Perhaps this merits it's own thread but, I find myself in a similar situation as the OP, only I'm just leading for 9mm and 30-30. I plan on using Unique for both as plan on loading low-to-mid velocity cast lead in the M94. Rifle powders are more expensive (not by much, but still...) and it would simplify things to just stock up on ONE powder. For now.
Anybody else use Unique to push cast lead in a rifle? Especially a .30-30?
DeadFlies, I know that it seems beneficial at first to only buy one powder, but in the end it doesn't matter if you use 1, 2, 3, or even four powders. Go ahead an buy a can of Unique and get started loading the 9mm. Then when you start to load for the 30-30, go buy a can of Trail Boss. It doesn't cost any more to use two powders, because each can will last twice as long. I know that a lot of people have been using Unique safely in rifle cartridges, but in the past it was out of necessity. It doesn't make sense to risk a double charge, when there are no benefits in performance. Trail Boss will not cycle a semi-automatic, simply not enough room in the case, but it does work great in revolvers if you load for them in the future. It is a low pressure powder so I use it in my older revolvers where performance isn't an issue.
Reloading is addictive in nature and you'll find yourself wanting to do more as you go along. I started the same way with my 30-30, I loaded round buckshot using bulleye. It got boring quickly, so I loaded 150 grain cast with Unique, then Trail Boss. Once in a while I still load some with Trail Boss, for my daughter.
Let's face it, the 30-30 doesn't have much of a recoil. I now put gas checks on my bullets and push them over 2000fps with RL7. Just enough kick and blast to remind me that I'm shooting a high power rifle and not a .22, yet the recoil is light enough to shoot 100 rounds with no pain. Even with the cost of gas checks factored in, a box of full power cast bullet 30-30 loads cost me $3.16.