Alternative to Alliant Unique?

[lrrifleman]

Greetings!

As many of you are aware, it is becoming increasingly difficult to locate Alliant Unique powder, which is a hallmark for "Skeeter Loads".

Honestly, I'm not all that familiar, or comfortable, using burn rate charts, so I could use a little help. What is a currently available powder that is comparable with Unique, that I could use to replicate "Skeeter Loads"?

As always, thanks in advance for your help!

 

[max503]

People say BE 86 but I haven't tried it yet. My jug of Unique still has some in it.

 

[BrBa]

BE-86 is a close match with Unique data, grain for grain. Check as many published sources as you can though.

CFE-Pistol appears to be a close match as well. I have a pound of it but haven't played with it yet.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I have and have used both BE-86 and CFE-Pistol. I like Unique a bit better, except for the metering issue with Unique. On the current Relative Burn Rate chart Unique is #34. 231 is #30 (somewhat faster). BE-86 is # 41, (somewhat slower). CFE-Pistol is #45. Winchester 244 is #33, Hodgdon Universal is#35.

 

[jem102]

I have gone to Universal and like it better. It seems to be in decent supply as well. The only exception is .45 acp where Power Pistol has done an exceptional job for me.

 

[GypsmJim]

I gave up on Unique a few years ago. Switched to W231 for all 7 of my handgun calibers and have been very happy.

 

[BrBa]

I was under the impression Universal hasn't been made in quite some time. I haven't seen it anywhere the last 2 years.

 

[CH4]

I substitute 231 for Unique and am content. Is there a difference between Universal and Universal Clays?

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I use Unique in 12 ga-20 ga-45LC & 44 spl. Wish I could find a(one powder) substitute that would work for all 4.

 

[pmhayden]

I think I have read every post in every forum that discusses substitute powders for Unique. I can’t find Unique either. For large diameter straight wall pistol cartridges, A#5 and BE-86 appear to be the most common replacements. But neither seems to have the range of application found in Unique. Many excellent powders exist for .38 Spl and .45 ACP which are still available. But I am hoarding A#5 and BE-86 for .45 LC and .44 Spl. Alliant may be pushing BE-86 as their primary substitute. There is an economics in manufacturing costs and byproduct disposal, as well as the efficiency of multiple applications for core components, that dictate the decisions of powder manufacturers. And which may disfavor Unique compared to BE-86. I think my ultimate replacement will be BE-86. It may also be more versatile for lighter loads than Unique.

Edited for typos. And for bettur writin.

 

[DWalt]

I think I have read every post in every forum that discusses substitute powders for Unique. I can’t find unique either. Four large diameter straight wall pistol cartridges, A#5 and BE-86 appear to be the most common replacements. But neither seems to have the range of application found in unique. Many excellent powders exist for .38 Spl and .45 ACP which are still available. But I hoarding A#5 and BE-86 for .45 LC and .44 Spl. I believe that Alliant may be pushing BE-86 as their primary substitute. I suspect there is an economics in manufacturing costs and byproduct disposal, as well as the efficiency of multiple applications for core components, that dictate the decisions of powder manufacturers. And which disfavor Unique compared to BE-86.

Hodgdon Universal is a reasonable substitute. If you can find any.

 

[pmhayden]

Hodgdon Universal is a reasonable substitute. If you can find any.

I don’t know the politics of powders, but my closest LGS is overflowing with BE-86, but only three 1 pound cans of #5. And hasn’t had Unique for almost a year. I don’t think this is a random alignment of the grains. I have not heard anything negative about BE-86. It’s going to be “discovered” soon.

Also, the local politics concerning firearms is not going well in my state. Unique made it easy to future-proof yourself, when it was available. I’m going to try to do that with BE-86, 231, and Bullseye. I don't shoot true magnums so – having a few powders that can do everything, even if not best at anything, is very comforting. The world is changing.

 

[biku324]

I switched from Unique to Longshot some years ago with complete satisfaction. From standard loads to somewhat stout it does as good or better, but is not is consistent with light loads. It's just perfect for both 40 and 45 ACP/Auto Rim.

 

[max]

Over the years, I have used Red Dot and 700-X in the calibers I typically used Unique for. I have not used it, but do have a pound of Herco in my cabinet along with a 4 pound can of UNIQUE. It should last as long as I do.

 

[Chubbs103]

Down to my last 4 pounds of Unique (only because I found 2# squirreled away in the back of the cabinet).

I've been using more and more W231. I've played with BE-86 for years, but I guess now is the time to get serious. I've also picked up some Power Pistol to work ip some loads.

 

[SlamFire]

W231 worked well in 38 Special, 44 Special, 45 Colt and 45 ACP. So in fact has AA#5. Unique is so flexible, works in so many, sad to hear of its unavailability.

 

[GypsmJim]

We keep coming out with new stuff, when the old stuff works just fine.

I see a lot of comments about BE-86. A cursory review of loading manuals shows no data.

My goto supplier has BE-86 not available and no backorder. Yet W231 is in stock.

 

[Chubbs103]

Well, BE-86 didn't exist until about 2014. If the reloading manuals you have are from before then....

Alliant has data on their site. Lyman's 51st edition definitely has data.

 

[brucev]

I have 1 1/2 pounds of Unique. And, I have some Green Dot, Red Dot and 231 along with something called 452AA. I will keep looking for Unique. When I see some, I will buy it. Why? Because I use it in my revolvers and my .30-06 rifle w/ cast loads. Every time I load 5.0 gr. w/ a 158 gr. SWC bullet in a .38 Special case, I think of an article in Shooting Times magazine written by Skeeter Skelton, I remember 45 years ago, being a brand new married and a student in seminary barely scrapping by. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[glenwolde]

You might try Win 244. It's supposed to be the "New" W231. It doesn't get much love because W231 is so popular.