I have about a pound left in an eight-pound jug of BE-86 and then another eight-pound jug that I haven't opened. For the calibers I load - .38 and .44 Special, medium loads in .357, .41, and .44 Magnum, and 9x19, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP - it'll work as well as Unique and meter better. It's not the only powder I use, but I could live with it alone if needed.
Alternative to Alliant Unique?
- Thread starter lrrifleman
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I have about 1 1/2 pounds of Unique and 1 pound of Universal left in my supply. My LGS and a couple of online dealers have BE-86 in stock. I bought 3 pounds of BE-86 to find out, and other than checking it in my Lee loader, it definitely meters much better, just haven't worked up any loads yet.
Universal meters well, too, and I have loaded with it. Haven't seen Unique anywhere in two years, and no Universal in over a year, but I bought it two years ago. Loading 158gr cast coated SWC's with the Universal in .38.
Saving the Unique for Skeeter loads for my .44's.
I have a 4 pound jug of Bullseye for .38 wadcutters. That's a lifetime supply.
Universal meters well, too, and I have loaded with it. Haven't seen Unique anywhere in two years, and no Universal in over a year, but I bought it two years ago. Loading 158gr cast coated SWC's with the Universal in .38.
Saving the Unique for Skeeter loads for my .44's.
I have a 4 pound jug of Bullseye for .38 wadcutters. That's a lifetime supply.
W231/HP-38 is the best substitute I have used for Unique.
Davwingman
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Power Pistol works for me in lead bullet loads for 44 Special & Magnum.
venomballistics
Member
I bought an 8# jug last year but the web page currently shows Universal as "out of stock". I don't know if this means "discontinued" or not.
elpac3
Member
I will second everything said about BE86. Shoots grain for grain with Unique but meters much better.
Have used it with my .44 “Skeeter” loads and shoots equally well as Unique in my guns
Have used it with my .44 “Skeeter” loads and shoots equally well as Unique in my guns
Why BE 86? It is made by Alliant (Like Unique)which is pretty much no longer selling powder to us low life consumers. Claim of Nitro Cellulose shortage yet Hodgdon is rolling along??
Better hurry as it is one of the few Alliant powders still in stock.
Better hurry as it is one of the few Alliant powders still in stock.
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GypsmJim
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I am conserving the Unique I have left for 12 and 20 ga. Is BE-86 a shotgun powder too?
gwpercle
Member
Just what "exactly" are the Skeeter loads you are wishing to duplicate ... I have some idea's ... I don't want to make any wronge assumptions and give you a bum steer .
Gary
The 7.5gr Skeeter load has the best propensity for accuracy, and has been over many years. 6gr of Unique with all else the same is an 800fps usable target load and much softer shooting, also rated as accurate.
Rpg
Member
When the rumors about shortages of Unique began circulating, I started buying it if I saw it. That didn’t last long: seemed like Unique was everywhere!
I’ve now got more than I’m likely to use for years.
I’ve now got more than I’m likely to use for years.
Two other powders that work well in that range are Red Dot and Herco. Both are also Alliant powders, and may be difficult to find.
Same here. For range loads --by far the most shooting I do--it does great and is cleaner (and available).
When obumma was in office reloading supplies were a bit difficult to find. I had been using Unique for several years, but could find none, I had read about Universal and bought 1 lb. Liked it so I bought 2 more lbs. Figgered it worked well in all my handgun reloads so I bought 4 more lbs. I have used it in all my handgun reloads from 32 ACP up to 45 Colt.
The Norseman
Member
Vihtavuori powders suggested
Good morning,
I see by the original post that you want to
replicate a “Skeeter Load”. Unfortunately
it has become very difficult to get, also my
favorite, Alliant Unique powder.
There’s a lot of good suggestions within this
Thread and over years I’ve tried different
powders because of availability.
Currently I’ve been using Vihtavuori powders
made in Finland. For some reason they are
now available and reasonably priced.
I suggest Vihtavuori N320 pistol powder. I
tested in my S&W M.G. 45Colt with lead
bullet reloads. So far I like it. N320 is a
cylindrical grain powder, clean burning, has
de-coppering agent, and is supposed to be
temperature-stable. Smoke had a sweet
smell to it. It was nice shooting.
I plan on trying V.V. N320 in my 44’s as an
alternate pistol powder later this summer.
The Best to you and your Endeavors.
Good morning,
I see by the original post that you want to
replicate a “Skeeter Load”. Unfortunately
it has become very difficult to get, also my
favorite, Alliant Unique powder.
There’s a lot of good suggestions within this
Thread and over years I’ve tried different
powders because of availability.
Currently I’ve been using Vihtavuori powders
made in Finland. For some reason they are
now available and reasonably priced.
I suggest Vihtavuori N320 pistol powder. I
tested in my S&W M.G. 45Colt with lead
bullet reloads. So far I like it. N320 is a
cylindrical grain powder, clean burning, has
de-coppering agent, and is supposed to be
temperature-stable. Smoke had a sweet
smell to it. It was nice shooting.
I plan on trying V.V. N320 in my 44’s as an
alternate pistol powder later this summer.
The Best to you and your Endeavors.
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silicosys4
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I still have 10+ lbs of Unique, hopefully I can eke that out until it reappears. I remember when I could pick up 4lb jugs of Unique at the local WalMart for $70, Hodgdon Clay's for $60/4lbs.
If/when I run out I'll probably replace it with Clay's and win 231.
If/when I run out I'll probably replace it with Clay's and win 231.
I don't do "Sketter loads" any more,
however I did find out that the denser BE-86 powder
in my 9mm loads with a large 147 gr Berry PRN bullet
will get HIGHER fps, than Unique powder, that is at 100% volume
with a OAL of 1.14" without any compression.
As mentioned, Universal works well in shotgun and revolver loads, if you can find it.
however I did find out that the denser BE-86 powder
in my 9mm loads with a large 147 gr Berry PRN bullet
will get HIGHER fps, than Unique powder, that is at 100% volume
with a OAL of 1.14" without any compression.
As mentioned, Universal works well in shotgun and revolver loads, if you can find it.
Surprising to me...I took 2 pounds of Unique 4 pounds of BE-86 and 4 pounds of Universal to the last gun show...all priced at 40 dollars...sold 2 pounds of BE-86...and some other powders but no Unique...including 2 pounds of AA#5.
