Unique for 40 S&W

NJM15 · Apr 6, 2016

don't use unique much but figured I would try it in my 40's
used the loading data from Lee reloading manual 7.0 grs starting extreme 155 gr lead set OAL to just below to specs on the info booklet. Visual inspection powder was just below the lead if it were pressed in the case. went to the range and shot a few I really couldn't get good results. sounded like a 45 acp and my hand is still sore max is I believe 9.0 grs I am sure that would compress and not be good. I recalibrated my Lyman scale. and it is right on any ideas ? I made a few 6.0 and 6.3 rounds to try out. shooting out of a M&P 40 with a ported storm lake 4.95 " barrel

fredj338 · Apr 6, 2016

I really like Unique in the 40, especially with lead bullets. I use 175-180gr though. It is not a target powder, more for midrange & full power loads. Some compression is not a big deal. Alliant says 8gr is max for a 155gr GDHP, so 9gr with a lead bullet, IMO, well over pressure. I would consider 7.5gr pushing hard with a lead bullet. With a 170gr LFP over 6gr, it's making 1030fps.

Ole Joe Clark · Apr 6, 2016

Sounds hot to me, look at the Lyman 49th edition.

reddog81 · Apr 6, 2016

I do 6.2 Unique behind a 180 grain bullet in 10MM. It's a nice light load for my Delta Elite. Cycles the gun fine and accuracy is great with my homecast bullets. I would think 9 grains behind would be well into 10MM territory even for a 155 grain bullet.

rh73 · Apr 7, 2016

My Alliant guide from 2003 lists 6.5 max of Unique for a 155gr laser cast bullet at 1.125. Recommend starting 10% less and work up. It also lists 8.0 gr for a 150 gr jhp.

The 2016 guide lists 8.0 gr for a 155 gr gold dot.

Lyman cast manual (4th) has 5.0-6.3 for a 150 gr. lead bullet. For some reason there is a big difference
in Unique loads for lead and jacketed bullets.

Road_Clam · Apr 7, 2016

NJM15 said:
don't use unique much but figured I would try it in my 40's
used the loading data from Lee reloading manual 7.0 grs starting extreme 155 gr lead set OAL to just below to specs on the info booklet. Visual inspection powder was just below the lead if it were pressed in the case. went to the range and shot a few I really couldn't get good results. sounded like a 45 acp and my hand is still sore max is I believe 9.0 grs I am sure that would compress and not be good. I recalibrated my Lyman scale. and it is right on any ideas ? I made a few 6.0 and 6.3 rounds to try out. shooting out of a M&P 40 with a ported storm lake 4.95 " barrel

Already being discussed as we speak. A shooting buddy of mine gave me an almost full 8# keg of Unique and the only aspect of Unique I hate is it meters terrible through my LEE pro auto disc. Guys in this linked thread below like to run the velocities right up to max. I posted my more mellow Unique 900ish FPS loads as I like less snap and better consistency in my Glock G35. Lots of good info :

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/466820-165gr-40-s-w-unique-loads.html

FloridaFlier · Apr 7, 2016

Your load sounds a bit too hot to me, but I am not near my books and cannot research it. I can say that I load up plated 240g .44 Specials with only 6.1g of Unique, and really enjoy shooting that combination.

Quite often I have noticed a huge disparity in load information between different books and on-line material. Usually, for me the gold standard is the on-line manuals of the particular powder manufacturer.

NJM15 · Apr 7, 2016

Thanks guys

I knew it was a little hot I've only used it before in my .45 Colt rds I will go lower and find a happy medium

fredj338 · Apr 10, 2016

NJM15 said:
I knew it was a little hot I've only used it before in my .45 Colt rds I will go lower and find a happy medium

The powder is not the issue its your load data.

kenhwind · Apr 11, 2016

The LEE reloading manual is not a good source for data imo. The data seems to be compiled from other sources, doesn't list what bullet, only weight. Lyman, Speer, and Hornady compile there own data.

rsrocket1 · Apr 11, 2016

Unfortunately Alliant only lists max loads for their powders online and with a 155g GDHP, it lists 8.0g. Maybe for a point blank defensive round, that would be good, but for everyday shooting, it's way too hot. Even 7g would be pretty hot for a 155g bullet and no wonder it sounds like a 45ACP, your recoil would be close to a 230g bullet @ 825 fps.

I would recommend a load at 6.0g Unique and work up to 6.5g. There is no need to push the bullets that hard and batter your frame and hands over the span of several hundred shots in a session. My favorite practice load is 5.0g under a 180g bullet which would be equivalent recoil to right around a 6.3g charge with a 155g bullet. You ought to get good ejections and a fairly clean burn at that load. If you start getting unburned flakes flying around and weak ejections, just work up a couple tenths of a grain at a time. You certainly now know that you can work safely up to 7.0g so you have lots of room to work with.

Good luck

gojones · Apr 11, 2016

My pet load for 165grn FMJ is 6.6 grns. I would be very careful in working up to your pet load. I started at 6.0 grns and worked up to a comfortable and accurate load. I think you are starting very hot for your 40.
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Unique for 40 S&W

NJM15

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fredj338

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Ole Joe Clark

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rh73

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Road_Clam

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NJM15

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fredj338

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rsrocket1

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