It is a Unique day

[Warren Sear]

Calliope, you have the handle on backwards. No wonder you have experienced inconsistent charges.

Get rid of the micrometer device, re-install the original powder adjuster and rotate it to the rear, with the handle in the front (so it is in the "down" position at rest) and your measure will work the way it was intended.

 

[DWalt]

The only powder I have found that absolutely will not work through the Lyman 55 is AL-8. It, for some reason, jams up the rotor. If I use AL-8, I must use the Lee powder dippers. Fortunately, I only have a small amount of it left, and have seldom used any.

 

[Calliope]

Calliope, you have the handle on backwards. No wonder you have experienced inconsistent charges.

Get rid of the micrometer device, re-install the original powder adjuster and rotate it to the rear, with the handle in the front (so it is in the "down" position at rest) and your measure will work the way it was intended.

The micrometer device is the original. I don't want the handle the other way.
No inconsistencies with any other powder.

 

[df06]

I use Unique in several shotgun loads, 9mm, 38spl, 357 mag, 45 AR, and 44 mag. These are for the most part plinking and target loads.
There are some better powders but I have tried to consolidate and have less powders in my inventory. I have about 10 pounds of unique at this time.

 

[Warren Sear]

The micrometer device is the original. I don't want the handle the other way.
No inconsistencies with any other powder. The handle position would have no effect on that anyway.

If you turn the handle around the powder rotor will be pointing down when not being used. The way you have it arranged now, powder can be packed into the drum to varying degrees when it is at rest.

A regular powder adjusting device will weigh less so there will not be a problem with the drum rotating as you say it does now. On the other hand, if that's how RCBS made it, there should be no problem. It is definitely bigger (and heavier) than my powder measure.

Rotate the measure so the adjustment mechanism is in the back, and the handle forward and down (the drum in the "dump' position}, and you will definitely get better and more consistent measuring with ALL powders.

I can post a picture if desired.

 

[DWalt]

Unique is a favorite among skeet shooters who reload 28 gauge. But it can be used for heavier shotshell loads in other gauges. I just think that not very many use it for that purpose. I once knew a shooter who used Bullseye for 12 Ga trap loads.

 

[Snoopz]

Two pieces of equipment that go with Unique.

1st: Lyman's No. 55 powder measurer. It has a "hammer" hinged on the front, to bang the last few flakes of powder out. So you get consistent loads at .5 grains of other tiny loads. (The No. 50 has the hammer but has become a highly sought after Shutzen loading item. After all, Harry Pope used a Lyman No. 50!)

2nd: Any copy of Lyman's 45th edition loading manual. They have a Unique load for every metallic cartridge that existed in 1970. It may be cast, it may be slow, but it is in there. This edition has been out of print for a very long time. If you can't buy a used one, photo copy one, it is a must!

Unique burns a bit dirty, just get used to it! Unique is a lot easier to clean up after than Black Powder! Since it makes a fantastic 28 gauge skeet load, you can usually find it with shotgun reloading suppliers. My brother goes through a 8 pound keg a year, so he always keeps a second keg as a spare. My 8 pound kegs last around 3 years with half shotgun and half metallic usage.

Ivan

^^^^ this ...no.2

Lyman Cast bullet handbook
Lyman Pistol & Revolver Handbook

-Snoopz

 

[DWalt]

The Lyman cast bullet handbook contains hundreds of light loads using cast bullets for many common (and some not-so-common today) rifle cartridges using various handgun and shotgun powders. The recipes produce black powder-level MVs, up to 1400-1500 ft/sec. In most cases, MVs much over about 1200 ft/sec will cause leading when lead bullets are used. Then there is the "Universal Load" of 13 grains of Red Dot in about any rifle caliber having a case capacity similar to that of the .30-30 or greater, using any bullet weight, lead or jacketed. Great for plinking or close range smaller game hunting.

 

[38SPL HV]

I really like Unique. Makes great Mid Range 357 Magnum and 38 Spl +P loads. Very accurate.

I also like HP38 in 38 Spl.