Universal vs. Universal Clays?

J-Bar · Aug 11, 2022

Sorry to rehash what is probably an old question.

A friend who is quitting reloading offered me a nearly full jug of Universal Clays powder at a good price so I bought it. (Never used it in .38 Special/.357 magnum. I’m interested in light target loads.)

Is Universal Clays the same as “Universal” in the data charts? Or should I be using the “Clays” loads?

If I should not use it in .38/.357, I’ll just pass it on to someone who can make better use of it.

Thanks for helping clear up my confusion.

Fyrstyk · Aug 11, 2022

I found that Universal Clays is a good substitute for Unique is light loads in .38 Special and .357 Magnum. It is somewhat cleaner, and can be used in the same loadings as Unique.

Skgreen · Aug 11, 2022

Hodgdon, at one time, had Clays, Universal Clays, and International Clays.
They all use "Clays Technology" but they are 3 separate powders.

As a result of the confusion, the current labels on the powders say Clays, Universal (with Clays Technology) and International

https://shop.hodgdon.com/shop-all/?_bc_fsnf=1&Group=Smokeless+Powder

RE: Is Universal Clays the same as “Universal” in the data charts? Yes
Or should I be using the “Clays” loads? No.

WeekendReloader · Aug 11, 2022

Edited.... My previous post was incorrect.

"Universal Clays" = "Universal". Hodgdon change the name.

2ndtimer · Aug 11, 2022

WeekendReloader said:
"Universal Clays" is commonly referred to as "Clays" and is marketed as a shotgun powder and is similar to Ramshot Competition and Red Dot.
"Universal" is a medium burning pistol powder that is similar in burn rate to Unique.

They are not the same.

"Clays" can be used in many pistols for light loads. Consult load data and be careful of the small charge weights.

See Skgreen’s post. He is correct. Universal was originally marketed as “Universal Clays”. They also offered (and still do) “Clays” and “International”, primarily used for shotguns. Universal is the same powder as the original Universal Clays, just as Hodgdon International is the same powder as the original International Clays. They dropped the Clays from the names of Universal and International to avoid confusion, but the powders themselves are the same.

WeekendReloader · Aug 11, 2022

2ndtimer said:
See Skgreen’s post. He is correct. Universal was originally marketed as “Universal Clays”. They also offered (and still do) “Clays” and “International”, primarily used for shotguns. Universal is the same powder as the original Universal Clays, just as Hodgdon International is the same powder as the original International Clays. They dropped the Clays from the names of Universal and International to avoid confusion, but the powders themselves are the same.

Oops. You are correct.

J-Bar · Aug 11, 2022

Thanks folks for quick responses.

Skgreen · Aug 11, 2022

Not sure if there are other examples.

I use Universal in .38, .357, and some 9mm. Doesn't meter as good as some alternatives, but it's not bad.

ArchAngelCD · Aug 11, 2022

Nothing left to do here. Post #3 says it all and is what I would have said.

You did right asking. Never take chances when you're not sure...

kalielkslayer · Aug 12, 2022

Where are you?

I could use a jug of Universal for clay busting and I have a ton of pistol powders that’ll work.

Win 244 would be my first offer since I have too much of that.

Bill M. · Aug 12, 2022

Universal is a good powder for .357 mid loads. I wish I could find a bottle

thirty-eight · Aug 12, 2022

I dreamed it was in the same aisle as the Unique.

Universal vs. Universal Clays?

J-Bar

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Fyrstyk

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Skgreen

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WeekendReloader

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2ndtimer

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WeekendReloader

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J-Bar

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Skgreen

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ArchAngelCD

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kalielkslayer

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Bill M.

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thirty-eight

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