[eldon519]

Does anyone know if Unique can be used to get a 300gr cast bullet into the 800-1000fps range for .45 Colt +P loads? I never see much +P data for Unique other than pushing a 250-260gr bullet.

I've got a bunch of 300gr cast bullets sitting around, and the main two pistol powders I have on hand are Unique and H-110/W296. I'm finding H-110 beats me up a little bit in my FA 97 though it's new to me, and I'm still experimenting with slightly different grip variations to try to tame it. It's a much wilder beast than my Bisley.

[suemarkp]

According to this website yes (there is one load listed with Unique, but a JHP instead of cast):
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=45%20Colt%20%20P&Weight=300&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

And one here:
http://www.reloadammo.com/45cload.htm

[murf]

it is not a good idea to down-load h110. unique is well suited for 800-1000 fps for 300 grain bullets. hs-6 is another good powder in that range.

murf

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree HS-6 is another good choice. I think you will be better served with HS-6 and it will get you the velocity you're looking for without pushing the pressure limits off the edge. I think Unique will top out pressure wise before you achieve 900 fps with a 300gr bullet but that's only a guess.

[murf]

if you decide on hs-6, i suggest a magnum primer.

murf

[USSR]

eldon519,

Suggest you get yourself some 2400. I use it for cast lead bullets in the 265 - 280gr range and it performs well.

Don

[ArchAngelCD]

if you decide on hs-6, i suggest a magnum primer.

murf
I think by now that's a given...

[Float Pilot]

I have some hard cast bullets which are supposed to be 310 grains but they really weigh an average of 305 grains. SWC

With a Winchester Large Pistol primer, Remington Brass, and a COL of 1.525, and a roll crimp. 9.2 grains = 1,040 fps and 8.5 grains = 935 fps from a 7.5 inch Black Hawk.
Using the new Alliant made Unique it is very accurate. I have a bunch of the old Unique and it is much dirtier and not so consistant.

[eldon519]

Thanks for the data everyone. That chrono data should be especially helpful, Float Pilot, as the 300gr bullets I shoot are the Magma-mold style double-crimp-groove bullets that I have to keep at a pretty short COL for the FA97. My Unique is of the newer variety I got in a 5-lb keg to use up a Bass Pro gift card a few years back.

Actually I just noticed Linebaugh has a load of 11 grains of Unique under a 310gr bullet for 998 fps at 29,000 CUP :what:

I'd definitely want to work up to that one SLOWLY, especially with the short cylinder on the FA97. It would certainly get tried out in my Bisley first. In the past, I've found things have gotten a little sticky in my Bisley trying to match some of Linebaugh's published H-110 data, but I've never chrono'ed it to see what velocity I was getting. For all I know, maybe he's testing these rounds in the middle of a Wyoming snow storm while I'm trying them on a southern summer day.