I'm running out of Unique for 45 Colt-250 gr lead and 38spl +p-158 gr lead loads. Anybody using W231 instead of unique for the above loads. How does 231 compare?

The burn rate chart I saw[many if you Google it] rated 231 as the 26th fastest burning powder while Unique was listed as 35th fastest.
I'm guessing [without searching] that you MIGHT be able to use the 231 with the bullet weights noted BUT you'll never get the equivalent velocity that you would with Unique without an over pressure situation. Just my $0.02!

Aside from the improvement, you'll never know the difference. Be sure and use HP38/231 data.
It's what I use for +P .38 to make power for IDPA/USPSA/ICORE.

I like W231 in the .38 spl for both standard and +P loads using Speer LSWC, LRN and LSWCHP's. Using Winchester (Speer #13 concurs) data, not the Cowboy loads Hodgdon publishes for lead bullets, for +P loading of 4.7 gr in Win case and using WSP primer the load duplicates the published velocity for factory Winchester +P 158gr LHP (FBI load).

4.5grs duplicates standard velocity ballistics.

Don't load for the .45 LC so can't comment but 7.0grs of W231 behind a 215gr LSWC in the .41 mag makes a good duplicate of the original police load.

Don't think I'd ever eliminate Unique from my powder inventory though. Its just too versatile.

Been using 231 since the mid 80's. Fine powder for light to middle loads, best IMO actually.

Unique is for a hotter load and I use it exclusively for .45LC with a 255g cast. Sweet!

Many like Unique for .45acp and it is unique in its flexibility, but don't load it light unless you don't mind the soot and such.

I've made magnums with 231, it works but it's not optimum.

In a .357 magnum case I load 5g 231 under a cast 160g SWC for a pleasant result with some downrange bite. I also favor 5.3g 231 under a cast 230g TC in the acp as a factory duplicate.

Sir, I once considered using 231 for .45 Colt, but decided against it. Considering how fine/dense 231 is, and how big .45 Colt cases are, I was worried about a double charge slipping by unnoticed. I imagine it would perform just fine otherwise, though. I like it in .45 ACP.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

W231 works fined for mild loads but Unique for +P or midrange & up loads in the 45colt.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

i dont think there is a better powder for the 45 colt than unique, i even used 2400 for the hot loads and went back to unique

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WILL WORK FOR AMMO!

Thanks for all opinions and experiences

I prefer the mid range loads of Trail Boss in 200 gr 45LC.

I use 231/HP38 in most of my 38/357 and 45 acp loads.

Don't hardly ever use Unique the last few years.

Still doing the 'compare loads' stuff. Lots of range time.

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Dum vivimus Vivamas

I have found 231 to be my most accurate powder in a few pistol calibers. You have to be VERY weary of double charges in a case like the 45 Colt. Also, I often wind up with small black flakes on my hands and forearms from shooting 231. However, if accuracy is your concern, it is a strong contender over Unique.

That said, Unique is the classic smokeless powder for 45 Colt. Both it and 231 are excellent choices.

I've just been testing myself and found that my loads with Unique shot better groups than the 231 equivalent loads. Also, the New Unique is much cleaner than the old stuff. My hands aren't all black after shooting. They are with 231.

Less pressure, better accuracy and cleaner powder. I go with Unique.

Good morning
Have been using both for years and would be happy with that to stay the same.
But I tend to use more Uniuqe in larger cases like the 45 Colt. I guess 357 would be the largest case I use 231 in.

I used 9 gr of Unique in the 45 LC for decades and think it's one of the best. It gets that 255 gr Keith SWC humming.

I have used W231 in the .45 Colt and I was satisfied with the results. I do like Universal a little better because it's a slower powder which gets that big hunk of lead moving better than W231 does. For hotter loads I use HS-6...

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SWCA #3437

Had inconsistent results with 231 powder placement in .41, .44, and .45 Colt, use Trail Boss for bunny fart loads in all forty-something cases with a rim.