Unique loads to match HP38

[jwr0201]

Picked up some Unique recently and am looking for a load to match the performance of a couple of target HP38 loads that I currently use. Nothing wrong with the HP38 - just looking to try Unique. The two I'd like to match are 158gr LSWC over 4.0 gr HP38 and my favorite - 158gr Berrys plated FP over 4.3gr HP38. Both of these are dead accurate and have mild recoil. I see that several here use 4.2 gr Unique over 158 LSWC. How does that really work? I remember that using a light starting load of the HP38 (3.2gr) was horrible - inaccurate and smoked like black powder!
I've done my powder graph for Unique and found it meters very well in my Redding 3BR. What say ye all?
RR

 

[venomballistics]

I'd say your objective is a little off target.
think of a powder change like this as grabbing a gear in a manual transmission. your not in first anymore so expect the scenery to get moving by a bit faster.
matching an HP38 load might work, but a more likely result will be that you surpass it by the time you get its planets in alignment

 

[MMA10mm]

I like VB's analogy!

It sounds like you're in the experimenting stage and trying to get a handle on different powders. I've burned a LOT of W231 (same powder as HP38, just in a Winchester bottle), and it IS different than Unique. Ball vs flake shape, burn speed differences (though it can be slight depending on lot-to-lot variation), etc. Don't worry about making a duplicate load so much as a workable one.

You have a couple reloading manuals, right? Do some data compare-and-contrast from them.

The two "classic" 38 Spl loads with 158gr LRN or LSWC bullets are: 4.0grs of 231/38 or 5.0grs of Unique. That should tell you something, although the Unique load is a bit hotter.

 

[Rule3]

I see that several here use 4.2 gr Unique over 158 LSWC. How does that really work?
RR

This does not very well at all. It seems all the powder falls out and you get a lot of squibs.

Sorry, just had to. We know what you mean.

 

[358156hp]

The best way to find out is to load up, and try the loads for yourself.

Seriously...

 

[jwr0201]

Hmmm - one moderately helpful reply out of four responses. Like to think I'm more helpful to others who are simply looking for a straight answer. Not sure why is it is that those who have experience are often not willing to share with those who are simply asking a valid question. Sorry for the bother. I may not have decades of reloading under my belt, but I certainly am more than willing to share with others when I can offer valuable assistance.

 

[Az Rick]

I use Unique in .44spl rounds. It doesn't measure in any powder measure that I own, that means hand measuring, " an electronic scale" and hand trickling every round. You get good at it with practice. I wouldn't spend the time on a caliber that I shot frequently.It's a great powder though, just difficult to work with. Go for it! I do it because I get the results I want and you will too. I make handcrafted ammo that shoots the way I want it. That's what makes reloading fun.

I always say I shoot, so I can reload. I love the hobby.

Best, Rick

 

[Rule3]

Hmmm - one moderately helpful reply out of four responses. Like to think I'm more helpful to others who are simply looking for a straight answer. Not sure why is it is that those who have experience are often not willing to share with those who are simply asking a valid question. Sorry for the bother. I may not have decades of reloading under my belt, but I certainly am more than willing to share with others when I can offer valuable assistance.

It's comparing apples to oranges. Totally different powders. Without a chronograph to test each load you will never be sure. All you can do is use the published data (which are different test parameters.This is assuming you are taking about 38 Special which you did not mention not what gun or barrel. It's not that folks do not want to help, what you are asking is impossible to determine.

Alliant lists a max of 4.7 grs Unique for 815 fps out of 6" barrel

Hodgdon lists a max of 3.7 grs for 834 fps out of a 7.7" barrel

This is only one source. You will have to compare data in a several manuals to determine what will be close to what you want.

I do not use Unique in 38 Special I have used it in 357 Mag. It is not my go to powder for anything although it works well in 45 Colt.

So the loads you mention should be close, but that's just a "guess" You need to "interpolate" with your own gun(s)

Edit: I would also add that "accuracy" is a very subjective thing. Unless you have a Ransom Rest to take the human element out of it. What is accurate in your gun in your hands is totally different then someone else.

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

Cartridge Loads - Hodgdon Reloading Data Center - data.hodgdon.com

 

[MMA10mm]

Hmmm - one moderately helpful reply out of four responses. Like to think I'm more helpful to others who are simply looking for a straight answer. Not sure why is it is that those who have experience are often not willing to share with those who are simply asking a valid question. Sorry for the bother. I may not have decades of reloading under my belt, but I certainly am more than willing to share with others when I can offer valuable assistance.

I think the trouble is, there's no substitute for checking the manuals yourself, loading the rounds yourself, and burning the powder yourself. The two powders you've asked about are about as widely-accepted as you can get, and there's no real secret to either of them. Just load and go have fun.

 

[358156hp]

Hmmm - one moderately helpful reply out of four responses. Like to think I'm more helpful to others who are simply looking for a straight answer. Not sure why is it is that those who have experience are often not willing to share with those who are simply asking a valid question. Sorry for the bother. I may not have decades of reloading under my belt, but I certainly am more than willing to share with others when I can offer valuable assistance.

I now remember why I usually ignore these type of posts. Excuse me for suggesting you simply try out what you've already purchased to see if you like it. BTW, you didn't even bother to tell us what caliber you're shooting.

 

[beagleye]

Sorry you aren't getting satisfaction with this post. My experience on this forum has been overwhelmingly positive, there are loads of helpful and knowledgable people here. And I strongly relate to your desire to tinker with loads and discover fresh territory. It's awesomely fun.

But now try to understand that the reason you haven't gotten much help on this thread is that the question is somewhat impossible to answer. Powders with different burn rates don't duplicate each other. Even if you can duplicate velocities it probably won't duplicate performance. It's like trying to duplicate a good biscuit using cornmeal instead of flour. The powders are different so instead of trying to duplicate the loads, you need to find a new recipe with the new powder.

Take it in stride. Unique is a great powder for the 38 spcl. I have had great luck with 4.5 grains. It is a mild load but wicked accurate. 5 grains works great too but is starting to require more focus on recoil control for accuracy.