Unique powder

[Moe Mentum]

I have been using Unique for .38 special, and 9mm for quite a while now. I have been thinking of going over to W231/ Hp 38.
The loads I use are on the light side, for target use only. I use hard cast bullets, and don't notice any leading in any of my guns. Its a little smokey, but I suspect that's the bullet lube. My question is this, will I notice any difference if I switch ? Will I gain anything in accuracy ? Comments please .

 

[JBnTx]

You won't find a better powder than Unique for cast loads.

Since I started reloading in 1976, I've experimented with lots of powders
but I've always come back to Unique for cast loads.

 

[Adk Mike]

I use a lot of Unique for cast loads. Sometimes I use HERCO . They both work well. Plus they work in cast loads for the 06.
I've thought of trying 231 myself. I hear good things about it.

 

[MichiganScott]

The 231 is probably a superior powder for light loads. You get better burning at lower pressures. Unique excels at mid-range levels.

I keep both on the shelves knowing that 99% of my handgun shooting can be covered with one or the other.

 

[27 Man]

I have been loading for 40 years for a myriad of handgun calibers. 2400, Bullseye and Unique cover all my bases.

 

[Hook686]

I use two powders, Unique and 2400. I can never get them confused. I use Unique at mid-range to high mid-range loadings and it does just fine. I have heard that it gets dirty at the low end of loads. I have loaded my .38 Special and .38 +P 158 grain LSWC and JHP at 10% below low end of published data for my J-Frame. Yup I notice more black 'Soot' on the cases with those loads than with mid-range loads in my 627. If there is a velocity change, there will be an accuracy change. Will you notice it ? I don't know. You can always try it. Are you unhappy with the Unique ?

 

[stevehart3578]

I have been loading for 40 years for a myriad of handgun calibers. 2400, Bullseye and Unique cover all my bases.

Ah, the holy trinity. Not only do these cover all of my handgun loads, and have for years, but I also use 2400 and Unique, at 16gr and 10gr respectively, in my cast bullet rifle loads for my 30.06, 30-30 and 7X57.

It really wasn't until the shortages hit that I started experimenting with other powders.

And by the way, I love HP38/W231.

 

[Badquaker]

I was in bpro this weekend and they had 6 cans of unique on the shelf. I considered buying it all and flipping it for a profit, but I just don't do that. I use a little unique, so I picked up one to go with my current stock. If it had been 296/110/pp300/lil gun, I would have bought it all.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

Most competition shooters prefer 231 over Unique simply because they can use less powder for their target loads. When you are shooting 10,000 rounds per year, saving a grain or two of powder really helps stretch the shooting budget. Depending on your current load, you may see an improvement in accuracy. As others have noted, Unique is a great mid-range powder, however if you are loading down to low level target loads, Unique may not be providing the best accuracy. I should point out that it is currently very difficult, if not impossible to purchase 231, as the Hodgdon plant that produces 231 had a fire some time back. The word on the grapevine, is that it should become available again sometime this summer.

 

[alwslate]

In my opinion 231 is far better for the lighter loads you prefer than
Unique. Lower charge weights, cleaner burning and much better
metering. For light loads in the 38 spl and 9mm you could go farther
up the list to faster burning powders than 231. Bullseye is excellent
in the 38 and 9mm with cast bullets. Lyman's new Cast Bullet Manual
shows many loads with Titegroup at low charge weights for good
economy.

 

[max]

I use 231 for 9, 38 and 45acp and Unique for 41, 44 and 45 Colt.

 

[Rule3]

Depends on how you meter (measure) your powder. Unique for some does not meter as well as HP38

Depending on your powder charges no, I do not think you will "notice" any difference, You can make both do the same thing.

HP38/W 231 is one of my "trinity" of powders. Others like Unique

 

[Zippo Guy]

I can't find any Unique, 2400 or 231 in my area. I am now using Trail Boss for .38 Special and it seems to be very accurate at the lower levels. Has anyone else used Trail Boss?

 

[arjay]

I have been using Unique for .38 special, and 9mm for quite a while now. I have been thinking of going over to W231/ Hp 38.
The loads I use are on the light side, for target use only. I use hard cast bullets, and don't notice any leading in any of my guns. Its a little smokey, but I suspect that's the bullet lube. My question is this, will I notice any difference if I switch ? Will I gain anything in accuracy ? Comments please .

If you're loading on the light side,try Bullseye when it reappears.

 

[TNDave]

You will be fine with 231. It is cleaner burning. I used to use it for 38 Special match loads and also 9mm blasting loads. I am back to Unique for cast loads of 38 Sp and 44 Mag midrange. I like the smoke

 

[MarTay6]

I look on Gunbroker and don't even see 231 listed there!! It must be in short supply! I have a couple of pounds of Unique to start loading some .38 wadcutters with, just for target shooting- would Bullseye be a better choice for me? Starting off with Missouri Bullets- their 158 Grain SWC's in a Model 14-3 revolver.
Wes

 

[imakmst]

Unique doesn't meter that well for me, and Bullseye does very well in the meter. I started with HP-38 for .38 and .45, but now I load Unique, Bullseye and 2400 in .357.

sound familiar?

 

[27 Man]

Another convert.

 

[MarTay6]

Moe Mentum's original question- and mine- was re. .38's, not .357...
Wes

 

[ladyT]

The 231 is probably a superior powder for light loads. You get better burning at lower pressures. Unique excels at mid-range levels.

I keep both on the shelves knowing that 99% of my handgun shooting can be covered with one or the other.

Can you or someone else explain low pressure and mid range levels.