universal powder

k stein · #1 11-02-2010, 10:58 AM

I have 8 lbs of this powder, but am not well versed in it's use. please post good results for 38 spl 125 grain lead bullet loads ( 686 revolver) and 45 acp (1911) 200 grain lead bullets. Target velocity is what I am looking for. thanks, Ken

Ceapea · #2 11-02-2010, 01:21 PM

You should pick up a few loading manuals...until then, look here
Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com

ArchAngelCD · #3 11-02-2010, 01:52 PM

Universal is almost the ballistic twin for Unique. Anything that can be loaded with Unique can be loaded with Universal. In some cases (but not all) you even use the same charge weights. (but they are not interchangeable) IMO Universal is a better Unique which burns cleaner and meters well. There is plenty of load data available in the above link for the Hodgdon Load Data Site. Universal will work just as well of better than Unique in the .38 Special and .45 Auto...

btruman · #4 11-02-2010, 03:35 PM

In my opinion, Universal is the best powder for reduced .44 magnum loads. Much cleaner than Unique. Also works very good in .45 Colt loads. Although I haven't tried it in other calibers so far, it should work well in most pistol and revolver loads.

Catshooter · #5 11-02-2010, 09:14 PM

I've used in the 9mm, and I've used it in the .45-70. Worked well in both and also cartridges in between.

It is a very forgiving powder with a gentle pressure curve. Allmost always gives very good to excellent accuracy.

Cat

Forrest r · #6 11-02-2010, 09:34 PM

I'm a big fan of universal also. I use it for loads in my 586 & 45.

I found a excellent load for the 586, it's a 38spl p+ load using a 158gr swc lead bullet & 4.7gr of universal.

I run a 200gr swc lead bullet & 6.4gr of universal in my 45.

Both of these loads a extremely accurate, easily controlled & a joy to shoot.

Good luck, enjoy & be safe

gwalchmai · #7 11-03-2010, 08:38 AM

I found the secret to Universal is a firm roll crimp.

handgunner356 · #8 11-03-2010, 09:36 AM

I use Universal quite a bit but only in slightly hotter loads. For target loads in 38 & 45 I go with regular Clays. But there is quite a bit of load data on the Hodgdon website for Universal.

Hammerdown77 · #9 11-03-2010, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forrest r

I'm a big fan of universal also. I use it for loads in my 586 & 45.

I run a 200gr swc lead bullet & 6.4gr of universal in my 45.

6.4 gr of Universal under a 200 gr bullet is not what I'd consider a target load (it's actually over max on Hodgdon's website), which is what the OP wants.

5.2 gr. is what I use for light recoil, super accurate target shooting. It cycles the stock recoil spring in my guns. I haven't chrono'd this load, but I'd guess it's mid 700 fps. Again, I first used this load with Unique, but Universal is almost a direct substitute.

Gun Smoke · #10 11-03-2010, 07:55 PM

Universal is the only powder I use for .38 5.0 gns 125 gn jsp / .44 spec 7.0 gns 240 gn jsp / .44mag 8.0 gns 240 gn jsp .45 long colt 7.0 gns 255 gn lswc / and .45 acp 5.0 gns 230 gn fmj .....Keeps it simple and all shoot real nice....The .44 mag load out of my mod 629 5" barrel is very pleasant and a real tack driver...

Forrest r · #11 11-03-2010, 10:24 PM

Your absolutely correct hammerdown, I'm a 1/10 of a grain over max. I got that load years ago & just have always stuck with it. It's been a go to round for me, extremely accutate & the recoil isn't outragous in the least. I've used that load for bowling pins to 50yd comps.

It is always good to check what the current loads are from the mfg's. The load I stated wasn't even close to max when I started using it. I'm not sure where I got the data from, the data sheet from a set of lee die's for the 45acp sticks in my mind for some reason & I can't find it to verify it.

On a side note, I shoot 200gr jhp's in my 45 also, I always loaded them with a max charge of universal, 6.7gr. I got that load out of the 2005 hodgdon reloading manual, I see their website now states to only use 6.2gr.

That's a pretty big difference.

Hammerdown77 · #12 11-05-2010, 10:54 AM

I've found the Hodgdon online data to be a little "conservative" for some cartridges/loads. Especially when you see that it is lower than most other manuals. That being said, I usually have the best results when I load at or near their listed "max" loading.

I've loaded 6.5 gr. of Universal under a 200 gr. LSWC in my 1911s, and the recoil feels about like factory 230 gr. ball ammo. It's certainly not "heavy recoil", and is controllable if you're used to shooting factory loads, but for just punching paper and not having to walk half a mile to collect your brass, it's a little much.

JMusic · #13 11-06-2010, 01:38 AM

Yeah , there's not much difference between universal and unique. I think unique fills better in a case but thats probably just me. Step up to H 110 for some crankers.

ArchAngelCD · #14 11-08-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMusic

Yeah , there's not much difference between universal and unique. I think unique fills better in a case but thats probably just me. Step up to H 110 for some crankers.

H110 really isn't an appropriate powder for loading .38 Special ot .45 Auto ammo. You would have to download it to keep from pushing the pressures too high and H110 doesn't like to be downloaded at all. It's just not the right powder for those calibers.