain Berrys plated round nose hollow base bullet. My poor old wrists love the WIMP load. In a factory springed 1911 it feels like you are shooting a 22. An it functioned in every 45 (Colts, Paras, S&W, Sigs, Kahr)I have ever shot it in including a couple of picky 3 inch guns with the exception of my buddies Ruger P90 which has the heaviest mainspring I have ever felt. The load shot great but would not push the slide quite far enough back to pick up the next round.
Chip King
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
03-08-2013, 08:50 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 485
Likes: 510
Liked 71 Times in 41 Posts
|
|
Thanks Chip. I have two 1911's and the 38spl (for matches) so thanks for the explanation, it will help in matches when ever I can get my press here
Jim
|
03-08-2013, 09:50 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 619
Likes: 112
Liked 294 Times in 161 Posts
|
|
I have shot up a bunch of it in .38, .357, .41 Mag, & .45 ACP. It smokes and is dirty, but it is predictable, reliable, and safe on account of the charge density being fairly low, giving a larger volume in the case. I always have some on hand.
|
03-08-2013, 10:05 PM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,579
Likes: 11,351
Liked 3,702 Times in 1,306 Posts
|
|
Burnin' Dirt!
__________________
Rather be outdoors
|
03-08-2013, 10:18 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Lafayette, Tennessee
Posts: 6,926
Likes: 6,833
Liked 8,936 Times in 2,910 Posts
|
|
I couldn't imagine a reloading bench without a can of Unique close by.
|
03-08-2013, 11:03 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,607
Likes: 3,693
Liked 7,175 Times in 2,997 Posts
|
|
I have given up on Unique, inconsistant metering, position sensitivity
and large extreme spreads. I have to believe many handloaders use
it because some popular gunwriters of the past used it. There are many
more powders available today than when some of the "legends" were
writing and they used Unique because it was about all they had for
medium power loads and not because it was a great powder. When my
partial can is used up or poured out in disgust it won't be replaced.
|
03-08-2013, 11:54 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 310
Liked 405 Times in 105 Posts
|
|
I started with Unique and 38 Special and now have come full circle and am back to using it. It isn't the best for magnum loads but for 38 Special and 44 Mag loads that are not top loads it does very well.
I am not as wild about it for auto pistols but it is OK.
|
03-09-2013, 05:50 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 17,759
Likes: 7,836
Liked 25,616 Times in 8,661 Posts
|
|
When I first started reloading I got in to using Unique (Hercules back then)
when loading .45 "Long Colt" and have stuck with it throughout all these years. The only thing that's changes is the Company is now Alliant. Good stuff!
|
03-10-2013, 02:14 AM
|
|
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 3,353
Likes: 10,447
Liked 6,092 Times in 1,249 Posts
|
|
I've never had a minute's trouble with Unique. Love it! Just don't use it in minimum charge weights. It gives larger extreme spreads and burns dirtier with minimum charge weights.
For moderate loads in revolvers or full powered loads in both the 9mm and .45 ACP it's the cat's meow.
|
03-10-2013, 02:18 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Colorado
Posts: 15,082
Likes: 91,553
Liked 26,245 Times in 8,376 Posts
|
|
Alliant Unique powder
Unique isn't that complicated.Keep the pressures up and it burns fairly clean and consistently.
|
03-10-2013, 03:12 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Liked 83 Times in 37 Posts
|
|
Love it in reloads for my .45acp!
|
03-10-2013, 05:40 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 7
Liked 657 Times in 369 Posts
|
|
Unique is the "jack of all trades-master of none" pistol propellant. Granted, it does a whole lot of things pretty well. That said, it is almost never the Best for any one particular application except being good at a lot of things. It meters miserably and the original was pretty dirty although the newer formulation is said to burn cleaner.
It is what it is and many folks are in love with it for that reason. Have been for a long time. For my part, not so much.
Bruce
|
03-10-2013, 05:42 AM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 265
Likes: 222
Liked 87 Times in 53 Posts
|
|
One thing not many have said is that Unique is usually very accurate. I gave up on it for Clays for light .45 acp match loads because of soot, but it can be used in everything from 9 mm to 12 gauge and makes fine gallery loads for centerfire .30 rifles. I have the big jug.
__________________
Member MVGCA, OGCA, NRA Life
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|