Need substitute for unique

[Bobbysixkiller]

I reaload most of my 44 mag with unique. Half way between max load specials and min load magnum. Example for a 200 gr jhp I load 9 gr unique. I haven't had any luck finding any unique local and shipping powder is kinda pricey. What do you guys think would be a good substitute? I have some 2400 but it's not a good powder to reduce in my opinion. Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated. I'm trying to get a list and go see what the local store has in stock.

 

[fredj338]

Imo, if you want unique, pay the hm & buy at least 8#, throw in 2-3k primers & you'll be set. Good Alternatives are Universal, also tough to find, Wsf, nearly identical, but meters better, my choice. PowerPistol, old school Herco are a bit slower but close. AA#5 is sim, but not very bulky.

 

[venomballistics]

Power pistol, BE 86, CFE pistol, and universal.

 

[alwslate]

For midrange .44 mag loads you have a long list of powders to choose
from. The fast burners like Bullseye, Red Dot and Titegroup are fine
and probably the best choice in 900 fps range. Autocomp, Longshot,
Power Pistol, 231/HP38, WST. Most any powder slower than 2400 will
be fine. I saw Titegroup and 700X for $16 lb yesterday afternoon.
Either would be fine.

 

[mfoley]

Powder available similar to Unique

Powder from Bartlet that may work for you.

Welcome to Bartlett Reloaders - Jeff Bartlett

Check link for powder similar to Unique.

I believe he said it was made in Serbia.

Give him a call to discuss it.

Great Guy.

 

[shocker]

I can't speak for the ultrafast pistol powders as I have never used them but I know your desired performance level could be easily achieved with powders comparable to AA 2 or W231. You would be using substantially less powder too.

 

[glenwolde]

Hodgdon's Universal is very close to Unique on the burn rate chart. It meters better than Unique and seems to run a bit cleaner to me. I'd aim for something close in burn rate first, and then try faster powders.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

Thanks for all the help. Everyone.

 

[125JHP]

Fredj338 gave a good list of alternatives- I like to use Herco instead of Unique for a number of loads.

 

[TAROMAN]

CFE Pistol is my new go-to powder for Min range 44 Magnum loads.
8.5 grains under a 240 LSWC gives me 960 FPS with great accuracy.
Use it for shooting bowling pins at 25 yards.

 

[mtgianni]

6.5 gr Red Dot pushes a Keith type 429421 about 950 fps with boring accuracy.

 

[johngalt]

I've read that Alliant 20/28 is a near duplicate of unique. I've never used it so I can't confirm.

 

[jtcarm]

I bought some Power Pistol by haven't tried it yet. The burn rate appears very close to Unique.

 

[rwsmith]

I appreciate this.....

I recently posted a thread saying that medium burning powder were hard to find. With this list I'll be in better shape to shop.

 

[Fishslayer]

I recently posted a thread saying that medium burning powder were hard to find. With this list I'll be in better shape to shop.

+1. Gotta love the internet. It's more than just kittens playing piano. Sometimes.

 

[BC38]

I reaload most of my 44 mag with unique. Half way between max load specials and min load magnum. Example for a 200 gr jhp I load 9 gr unique. I haven't had any luck finding any unique local and shipping powder is kinda pricey. What do you guys think would be a good substitute? I have some 2400 but it's not a good powder to reduce in my opinion. Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated. I'm trying to get a list and go see what the local store has in stock.

I can't speak for the ultrafast pistol powders as I have never used them but I know your desired performance level could be easily achieved with powders comparable to AA 2 or W231. You would be using substantially less powder too.

I can attest to using AA #2. I haven't found much magnum data for it so I'm loading target loads in 44 mag cases that are just a little above the top of the range for 44 specials. That sounds like just about what you are wanting to do. These target loads are working well for me in both my 2-3/4" terminator and in my 29-3 Classic Hunter. YMMV.

 

[.41 cal]

VV N340 is a good mid-range .44 mag powder. About as versatile as Unique, meters much better, costs more.

.41 cal

.41 mag

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I used to think the sun rose and sat on Unique especially for .45 Colt and .44 Special. That is till I tried Power Pistol and it meters way better.

 

[MasterTech1960]

I reaload most of my 44 mag with unique...... Any and all suggestions greatly appreciated. I'm trying to get a list and go see what the local store has in stock.

Well it is no secret , I really like Hodgdon Universal for use in the 44 mag. Same as you , I used to use Unique for all my mid-range loads, and 296 for the hot stuff. Tried Universal and have not bought any Unique since. Universal loads all most exactly like Unique ( goes without saying check your loading books ) It meters better and shoots cleaner. You wont be disappointed.

 

[SLT223]

CFE Pistol and BE 86 would be your best bet. Both are readily available right now.

Recobs has BE-86 and Powder Valley has CFE Pistol as well as Cabelas.