New VS Old Unique

[BC38]

ZOMBIE!
Interesting how a thread can be resurrected after being dormant for nearly 8 years, but still be pertinent enough to revive the discussion.
That's one of the things I love about this forum. Good topics never really die.

 

[WR Moore]

I never had an actual Hercules manual, but they did used to put out load data information sheets that you could pick up free at your LGS. When the 125 gr .357 bullet was the great new thing, a buddy picked up a box and asked me to do some load development. I snagged one of those sheets as the manuals of the day didn't cover 125 gr bullets.

Sitting at the loading bench, I studied the max load for Unique. After I pulled my eyebrows back down, I checked the max load for .44 Magnum and compared that to my data books. After some math, I cut the max .357 load. Then I cut it again. Still cratered primers.

My next visit to the LGS provided me with a revised data sheet with the maximum charge reduced at least 25%. IIRC, that data is still current.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Hercules Reloading Guide

I never had an actual Hercules manual, but they did used to put out load data information sheets that you could pick up free at your LGS.

I hate to throw anything out.

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[Nemo288]

I hate to throw anything out.

I agree!
Especially reloading manuals or any printed shooting material for that matter.
My buddy gave me one of the first manuals I acquired after I got the bug.
It's a Hornady 3rd which is pretty tattered by now and has my firearms records and
notes in the back where they thoughtfully provided several blank pages.
Been picking up, buying, and hoarding those manuals ever since (the early 1980's).
I also have an overflow library in the basement and a couple of manuals at the loading bench.
When loading I usually write down the recipe on a sheet of paper or
the journal I keep chrono records in and have that on the bench to refer to.

 

[Model19man]

Back when Alliant announced they were going to make a change in Unique I stocked up because I didn't dislike anything about the Hercules version. I still have close to 5 pounds left. I still use my Speer #8 reloading manual.

 

[WR Moore]

I hate to throw anything out.

Have a similar issue, however, remembering where you put stuff is another matter.

 

[Skeet 028]

As I posted on another thread I just found 3 lb of Unique 2 in plastic cans one in the square metal can. They will all get used with no changes. Alliant/Hercules changed a bit of the formula to make it burn cleaner...nothing else changed...I didn't think it was cleaner either..or not marked so. They stated at the time that nothing else was changed... Including the loading data. Supposedly the powder we use now is always within a 1/2 percent of the original lots of the powder. Data has changed to reflect better testing abilities