I went out and bought unique powder yesterday for the first time . I will let you guys know how it works in the 45ACP I am loading up with 185 grain bullets . And then I am going to do a few 7.62x25 using 98 grain bullets to see how it works for me and if I like it ?
I am taking some of you guys advice !
- Thread starter Duce1
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243winxb
Member
Depending on your equipment, try this. With Alliant Unique you may get variations of maybe .2 gr or more as it drops from some powder measures. First, use the small chamber if 2 come with the measure. And when working the measure, let the chamber fill, then give the handle an extra bump against the stop. This will help to elimination some of the variation in the weight of the powder charge. You will not notice a .2 gr difference on the target. IMO
Not to sound like a person that doesn't want to help, but I would suggest getting a reloading book and begin with starting loads for your particular bullet type and weight. Then start to increase the powder charge until you find the sweet spot that your pistol likes. (Dont go past Max charge.)
I know it sounds like alot of work but that is what Handloading is all about. Developing a custom cartridge specifically for your firearm. Have fun with it, don't take the easy way out.
LGB
I have the books and knowledge to reload these bullets ( I am not new to reloading ) .
I was just asking for ideas but as you say I will always work the load up for the best load for the weapon but heck it was just a idea for conversation .
snuffy
Member
Duce, unique is going to be too fast for your 7.62 X 25. It really needs slower powder to do well. I doubt you will even find loads listed for it.
I agree !
I have found none yet in any of my books but heck most of my books do not even list the 7.62x25 in it .
bluetopper
Member
I'll contradict a little here.
Anything from Bullseye to Unique or AA#5 will work fine for the 7.62x25.
93gr FMJ with Unique
5.0gr min. 6.3gr max.
My book lists the most accurate load for the Tokarev 93gr FMJ round as being a max load of 5.7gr of Red Dot.
Also, a lot of people are leary of Bullseye, yet it performs wonderfully in high pressure calibers, unlike other fast burning powders. It's very consistent and accurate.
Data from the Lyman Pistol & Revolver handbook-3rd Edition
Anything from Bullseye to Unique or AA#5 will work fine for the 7.62x25.
93gr FMJ with Unique
5.0gr min. 6.3gr max.
My book lists the most accurate load for the Tokarev 93gr FMJ round as being a max load of 5.7gr of Red Dot.
Also, a lot of people are leary of Bullseye, yet it performs wonderfully in high pressure calibers, unlike other fast burning powders. It's very consistent and accurate.
Data from the Lyman Pistol & Revolver handbook-3rd Edition
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snuffy
Member
Those quick powder loads may be safe, but I doubt they'll work the action of the CZ-52 or other pistols chambered for it. They certainly won't get to top velocities.
I use a surplus 30 carbine powder, WC-820 for my CZ-52 loads with the 90 XTP. It's a blast to shoot, the load is right up to top velocity. I also load a 100 grain lead 30 cal. RN that is fun to shoot and very cheap to boot.
Most of my .45ACP loads using Unique are with cast (my own) lead bullets. However, one load with Unique using 200gr JHP bullets that I've used with enough satisfaction to record the data, has been with 7.3 grs loaded at 1.238" COL. Not a bad load, but you will find that this cartridge is not very particular about bullets and powder. It is very easy to load and get good results with a lot of powders in the fast to medium burn rates. Just be careful with the faster ones, as it is easy to double charge. A good load of Bullseye will look like there isn't enough in the case, as it has a very low load density. Don't be fooled.
NCsmitty
Member
I loaded 7.62x25 for my CZ52 and I recommend 6gr of Unique with 100gr Speer Plinker half jacket. You'll still have to chase the brass.
NCsmitty
NCsmitty
Thanks NCSmitty that is exactly what I have !
I will give a few a try first ............
bluetopper
Member
In my opinion within certain caliber pressure specifications, the most accurate load of a given bullet type/weight is the "best" load. Whether some other powder may produce more velocity or not.
geo57
Member
.45 acp
230 gr. FMJ
5.8 grs. UNIQUE ( 5.7 grs for 230gr. plated )
WLP
1.26 " COL
Runs about 800 FPS from 5" BBLS
230 gr. FMJ
5.8 grs. UNIQUE ( 5.7 grs for 230gr. plated )
WLP
1.26 " COL
Runs about 800 FPS from 5" BBLS
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
FYI:
Lyman #49 has a chapter on the 7.62 TOK/30 Mauser.
They cover 86 & 93 grain jacketed, and 75 & 85 grain cast lead.
Unique does very well against the other powders listed with all four bullets.
Red Dot is listed as the potentially most accurate load with both jacketed bullets and one lead bullet. It also gave the highest velocity with the 93 grain.
Unique was only 40 FPS slower.
rc
Lyman #49 has a chapter on the 7.62 TOK/30 Mauser.
They cover 86 & 93 grain jacketed, and 75 & 85 grain cast lead.
Unique does very well against the other powders listed with all four bullets.
Red Dot is listed as the potentially most accurate load with both jacketed bullets and one lead bullet. It also gave the highest velocity with the 93 grain.
Unique was only 40 FPS slower.
rc
BullfrogKen
Moderator Emeritus
Unique is a very versatile powder. It was among the first of the cannisters of powders I bought to stock my shelf. It works, and it works in a lot of different handgun calibers, but damn if it isn't dirty.
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