[Warners]

I'm new to using Unique powder and I'm looking for a load recipe for some mid-level 357 magnum loads. I will be using Unique powder, Federal Magnum primers, and the Berry 158 grain plated bullets (both FP and HP).

I realize that 1,200fps is the recommended max speed for these bullets. I will be shooting them from a Smith&Wesson 686 revolver with a 6" barrel. Any help will be greatly appreciated.


Thanks guys,

Warner

[Taurus 617 CCW]

This should point you in the right direction. I have a .357 but load .38 specials for it. Lower recoil and more pleasant to shoot.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[Warners]

This should point you in the right direction. I have a .357 but load .38 specials for it. Lower recoil and more pleasant to shoot.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp
Yeah, thanks. I used that site while working up all my loads using HP38 powder. I have loads that work really well for 9x18, 9x19, .38 Special, and .45 ACP using the HP38 powder. My .38 Special load is super accurate, and as you mention, quite pleasant to shoot. But now I've got some Unique powder and I'd like to work up some mid-range .357 loads, just for fun. And since I already have the Berry's 158 grain bullets, I'd like to push it up near 1,200 fps using the Unique powder. I also went on Unique's website and requested load data, so we'll see what they come back with. The folks here have LOTS of experience and have always given me good information, so I figured I'd ask around here, also.

Thanks,

Warner

[ScratchnDent]

I use 7gr of Unique with a Rainier plated 158 gr. HP. Alliant lists 7.7 as max load with a Speer 158 JHP, so I backed off 10% and it shoots nicely so I left it at that. The load gives me ~1050 fps out of my 4" model 19.

[Warners]

I use 7gr of Unique with a Rainier plated 158 gr. HP. Alliant lists 7.7 as max load with a Speer 158 JHP, so I backed off 10% and it shoots nicely so I left it at that. The load gives me ~1050 fps out of my 4" model 19.
Thanks. I saw one listed at 7.2gr of Unique with the same bullet you are using, list at just under 1,200fps, so that would fit in with what you found.

Warner

[KeithET]

I have been using 6.9gr of Unique with 158gr copper plated bullets. Work great out of my Ruger Blackhawk. Recoil is very mild out of the Blackhawk should be mild out of your 686 as well. Its a fun load to shoot and pretty accurate as well.

KeithET

[Hondo 60]

Taurus 617 CCW - why would you send him to Hodgdon's website when he's using Unique?

Unique is an Alliant product. ;)

[nitesite]

I've shot a crapload of hard cast 158 LSWCs over Unique (thru a 28-2 and a 686) and my Unique weight was 7.5 grains. Check published manuals or manufacturer web sites.

Why are you choosing to use magnum primers? It is totally unnecessary, unless that is all you have at the moment.

I took this photograph of a .357 Magnum 158 JSP load that I made using a MAX load of Unique. It doesn't move out all that fast but it also doesn't have much flash. It would probably make a pretty good indoor load.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/Unique357load.jpg

[Warners]

Yep, you guessed it......I have mostly Magnum small pistol primers. I've used them as direct replacements from the standard primers, and haven't noticed a difference. Having said that, I am not loading anything at maximum levels. I bought what primers were available at the time, and I don't have any regrets. ESPECIALLY now....

Warner

[witchhunter]

My records show that 7.0 of Unique behind a 158 grain lead SWC worked well in my Smith, as always, work up slow to max. Pesonally, for max loads I shoot a jacketed bullet.

[plateshooter]

I have been using 6gr of Unique with my 158-162 cast bullets. No leading and accurate in my revolvers.

[buck460XVR]

I've shot tons of 158 jacketed over 7.5 gr of Unique outta my 686s.....4'',5'' and 6'' ers. Very accurate and low recoil. They also work well outta the 20'' lever carbine.(one reason I don't load lighter). My concern with trying to push the Berrys to velocities approaching 1200fps outta a .357 revolver would be the lack of a cannelure and bullet jump.