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Old 05-05-2017, 10:07 AM
kornax kornax is offline
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Hi folks,

I have mentioned in some other posts, but I am relatively new to reloading. I have only been doing so for about 1.5 years.

So far, I have reloaded in .44 Special, 9mm, and 357 Magnum.

I have been using strictly Unique powder. When starting to reload, i found that Unique seems to be an extremely versatile powder. It is found in so many rounds in the Lyman book. And I never have trouble finding comments or suggestions with it.

It seems to be harder to come by lately, and I am looking for another powder that is versatile. I see many others in the manual, and am interested in trying, however I figured I would ask others where best to start?

I have set myself up currently to reload, .44 special/magnum, 9mm, .38 special/.357 magnum, 45 ACP, and 32/20 WCF.

Looking for feedback. Thanks!
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:13 AM
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Universal, Power Pistol,HP38 and several other medium powders will get you pretty much everything but true full power magnum loads, but Unique won't do full mag power either. For that you need a slow powder such as 2400 or WIN296.
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:19 AM
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Add Alliant BE86 and Hodgdon CFE Pistol to OKF's list above.

I just shot you a PM.
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kornax View Post
Hi folks,

I have mentioned in some other posts, but I am relatively new to reloading. I have only been doing so for about 1.5 years.

So far, I have reloaded in .44 Special, 9mm, and 357 Magnum.

I have been using strictly Unique powder. When starting to reload, i found that Unique seems to be an extremely versatile powder. It is found in so many rounds in the Lyman book. And I never have trouble finding comments or suggestions with it.

It seems to be harder to come by lately, and I am looking for another powder that is versatile. I see many others in the manual, and am interested in trying, however I figured I would ask others where best to start?

I have set myself up currently to reload, .44 special/magnum, 9mm, .38 special/.357 magnum, 45 ACP, and 32/20 WCF.

Looking for feedback. Thanks!
That would be BE-86. Measures great, and Alliant has provided plenty of load data for it. It is new enough that you would need to rely on load data from the Alliant website.

Note that you can also order an 8-pound jug of Unique from Reloading Unlimited. You will need to look beyond what you find in your local gun shops.
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:27 AM
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All your "specials", .38, 9mm, .44 special, .45 you can (I do) use HP-38/w231 or Bullseye. When loading pretty much anything other than 9mm, be VERY CAREFUL not to double charge as these powders are higher density and do not fill a case,

For the mag loads in .357 and .44 my personal preference is 2400. Great versatility without some of the issue you will find with some of the other mag powders like W296 / H110
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:49 AM
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When the " great powder crunch " came and Unique , among others became unavailable I switched to Winchester Super Field . I has not disappointed . In fact I don't look/ buy unique anymore . It's just a touch slower burn rate than unique , but only a little . It meters much better , was usually available and shoots very clean . I found load data a little thin so I started using unique load data to start . I find I'm adding about .5 of a grain more and sometimes a little less than that depending on the size / caliber of the cartridge in the final analysis .
In 38 , 5-5.3grs / 158 gr cast bullet , 44 spl -240 gr cast bullet I use 7.5 grs . I have read that in 9mm it is considered a " premier " powder . In the 357 mag --158 gr cast bullet gets 7.5 grs . 44 mag - 240 gr cast bullet gets 9.5 grs . In my S&W 25-5 ( 45 Colt ) -255 gr cast bullet I use 9.5 grs . I like it so much I buy 8#'s at a time . It gets a lot , I mean a lot of useage on my reloading table .

Last edited by cowboy4evr; 05-05-2017 at 10:50 PM.
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Old 05-05-2017, 11:43 AM
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I have found Accurate Arms #5 to be a good substitute for Unique .
For a faster powder more like Bullseye Accurate Arms #2 can be used .

I also found no Unique on the shelves but Discovered one dealer with a good supply of Accurate (Western ) powders. #5 works well and is accurate ....I am likeing it a lot !
Accurate powders are listed in the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook and Accurate has a good amount of data on their site.
Gary
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Old 05-05-2017, 12:51 PM
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+1 with post #4;

per my 9mm test on April 24th on the reloading thread.

I will do the 38 2", 6" and 357 magnum....soon.

Last edited by Nevada Ed; 05-05-2017 at 12:53 PM.
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Old 05-05-2017, 01:08 PM
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Unique has been easier to find for the last couple of months than at any point in time over the last 5 years. If you want to stick with Unique I'd try calling all the sporting good stores in the area.

Unique is a great powder I use it in everything from 32 ACP to .30-06.
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Old 05-05-2017, 01:18 PM
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Universal Clays, or Universal as many call it is an almost direct replacement for Unique. You can ALMOST substitute load data. The Universal is somewhat cleaner burning than Unique.
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Old 05-05-2017, 01:25 PM
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When Unique became hard to find I tried Universal. I appreciated the easy metering and almost direct comparison to Unique, so I bought 8 lbs. and use it in my 9mm, 38 Special, 357 Mag, 44 Special, 44 Mag. and 45 ACP. Fairly consistent over my chrony...
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Old 05-05-2017, 02:31 PM
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Any of the medium burn rate powders will do as well as Unique. WSF is nearly identical in performance, maybe a tiny bit slower, based on my own chrono testing. It also offers good lead bullet performance, something a powder like Universal seems to lack for me. It also meters better than Unique.
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Old 05-05-2017, 04:41 PM
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Although a little faster, I believe 700-X, Green Dot, or AA#5 would be acceptable for most people vs. Unique. AA#5 has a very high bulk density and is good for getting maximum performance from smaller-capacity cases. Probably THE best powder for maximum .38 Super loads.

Fortunately, I think I have about 7 lbs of Unique left so I don't need to worry about running out. Not the best for magnum loads but it will get close to them.
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Old 05-05-2017, 06:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kornax View Post
Hi folks,

I have mentioned in some other posts, but I am relatively new to reloading. I have only been doing so for about 1.5 years.

So far, I have reloaded in .44 Special, 9mm, and 357 Magnum.

I have been using strictly Unique powder. When starting to reload, i found that Unique seems to be an extremely versatile powder. It is found in so many rounds in the Lyman book. And I never have trouble finding comments or suggestions with it.

It seems to be harder to come by lately, and I am looking for another powder that is versatile. I see many others in the manual, and am interested in trying, however I figured I would ask others where best to start?

I have set myself up currently to reload, .44 special/magnum, 9mm, .38 special/.357 magnum, 45 ACP, and 32/20 WCF.

Looking for feedback. Thanks!
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Old 05-05-2017, 06:41 PM
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As mentioned already Accurate #5 is a good choice and Accurate #2 is a faster powder both are great metering and clean burners.
Don't overlook 700X it's a great powder and is always on the shelf when other powders are unavailable. Don't let all the bad metering threads scare you off give it a chance. I've never had problems when using my Lyman 55's, give 700X a try.
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Old 05-05-2017, 07:24 PM
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Quote:
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Universal Clays, or Universal as many call it is an almost direct replacement for Unique. You can ALMOST substitute load data. The Universal is somewhat cleaner burning than Unique.
Yep, it's pretty close. You still need to work up your load, of course, but it's nearly identical.
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Old 05-05-2017, 07:40 PM
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Hodgdon Universal is good but these days I'm really liking Hodgdon CFE pistol because it's readiliy available and leaves my bore with no copper in it.
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Old 05-05-2017, 09:32 PM
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Unique can be loaded in many cartridges adequately, but it doesn't perform as well in specific applications as a more specialized powder.

.38, .45 ACP, etc, I would suggest a faster powder, like Bullseye or WST.

WSF is popular for moderate loads in .45 ACP or above (but I haven't found any of it).

I've had hit-or-miss results with Universal, but I suspect the pound I bought might be bad or at least substandard. I get better results with plated loads than lead.

Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckeyeS&W
Don't overlook 700X it's a great powder and is always on the shelf when other powders are unavailable. Don't let all the bad metering threads scare you off give it a chance. I've never had problems when using my Lyman 55's, give 700X a try.
I found 700-X meters just fine in larger charges, but is unreliable in small, light loadings. I'm about to give it a whirl in 9mm, which is easy to eyeball and a sufficiently-large charge in my experience.
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Old 05-05-2017, 09:36 PM
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If you want some Unique instead of hunting down a replacement, Lohman Arms has both 1 lb and a few 8 lb bottles in stock. I bought some 2400 (8 lb bottle) from them a few months ago with no real problems. Here is a link to their Unique page for you to look at.

<<<LINK>>>
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Old 05-05-2017, 10:59 PM
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BE86 is very close to Unique and measures much better. I use 4.7 grains of Unique or 4.6 grains of BE86 with 158 SWC in .38 specials. Both are very accurate and hit the same POI at 25 yards. I have noticed that BE86 seems a little "snappier".
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Old 05-05-2017, 11:14 PM
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IAhunter , what part of Cochise county are you in ? I'm originally from that county .
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Old 05-06-2017, 01:14 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kornax View Post
I have been using strictly Unique powder... It seems to be harder to come by lately, and I am looking for another powder that is versatile. I see many others in the manual, and am interested in trying...
Unique IS versatile. If you can't find any locally, & don't want to order on-line then it's going to come down to what you have available to you locally. Pick one that you can readily find recipes for in your cartridges.

I got started on CFE-P when Unique dried up during the powder crisis. Hodgdon has lots of data on-line for it. Similar burn rate. I've tried it in all the cartridges I load for, except the hyper magnums, & it does fine. Also it's flash suppressed if that's meaningful to you. (Not me.)

One point of note with CFE-P, or any of the fine grain ball powders of similar burn rate; possible double charges, especially in the larger cases. Unique is bulky & generally you're far less apt to miss a double charge using it vs. CFE-P.

Green Dot is a little faster but I've had some really good success with it too, even in 41 Mags, plus it's bulky also.

Trying different powders is one of the things that makes (keeps?) handloading interesting. Go explore!

.
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Old 05-06-2017, 01:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gwpercle View Post
I have found Accurate Arms #5 to be a good substitute for Unique .
For a faster powder more like Bullseye Accurate Arms #2 can be used .

I also found no Unique on the shelves but Discovered one dealer with a good supply of Accurate (Western ) powders. #5 works well and is accurate ....I am likeing it a lot !
Accurate powders are listed in the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook and Accurate has a good amount of data on their site.
Gary
Haven't tried AA #5 yet, but I can also endorse AA #2. I've been loading a lot of it in 38 spl, 44 spl, & 9mm and even target loads in 357 mag & 44 mag. I like it a lot.

Last edited by BC38; 05-06-2017 at 01:28 AM.
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Old 05-06-2017, 01:25 AM
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Some have mentioned that Universal and BE-86 are almost the same as Unique powder.

Almost per grain per grain.
Not so................

I have loaded 12 Ga. 38 snub, 38 6", 357 and 9mm 3" to 5" with Universal, Unique and BE-86 and yes they give close to or near the same fps but............

All three are different powders, with different chemical make ups and should not be used "Grain for grain" in any loads !!

I have yet to have the three "Match" with my chrony, even with a load within .4 grs.

Use proper/correct load data and do not "Guestamate" any loads.............

Later.
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Old 05-06-2017, 08:51 AM
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I appreciate all the information. Keep it coming!

I am in the process of some 357. Actually my first batch of 357 magnum. And with what i have been reading in all the posts, it seems like this is a good place to try something else.

One reason i also have trouble, is I live in NY (Don't pity me too much... ). I have to deal with an FFL which adds a lot to the cost. Frankly, if I am buying one pound, its more than the powder in many cases! So i try to shop local to avoid eating the Hazmat AND FFL cost.

I am going to venture out today and see what i can find. I live very close to PA, so I will see what i can find. BE-86 seems pretty interesting. I have also liked the comments regarding CFE-P and Universal. I guess for the magnum I might also try one of the powders mentioned with a higher burn rate.

Thanks again for all the comments. I really enjoy these forums. I get so much information from them every time I post. Wish I had as much info to give back!
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Old 05-06-2017, 09:57 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kornax View Post
I appreciate all the information. Keep it coming!

I am in the process of some 357. Actually my first batch of 357 magnum. And with what i have been reading in all the posts, it seems like this is a good place to try something else.

One reason i also have trouble, is I live in NY (Don't pity me too much... ). I have to deal with an FFL which adds a lot to the cost. Frankly, if I am buying one pound, its more than the powder in many cases! So i try to shop local to avoid eating the Hazmat AND FFL cost.

I am going to venture out today and see what i can find. I live very close to PA, so I will see what i can find. BE-86 seems pretty interesting. I have also liked the comments regarding CFE-P and Universal. I guess for the magnum I might also try one of the powders mentioned with a higher burn rate.

Thanks again for all the comments. I really enjoy these forums. I get so much information from them every time I post. Wish I had as much info to give back!
Not sure what you mean by "higher burn rate". Generally for magnum loads you want a powder with a slower burn rate. Unique and Universal are sort of medium burn rate. Bullseye, 231, etc. are faster burning. 2400 is the classic magnum powder and has a much slower burn rate. There are charts that list the relative burn rates. Just Google and there is all sorts of info on line.
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Old 05-06-2017, 11:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by epj View Post
Not sure what you mean by "higher burn rate". Generally for magnum loads you want a powder with a slower burn rate. Unique and Universal are sort of medium burn rate. Bullseye, 231, etc. are faster burning. 2400 is the classic magnum powder and has a much slower burn rate. There are charts that list the relative burn rates. Just Google and there is all sorts of info on line.
But same as with reloading manuals, it's best to check more than one.
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Old 05-06-2017, 11:47 AM
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I've used Unique for decades, but have been trying to get away from it because it doesn't meter uniformly through my Redding measures nearly as well as other powders. I'm down to using it in only one cartridge, .32-20.

I've given Universal a workout in several cartridges. It goes through a measure much better than Unique, but I've found it isn't quite up to the accuracy level of Unique; close though.
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Old 05-06-2017, 12:02 PM
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But same as with reloading manuals, it's best to check more than one.
The more info the better. Unfortunately it's sometimes contradictory.
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Old 05-06-2017, 01:10 PM
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Reloading data and pressure measurement figures, even from reputable, published, non-Internet sources aren't perfect. Some might call that contradictory, but this is safe data.

As with anything else, there are exceptions, but the only ones I am aware that could be potentially dangerous are some of the very old published sources. Study enough manuals and it will aid in making good judgements.
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Old 05-06-2017, 01:56 PM
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I use hp38 meters well and is same ww231 but a dollar or so cheaper. When you buy 231 you pay Winchester for there name. Both are the same factory and I have seen same lot numbers!
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Old 05-06-2017, 02:52 PM
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I went out for a ride today and hit some spots, one in particular I had never been to before. And I wound up finding some Bullseye and Power Pistol.

I have read good things about both. I am going to try the bullseye in this batch of 357 magnum. See how it goes.

Just to keep with this post as well, this store has a poster board of stuff they "have", although they tell you immediately, we stock what is listed here, but we don't have all of it right now... talk about contradictory...

Of the stuff I had heard, these were the only two available that were mentioned here. Between these two and the unique i have left, I should have enough to work with for a while. I also have a potential source for unique, just have to wait till I am making a trip that way.

I will start with the suggested starting grains of the bullseye. Again I am new. And I am not interested in hot loads or toying around to much. Like to follow the book, and if I can't find it, i look for multiple examples and pick a safe place between them. heh.
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Old 05-06-2017, 03:07 PM
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Bullseye will produce low-velocity, low-recoil loads in the .357. It's not quite as good, loaded-up, as some slower powders (Bullseye is among the fastest-burning powders on the market). That's not a bad thing--sometimes you just want an accurate, low-recoil load.

Power Pistol, on the other hand, is just a bit slower than Unique, and should deliver the Magnum velocities you want.

PS--Around here, we get the infamous "notebook on the counter" with all of the powders and sizes they do/don't have. Mostly don't. I can't touch Vihtavouri powders locally, and haven't seen a lot of what's common elsewhere. Funnily-enough, though, all of the powders I see people complaining about not being able to get, are spilling off the shelves in my neck of the woods.

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Old 05-06-2017, 03:51 PM
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I use bullseye more often than unique now in 38 sp and 45 acp target loads.Those two have been my most used pistol powders for years.
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Old 05-06-2017, 04:32 PM
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I have been using Unique for years, I'm out and it is scarce to
non existent around here. A few months ago I bought $450
worth of powder at Cabelas just to use up gift cards. They had
every thing but Unique and Bullseye and 2400. I bought H-110
to replace 2400. Might have to replace Unique too. Little Gun?
someone said was good for WC target loads in revolvers.
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Old 05-06-2017, 05:26 PM
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I started loading for handguns a long time ago using the "Holy Trinity" of Bullseye, Unique and 2400, then along came WW 296 and Hodgens H-110 and they were added to the fold. Now I'm not the type who buys and tries the latest and greatest powder, happy with what works for me. Then along came Brian Pearce in Handloader magazine and upset my apple cart. In his writings on the .44 Special and .45 Colt and seeming to be enthusiastic about a new fangled powder called Power Pistol I gave it a try. Smooth metering with very good performance in standard pressure loads combined with good accuracy with my cast bullets won me over. I also use it in my 9mm cast bullet loads with good results. It is now my go to powder for the .44 Special and .45 Colt. If you would have told me this ten years ago I would have laughed out loud.

As you might surmise I do recommend Power pistol as a substitute for good old Unique.
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Old 05-06-2017, 05:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Drm50 View Post
I have been using Unique for years, I'm out and it is scarce to
non existent around here. A few months ago I bought $450
worth of powder at Cabelas just to use up gift cards. They had
every thing but Unique and Bullseye and 2400. I bought H-110
to replace 2400. Might have to replace Unique too. Little Gun?
someone said was good for WC target loads in revolvers.
Little Gun is actually a bit slower than H110. It seems (from internet research...) to have a reputation for eroding forcing cones.
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Old 05-06-2017, 09:09 PM
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I like my powders slow ... might look at HS6 or LONGSHOT.
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Old 05-06-2017, 09:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckeyeS&W View Post
As mentioned already Accurate #5 is a good choice and Accurate #2 is a faster powder both are great metering and clean burners.
Don't overlook 700X it's a great powder and is always on the shelf when other powders are unavailable. Don't let all the bad metering threads scare you off give it a chance. I've never had problems when using my Lyman 55's, give 700X a try.
I find 700-X meters very consistently in the Lyman 55 when a powder baffle is used. You can (more or less) use the same loads as Bullseye, but no need to as there are plenty of reloading recipes for 700-X available. BTW, Unique and Bullseye use exactly the same formulation, but the flakes of Unique are cut thicker, making it more slowly burning. I have been using quite a bit of 700-X recently for .38 Super and .44 Special, and I have less than a pound remaining.

Last edited by DWalt; 05-06-2017 at 09:44 PM.
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Old 05-06-2017, 10:13 PM
Kframerbluvr Kframerbluvr is offline
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BE-86 is, I believe, Power Pistol with a flash retardant added. I can make good ammo at service cartridge velocities in the seven calibers l load for. Sells locally for $21/lb.
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Old 05-07-2017, 08:28 PM
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As for those burn rate charts.............

I take all of them with a grain of salt.

No one powder will out do another in a 38, 9mm or 357 in all
my years of testing, do to another little factor.

The other chemicals that make up the powder and the amount of..........
Energy, that it gives it.

"Nitro" and other compounds play a big part on how a powder
moves the bullet down a barrel, either fast or slow but steady.

I just break them down into three "General speeds" of a fast powder,
medium burning or a slow powder which will usually take about 2x the amount of a fast powder,
in the manuals, depending on the loads.

Generally the fast powders work well with light target loads and
the slow powders for the high vel. loads but lately with the new
powders coming out, some medium burn powders are doing quite well
in the top fps area for me in my last 9mm test with the 135 and 147gr plated bullets.

I am just glad that powder and bullets are again out there for us............
Have fun.
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Old 05-08-2017, 01:44 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kornax View Post
And I wound up finding some Bullseye and Power Pistol.
Two good powders. Use the P-P for your moderate to full loads. It's flashy but I like that.

Bullseye will work in almost anything but typically it's for lighter/target loads. Since it's a fast powder be extra carefully when using it in large cases to avoid a double charge.

.
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Old 05-08-2017, 10:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BLUEDOT37 View Post
Two good powders. Use the P-P for your moderate to full loads. It's flashy but I like that.

Bullseye will work in almost anything but typically it's for lighter/target loads. Since it's a fast powder be extra carefully when using it in large cases to avoid a double charge.

.
Well, for my first bullseye experience, it measured fine. Haven't shot those rounds yet, but i expect that will be fine as well. Only complaint i have, is that the flakes are so tiny, and I use a Lee Perfect Powder measure. Those little flakes, every time i run the lever, 2-3 seemed to escape from the side of the cylinder. I wound up putting paper down so i could gather up all the drops. There was quite a bit after 100 rounds.

Of course, thats not a bullseye problem, its the measure. I had read when i bought this kit, that people didn't favor this measure, but i was after the rest of the stuff, and settled. So i may have to go pick up a better powder measure.

Another thing that I was spoiled with for using only unique, I didn't have to mark all my ammo boxes with what is what. I jotted them down in a notebook and knew what they were. I had to go through all my reloads and label them so i know what is what moving forward.

Last edited by kornax; 05-08-2017 at 10:04 AM.
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Old 05-08-2017, 04:10 PM
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Alliant made 20/28 as an alternative to Unique for 20 and 28 gauge shoshell reloading. It is denser to make the stack height easier to achieve in the narrow shells. If 20/28 was make as an alternate for Unique in shotshell loads, what do you think it will do in metallic loads?

During the Unique drought, I was buying guess what? 20/28!
It worked very well in 9/38/357/40/45. Yes it's denser so you don't get an overflowing case on a double charge, but it performs very well and burns cleaner than Unique. My guess is that it's because there is a higher concentration of nitroglycerin in 20/28 than in Unique (virtually zero). I surmised that with my powder coat test where I found that higher levels of NG caused more powder to stick to PC bullets when left standing upside down for hours/months/a year. Powders with no NG like Red Dot, Clays, Unique had no powder stick to the polymer coated bullet bases while high concentration powders like Titegroup, Bullseye, Power Pistol, 20/28 and BE-86 had lots of powder sticking to the powder coat.

You also need to be sure to empty your powder hopper after each session with 20/28 and BE-86. The Hornady LnL AP measure will get smokey colored after years of loading even if you empty between sessions but at least it won't bubble up or blister which it may if you leave a high NG powder for long periods of time (RCBS is the worst).

But I digress. Use 5-10% less 20/28 in working up from your Unique loads and you'll find it is a very good performing powder. I have not bought any more 20/28 recently because I just picked up an 8# jug of BE-86 and will be using that for the next year of pistol loads.
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Old 05-09-2017, 09:38 AM
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I have wondered about Nobel Sport Vectan BA-9 . It's supposedly about the same burn rate as Unique , but it's single based . One of my favorite powders for years as IMR 7625 . It was a single based shotgun / handgun powder just a bit faster in burn rate than Unique . Hodgdon's saw fit to discontinue several great powders couple of yrs back and that was one of them .
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Old 05-12-2017, 02:08 PM
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Just following up here.

I reloaded 100 rounds of 357 with bullseye.

I was using 124gr Berrys plated bullets, and 6.5 Grains of bullseye with an OAL of 1.590".

The powder performed well, however the loads were pretty light. Felt more like 38 special. I will try a different powder next time and or increase the bullseye a bit. It was my first time using bullseye, so i figured starting on the low end was better.

While I was at the range, I was talking to another guy about reloading and different models etc. I was shooting my Ruger GP100, but mentioned I had a 19-3. I mentioned the loads felt light, and he commented they sounded light. So I was telling him the specs and he mentioned that I shouldn't shoot those reloads through the 19-3, that he had been reading recently as he had a 19-2, and people had mentioned that you shouldn't use any bullets less than 140 grain in a 19-x as they apparently damage the forcing cone. I was surprised to hear this. Wondering if anyone knows about or has heard anything like this?
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Old 05-12-2017, 02:21 PM
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That admonition was for light bullets at max velocities in the M-19s. Or so I understood it to be. I do know a steady diet of 110s at max velocites is not good. I shoot my 19 so little. And don't shoot light bullets through it anyway. I save them for 38 special loads
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Old 05-12-2017, 02:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skeet 028 View Post
That admonition was for light bullets at max velocities in the M-19s. Or so I understood it to be. I do know a steady diet of 110s at max velocites is not good. I shoot my 19 so little. And don't shoot light bullets through it anyway. I save them for 38 special loads
My understanding as well. You should avoid shooting a lot of factory loaded ammo with the 125gr and 110gr bullets (and really anything under 140gr or so). Full power magnums with those light bullets are the ones that create the forcing cone issues, and even then you generally have to shoot a LOT of them to create a problem.

If you are reloading your own ammo the lighter bullets should be OK as long as they are loaded at or below the middle of the powder range recommended for that powder and bullet. Personally - I only load the 125gr jacketed bullets at the bottom end of the recommended range - pretty much just above 38 special +P or on the light end of 357 target loads in the 1000-1100 fps range.

Last edited by BC38; 05-12-2017 at 02:44 PM.
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Old 05-12-2017, 03:07 PM
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Wow, there are sure a lot of good pistol powders out there! I like American Select for my 12 ga. target loads. I'm also using it for 9mm, .357 Mag. and .45 ACP loads. I have seen where others are using it for .44 Mag and .38 SPL. It burns cleanly. It won't get you your best velocities, but it will get you in the ballpark, somewhat like Unique. I'm an Alliant kind of guy (formerly Hercules). That being said there are other great brands of powders.
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Old 05-14-2017, 12:36 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kornax View Post
I reloaded 100 rounds of 357 with bullseye.
I was using 124gr Berrys plated bullets, and 6.5 Grains of bullseye with an OAL of 1.590".
Just a suggestion, when you're trying a new (untested to you) load don't load so many to start. If it's wrong for your gun you're stuck with having to break them down.

If you trying to work-up an accuracy load only load about ten of your starting load & work-up in .2gr to .4gr increments (depending on powder/charge weight) to your intended max. charge. If your max. is also the max. charge listed I only load five of them the first time.

It's a little extra work but it's better than having unsatisfactory ammo to deal with.

.
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