Smokey Unique, dirty but accurate

[cochise]

I thought I would mention about shooting my 44's this weekend. Most people here are aware how dirty Unique is. I don't like it but........it does a fine job putting those slugs into a small group. I subsitute many powders but that dirty, smokey, powder does perform. I had SR7625 and Unique loads, same bullet same pistols, ( 5" Classic and 4" 29-2 ), and old "smokey grouped better.

After 4 shots of Unique I had to pause for the smoke to clear just so I could see the bull on the target. It left the revolvers sooty and messy. The other load had little or no smoke and clean as a whistle. There was a good one inch difference. I guess I 'm stuck with a dirty gun.

 

[milespb]

The new Alliant Unique is MUCH better than the old Hercules Unique. When I used the Hercules in my 12 ga. semi for skeet, you could shake the residue out of the receiver.

 

[mkk41]

I find most big flake powders dirty.

 

[cochise]

You know another thing I thought about, I can and do use Unique in a wide variety of calibars. Heck there is a reduced load for Unique in my 45/70. I think 2400 falls in this category too, versatile. I don't think it meters all that great, so I use Lee "dippers" if they have a size in the weight I want to load.

 

[novalty]

I've been happy with the accuracy from Unique shooting 230gr plated with 6.0gr of Unique from my S&W 1911, just not happy with level of soot.

 

[James57]

Unique is a very good powder but it needs to get the pressure up to burn well. I use it for reduced loads in my magnums but just have to live with "soot". Same for Green Dot and a few others. Pressure levels for the .45acp doesn't really allow for loads to reach the pressures where Unique starts to really "cook" and burn clean. My experience anyway. James

 

[McShooty]

Short of hiring a chimney sweep to clean your guns, seat cast bullets deeper and use a very firm crimp. Deep seating for flaky powder works well, but causes higher pressure, so you should drop your powder charge back a bit, then work back up.

 

[mtgianni]

I've used Unique successfully in 32 Long, 32 H&R, 38, 357, 9mm, 44 spl, 44 Mag, 45 acp, 45 Colt, 30-30, 45-70 and probably several others. There will always be a place for it on my bench. Fortunatly my Father taught me how to clean a firearm.

 

[Buckey08]

I use Unique for my .38 special loads with 135gr SB Gold Dots. Took a bit of time to work up a load that met my needs, but was well worth the time. Used right, Unique will make a old horse run.

 

[Finn McCool]

I'm fairly new to reloading. I started out with Unique. My biggest complaint is how it meters. So far, I've found the accuracy second to none. I've been on a quest for a good substitue, but haven't found one yet. By far, my most accurate loads are with Unique.

 

[novalty]

I found Unique meters very consistantly from my RCBS Uniflow.

 

[TNFrank]

Most people try to use Unique like they'd use Bullseye, i.e. light target loads. Unique works best with middle or hotter loads. I always load at least a middle power load and don't have much problem with unburned powder or smoke. Also, if you're shooting lead bullets sometimes the bullet lube will be the cause of the smoke, not the powder.
Try loading up some full power loads using Unique and I'll bet that you'll not have so many unburned powder grains.

 

[Pigirondan]

I switched to Bullseye.

 

[Trighap]

There's other powders besides Unique ?

 

[cochise]

I'm fairly new to reloading. I started out with Unique. My biggest complaint is how it meters. So far, I've found the accuracy second to none. I've been on a quest for a good substitue, but haven't found one yet. By far, my most accurate loads are with Unique.

That is why I keep looking and accuracy is why I still use it.
SR7625 clean as a whistle, but the loads are not as accurate. 231 is pretty good though.

Magnum loads are made to be hot, or they wouldn't be called magnums. I want to find that happy medium, warm but not too hot, no need to beat the revolver to death. One or two hot loads is all I need to kill game. I like a pleasant afternoon shooting at the range.

 

[Jimmymac46]

Old School

Since the beginning of time, it seems, I have been using basically the same powders. I realize that things have improved, more offerings, different bullets, and improved ballistics. However, in my 38's, 44 specials/magnums, and 45acp's, I continue using Bulleye for light target loads and Unique for mid-range to heavier loads. Each has always worked well and why change?
That being said, I have recently strayed and purchased some W-231. The reviews have been great and I am just about finished loading 1000 rounds of 231, 5 grains, in 45acp with the H&G 68 200 grain SWC. I haven't fired a round yet and plan to tomorrow.
Yes, Unique is a very dirty powder. I have several pounds of the new Alliant but am still using my Hercules supply. I hope, as stated by another, that it does in fact shoot cleaner, but regardless, the performance it offers far outweighs the dirty outcome IMO.

 

[blujax01]

...
Try loading up some full power loads using Unique and I'll bet that you'll not have so many unburned powder grains.

As the kids say: "This ^^^"

I just made some 147 gr. HP 9mm over 4.5 gr of Unique and took it to the range last night. That's a volume just shy of compression and a velocity approaching supersonic.

Powerful and clean. Suprisingly clean. Accurate as my eyes will allow, too.

 

[Nemo288]

Try Universal (Clays) as a Unique replacement. Not sure it burns
any cleaner but it sure does measure nicely.
You guys have got me thinking about Bullseye for the first time
in decades. I may have to break out one of the old canisters.

...Nemo...