Unique Powder: What is it good for?

[LouisianaJoe]

My most accurate load for my 8 3/8" model 27 is a 125 gr hp over 8.4gr Unique. This is not a maximum load but I can get 2" groups at 50 yds with it from a sandbag.

I use a bag with real sand.

 

[joel45acp]

I use Unique in my 38spl loads, 357mag, Thurdy-thurdy, and 308win. The Thurdy-thurdy and 308 use a 150gr cast boolit with 11.5gr for a MV of over 1500fps in a Rem. 5R mil spec Tac. rifle. My kiddos enjoy them very much! I do too.

 

[Marksman]

I use Unique in 9mm and .44 Special/.44 Magnum almost exclusively, also use it for cast bullet loads in .35 Whelen. These are the only rounds that I load and shoot these days, using one powder for everything makes life simple.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Recall an article by Lee Jurras years ago, he recommended Unique as the do it all powder, said you'll lose a little velocity in magnum loads, that's all.
That was my experience.

 

[scattershot]

Everything.

Ditto. I have loaded just about every pistol cartridge that I load for with Unique, and have loaded shotshells and light rifle plinking loads with lead bullets with it, too. It’s as close to a do-anything powder there is.

 

[DWalt]

Haven’t used Unique for awhile, but I got an 8# jug of Universal. Very close to duplicating the performance of Unique.

 

[Gamecock]

12 ga. 28 ga.

Not much good for rifles. But good for everything else.

 

[max]

I currently use it in .41, .44, and 45 Colt loads with cast bullets. 7.0 grains works in all of them. However, next time I load .45 Colt loads I will up the charge due to the case size.

I have a 4 pound jug of it and if need be, I can use it in the other pistol rounds I load for. I have used it for 50 years, so why change?

 

[Imissedagain]

12 ga. 28 ga.

Not much good for rifles. But good for everything else.

If you put on your Stetson and Cowboy up, Unique is fine for
300gr-400gr leads in 458 Win Mag rifles.

We've scooped and weighed since Noah invited us on the Ark.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

You either like "chocolate" or you don't.......Leave it on the shelf for us.
BTW I use it 12 ga
20 ga
44 spl
45LC
38 spl.

 

[Model19man]

I load all the calibers on the OP's list and a couple more that are not on his list. Generally I load Unique in all of them. I started out using Bullseye, then went through a phase where I was reading lots of Elmer Keith books and loading magnums with 2400. That was 40 years ago.

Back when Hercules sold out to Alliant I stocked up on Unique, because if I had to use only one powder for everything, that would be the one.

I am down to a little less than 5 pounds of Unique now. May have to get some more.

 

[glenwolde]

Gave up on it and went to Universal. I do not understand its appeal and leave it for those that want it. I'd buy it .... if it was all I could get.

While it has broad applications I've never found it to be the best performer at anything. Jack of all trades, master of none. I'm sure others have different experiences because a lot of people seem to love it.

 

[GypsmJim]

The name says it all. I load 27 calibers and have loads for all but a few.

Most any handgun caliber. Maybe not the "best" for all, but certainly the best for some.

Most every shotgun caliber.

Even some rifle calibers....

Poor metering......pppfffffttt. Works OK in my equipment.

As some have said, if could only have 1, it would be Unique.

 

[murphydog]

Coming up on 13 years since the thread opened, and 8 since the OP was here.

 

[stu1ritter]

I have been reloading since 1957. I find Unique to be impossible to meter. I've tried everything I know to get it to be consistent in my Hornady LnL powder measures and FAWGETABOUTIT. I use Universal.

Stu

 

[zeke]

remember posting on this thread, 12 yrs ago

 

[JM4151]

Unique reloading powder

When I was still reloading I used it exclusively for loading 38 special and 357 mag.

 

[Photog]

I have been using it in 45 Colt, 44 Mag and 44 Special since the early 70's.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Coming up on 13 years since the thread opened, and 8 since the OP was here.

On that note, if the OP hasn't figured it out by now he never will.
Say good night Gracie...