One powder fits all?

I'd have to cast my vote for Unique (for pistols) and Varget (for the rifles you listed).

Neither powder represents the 'ideal', but both are very versatile.

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?

Here's a thread discussion on shooting lead loads with Unique in 1956 Vintage Winchester 94 with 20" barrel in 30-30.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=624494

bds said:

Here's a thread discussion on shooting lead loads with Unique in 1956 Vintage Winchester 94 with 20" barrel in 30-30.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=624494

Click to expand...

Great thread. Thanks.

For the cartridges you listed...

Universal, 2400, H4985 for starters.

Next on the list No.2 for .380 and .38 SPL and either Varget or IMR 4064 for the rifles... probably lean toward Varget.

P.S. I *hate* Unique. Universal is SO much better. IME.

DeadFlies said:

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?

Click to expand...

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.

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?

Click to expand...

I bought 8 pounds of Promo (cheaper version of Red Dot) about 6 or 7 years ago, and I probably still have 6 or 7 pounds left because a little goes a long way. It's a great powder for target loads in any handgun. I have used it to load .30-06 cartridges, using Berry's plated .30-30 bullets. Extremely accurate, light recoil, and shoots several inches low.

Red Dot works good for about anything that's got a muzzle.

For pistols: Unique

For .223: WC844 or WC846 (Cheap and meters flawlessly)

For 30-06: One of the 4350's.

35W

I use Universal for all my plinking pistol rounds ( 380, 357, 40, 45 )

For SD and hunting loads I use powders that I have found work best for those specific calibers (velocity, reliability, accuracy).

There really is no "one" that truly fits all, but for range use I have found that Universal is clean and works good.

For .223: WC844 or WC846 (Cheap and meters flawlessly)
For 30-06: One of the 4350's.

Click to expand...

Have you tried WC844 or WC846 in .30-06? WC846 looks like it should work; not so sure about 844. I was going to order some of each last time I bought powder but they were out of 846.

zxcvbob said:

Have you tried WC844 or WC846 in .30-06? WC846 looks like it should work; not so sure about 844. I was going to order some of each last time I bought powder but they were out of 846.

Click to expand...

I have not, but the WC846 I have burns about like H335. YMMV.

35W

Bullseye

is

the

god

powder.

I load Universal powder with these calibers .
12g
20g
454
45LC
45 acp
44 mag
44 spl
44 rusn
357 mag
38 spl
38 S&W
380 acp
32 acp
Works for me .
I do keep a back up bottle of Unique
if needed .

Ramshot True Blue will load all handgun rounds. It's a fine grained ball powder that meters exceptionally. Unfortunately, not many here have tried it.

Unique has the distinction of being one of the bulkiest powders that you can still fit enough of into the small volume pistol cases to get close to top notch velocity. And it's fairly cheap.

Just my 2cts : for the mentioned handgun calibers : Winchester-Olin 231 or VihtaVuori N-320.
I don't know (actually doubt) if they can be used for rifle loads, though.