Unique Users

I've been using Unique, well, forever. It was the first powder I bought when I started handloading in the early 80's. (Nineteen 80's guys, I'm not THAT old.) I continue to use it because it works so well. In my Redding measure, I get +/- 0.1 gr consistency. It's important, though, to use a good technique and rap the handle at the bottom and top of the stroke. Use a consistent stroke and rap it the same way each time. Don't let the hopper get below 1/2 to 1/3 full. Also make sure the powder has settled in the hopper before you "throw for score." Unlike spherical powders, flake powders seem to take a while to settle in the hopper - up to 15 throws in my experience.

In my LNL powder measure, the only thing i've found that meters better is H-110 and 2400, which are pretty much spot on. Unique is usually +/-.1 with a .2 on occasion.

800-X on the other hand.....:banghead:

I've used unique for a few years now, love it for several pistol loads, hate it for anything smaller than 9mm because on the smaller cartridges I can't get consistency.

Its actually my favorite for .40 S&W and .38 Special loads

Being a flake powder, I do find that my Lyman 55 likes to shear a flake in the cylinder every now and then. I generally set the measure up to throw a couple tenths under my desired charge, then I don't sweat vibratory compression as much.

Like the one guy said, if it's had the chance to settle in the hopper, ditch the first few then go ahead and charge. And I keep the hopper fairly full as well.
Same with Blue Dot and Red Dot as I use a lot of those powders too.

I quit using Unique for that very reason. A ±0.2+gr variation is not acceptable in my book. I can detect the difference when shooting. If your loading at or near the top end you are more than likely going over the published charge. I can get a consistent drop doing the tap dance but you can't do this on a progressive. I only use ball powders on progressives.

Unique meters like Corn Flakes. It works well in a lot of calibers but I don't use it in small volume cases where a ±0.2+gr (0.4gr) variation is equal to 10% swing or the workable range.

My RCBS Uniflow works okay with Unique, but I only use the Uniflow for lower power loads or "plinking loads in my 45colt. I hand measure each charge with a mechanical or digital scale if I intent to use the rounds for hunting or target shooting. My velocity deviation goes way down and my groups get much tighter with the individually weighed charges.

I love Unique, but it's not necessarily my favorite powder for any cartridge.

Which powders are ball powders that are good for the fng as me?

Clinton

I use a RCBS uniflow on my Hornady projector and it throws spot on just about every time. I use a baffle and fill the hopper and go for it. The only powders I have problems with are stick powders.

I think if you put a baffle in, if you don't already have one, and cycle it more than the 25 times you will likely find that it will do just fine for you.

Clinton said:

Which powders are ball powders that are good for the fng as me?

Clinton

Click to expand...

I use Win 231, WSF for 9mm and WST for 45acp. WSF will have a softer recoil over the 231. But I mainly use WSF for 124gr which is what I shoot 99.9% of the time. These powder flow like water and will give you a dead on charge.

I'm running a lyman 55.. no variance that I've been able to track in 100 throws.. +/- .0

Using an electronic scale by any chance?

Click to expand...

Really curious why you ask this question RC....I've noticed some funkyness from my electronic scale....*At times* after I tare whatever I'm putting the powder to measure, it will just suddenly and inconsistently add .5gr on at random times for no reason. I know this isn't "normal" behavior and I watch for this behavior and correct it by performing the tare again.

I wonder what you've seen with electronic scales?

I use the RCBS Uniflow and Unique is one of the powders I use. The key is to use a consistent rhythm when using the RCBS.

HKGuns said:

*At times* after I tare whatever I'm putting the powder to measure, it will just suddenly and inconsistently add .5gr on at random times for no reason.

Click to expand...

Are you giving the scale time to re-zero itself after pushing the tare button or just pushing the button and dropping the charge on the scale?

My electronic scales take a little time, a number of seconds, to re-zero after pushing the tare button. They both have an indication in the display that shows the scale is not ready to weigh yet. One flashes a little marker in part of the display even if the display show 0.0. It is not ready to weigh until the marker stops flashing.

HKGuns: I don't want to derail this thread, so stand by for a PM.

Krogen

Followup: The system says you've disabled private messages. Oh well. :banghead:

I use the Lee prrfect powder messure no complaints.

I have no problem using it w/ my Dillon measure, my B&M, my Quick-Measure, or my Hollywood.

I use a lot of Unique. It has always metered OK for me in the Lyman 55.

I will say that it is important to develop a consistent procedure that you can repeat. I never vibrate or knock the measure when the handle is in the up position. Just let the powder settle then cut it. Always try to move the handle at the same speed each time. You should be able to get results down to .1 gr variance with some practice. One other thing, the first 10 seem to vary more than those after. Might be something to do with the powder settling in the hopper?

Does it meter well for you?

Click to expand...

Not particularly.

What kind of powder measure are you using?

Click to expand...

Lee.


But I use it anyway, when i'm out of other things, or first trying load workup.


I keep 4-5#'s on hand- its very versatile.

Are you giving the scale time to re-zero itself after pushing the tare button or just pushing the button and dropping the charge on the scale?

Click to expand...

Yep, in those scenarios I can measure 15 charges just fine then suddenly they will all start reading .5gr more than what I am actually pulling.

Unique is one of those powders that folks that use dippers like, because it shoots very well when measured by volume. A powder thrower measures by volume, not by weight. It's just an automated dipper. We as reloaders using a powder thrower, just adjust this volume by using weight instead of volume/dipper size charts. I have found that weighing individual loads of Unique as opposed to throwing charges of consistent volume makes little or no difference in accuracy. For me, consistent volume is obtained using Unique in a Uniflo by double tapping the handle, using a consistent stroke and keeping the hopper full.

Hondo 60: I have used Unique for a long time. And I use a Lyman 55 powder drop for about the same lenght of time. Never experinced any problems, I drop straight from the powder drop 60 cases in the tray at a time and then weight several of them just to check. But I have never found a problem. I have loaded a lot of ammo with Unique & a Lyman 55, they work for me.
ken

Does anyone use the trick of floating a large steel washer on the top of the powder to improve consistancy?

TooManyToys said:

Does anyone use the trick of floating a large steel washer on the top of the powder to improve consistancy?

Click to expand...

Maybe a small playdough container may fit in there...... gots me thinking!

Clinton

.....or maybe a golf ball with a drywall screw driven in the side so you could retrieve it easly?