Ok im getting ready to start reloading some pistol stuff and I need to order my booooolits Im looking at the berrys 124gr rn plated for the 9mm and the 158lead swc for the 38. I want to try to keep it as simple as possible for now these will all be for practice only as i will carry factory ammo for CCW. Is there one standard powder that will work for both I have seen (ONCE AGAIN) unique recommended for both but I want to load up to +p in the 38 will unique allow me to do this or do i need to look at something else.
9mm and 38sp+p powder =UNIQUE?
- Thread starter gman82001
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As I recall, max standard loads in 38spl with 158's do not fill the case completely using unique...
...which is to say, as far as I remember (load 357, not 38 myself) you can achieve +P loads in 38 special with Unique presumably, there should be room. Great powder, ash-can that it still is despite improvements
...which is to say, as far as I remember (load 357, not 38 myself) you can achieve +P loads in 38 special with Unique presumably, there should be room. Great powder, ash-can that it still is despite improvements
You can easily match and somewhat exceed +P factory velocities in both the .38 spl and 9mm with Unique. If you intend to load at the upper level in 9mm I would use jacketed bullets rather than copper plated or clad bullets like Berrys or Raniers which are fine for low and medium velocity target loads. No real reason to load practice ammo to +P levels anyway.
I load a .38 +P using Speer 158gr LSWCHP's on top of 5.0grs of Unique in w W-W case lit by a WSP primer for an average velocity from a 4" revolver of 901 fps which is a good duplication of the typical factory +P 158gr LSWCHP to carry in my .38's.
I load a .38 +P using Speer 158gr LSWCHP's on top of 5.0grs of Unique in w W-W case lit by a WSP primer for an average velocity from a 4" revolver of 901 fps which is a good duplication of the typical factory +P 158gr LSWCHP to carry in my .38's.
Paladin38-40
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Data varies
My old Pacific Cartridge Reloading Manual lists a max of 5.5 grains of Unique for a 158 grain lead bullet. V=1020 fps but barrel length is not indicated.
My old Pacific Cartridge Reloading Manual lists a max of 5.5 grains of Unique for a 158 grain lead bullet. V=1020 fps but barrel length is not indicated.
ColtPythonElite
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Unique is a great choice for both the 9 and .38, including +P loadings.
Old krow
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I use Unique for both 9mm and .38 spl. I like it.
Paladin38-40
Member
Pro Chrono report
Being I had a range afternoon in the works I decided to load up a few .38 special 158 grain cast SWC with 5.5 grains of Unique. Results:
4" barrel - top velocity 936 fps.
2 1/2" barrel - top velocity 852 fps.
Note the above velocities are less than published by Pacific (previously referenced) but they do not indicate barrel length.
I have no way to measure pressure but they feel rather tame FWIW.
Being I had a range afternoon in the works I decided to load up a few .38 special 158 grain cast SWC with 5.5 grains of Unique. Results:
4" barrel - top velocity 936 fps.
2 1/2" barrel - top velocity 852 fps.
Note the above velocities are less than published by Pacific (previously referenced) but they do not indicate barrel length.
I have no way to measure pressure but they feel rather tame FWIW.
NCsmitty
Member
Unique is a great all around powder for the calibers mentioned and many others too. I've used it for decades. It's had a good run so far being "invented" before 1900 and slightly reformulated to burn a bit cleaner a few years ago.
I used to load heavy +P in 38 Special with the old Speer jacketed HP, with the swaged core and of course, Unique. I never had an issue with that load, which will remain unnamed and would now be over listed maximum.
NCsmitty
I used to load heavy +P in 38 Special with the old Speer jacketed HP, with the swaged core and of course, Unique. I never had an issue with that load, which will remain unnamed and would now be over listed maximum.
NCsmitty
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