PDA

View Full Version : Playing with 'Unique' powder


shootist
30-03-2008, 05:37 PM
'Unique' powder claims to be one of the most versatile powders there is, I would agree. I've used it in the following calibers:- 45/70, .308, 7.5/55, .303, .223, and 6.5/55.

About 7 grains in a lightweight .223 round will give a nice light load. 10-12 grains in .308, 7.5/55 or .303 will send a 100 grain bullet out OK, and 13-16 grains in 45/70 behind a 410 grain bullet.

All of these loads give a nice easy crack, and a reasonable velocity. Longer range accuracy is a bit dependent upon the rifle / bullet combination. The best load I has was from a 7.5/55 using Hornady 100 grain bullets (can't remember the name of the bullets, they were lead, with what looked like a large gas check on the back half) They were shooting an easy inch at 50 yards. A good fun plinking round.

Some people may worry about flashover with such a light load. This is a problem when using slower powders to load below minumum recommended loads. Unique is fast enough that this won't happen. The only problem with is is, as far as I can see, that your metering has to be spot on with such small amounts, as even a small variation can be a significant percentage.

Good for those ancient military rifles that you don't want to overstress. The recoil is negligible too. Ideal for a day's plinking.

MikB
30-03-2008, 09:25 PM
Good for those ancient military rifles that you don't want to overstress. The recoil is negligible too. Ideal for a day's plinking.


Yes, I use it in .577 Snider and 13 grains produces a nice mild load at maybe 950 fps. To be on the safe side, I use filler - polenta flour was what I happened to have which worked well.

Back in the old days I used Unique for every pistol calibre I owned from .32 ACP to .44 Mag, and it produced powerful and consistent loads in all of them. It really is a remarkable powder.

Regards,
MikB

tim56
02-04-2008, 06:24 AM
I use 5 gns of unique in .357mag and 6.2 grns in .44 mag and find it very good. Have never seen loading data for 45/70 so would be wary of using it in this big case, too little powder can be as bad as too much. Usually use 25 grns H4198 or reloader no7 in my ruger no1 which is nice to shoot and shoots more accurately than me.

Taz
03-04-2008, 07:22 PM
and it's verstile for shotshell loads as well ;)

MikB
03-04-2008, 08:41 PM
I use 5 gns of unique in .357mag and 6.2 grns in .44 mag...


Wuss :D;) - I used to put 5.8 - 6.2 in 9mmP, and 9 - 11 in .44...

Regards,
MikB

tim56
05-04-2008, 12:38 PM
Used to run the .44 Marlin at 10.2 grs which was nice and crisp but started to get problems with leading in the barrel and then the lever started to kick open with some shots so dropped the load down untill found a lower accurate charge. Ie, 6.2 grns. Runs a treat now. Have a Ruger no1 in 45/70 if i want to bruise myself.