Bullseye or Unique?

[Bearhands]

Is there really a big difference when loading for 38 spl target loads? is one more versatile than the other?... I've been reading up on each and I have not yet seen a consensus of opinion, your opinion would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[308sc]

unique fills the cases better! and seems to be what alot of people use for there .38 special target load.

 

[Galil5.56]

For true target velocity loads, say 750 fps or less I like Bullseye especially with 148 grain wad cutters, and 125 grain SWC's. HV 158 grain LSWC loads that I'm shooting at targets/plinking, then I like Unique.

 

[rcmodel]

Bullseye is a classic mid-range velocity target powder.

Unique is a classic do-everything powder.

Bullseye is too fast to get high velocity out of Magnum calibers without pressure causing problems.

Unique isn't.
It can push heavy bullets almost as fast as the Magnum class powders, and is fairly forgiving compared to Bullseye. It also works fairly well with lighter loads.

For light loads & econemy, use Bullseye.

For more power and forgiving nature, use Unique.

IMO: Unique is a better beginners powder then Bullseye, or other very fast powders.

rcmodel

 

[lordgroom]

I use Bullseye for my 158 Grain Target Loads, but this doesn't address your question. I have never worked up a load using Unique. I have used Unique and Bullseye in .357 Magnum and I prefer Unique. I just had better accuracy and was getting some over pressure signs with Bullseye.

 

[Texastbird]

I'm not an expert, but when I load .38 specials with a lighter load of Unique it gets pretty smoky. I use titegroup instead, and its a little better for me. And it seems just as accurate in my revolver. For moderate loads on up, the Unique works great.

 

[Steve C]

Unique is a medium burn rate pistol powder and works great for full power or +P loads (158gr @ 800 fps and faster, 125gr JPH's at 1,050 fps) in the .38 spl. If you want to load target velocity loads (under 800 fps) Bullseye is the better choice as its more economical and you will get more loads per pound.

Buy both as they have different applications.

 

[Bearhands]

Thank you all for the experienced help.
I hate to throw a monkeywrench in this great info. but.... suppose I'd like to load 357 cases at 38+P levels? still the same advice or would Unique do the trick better? (I'd really only like to have one powder on hand)

 

[rcmodel]

Unique will do the trick much better.

Bullseye is just too fast to play around with at that kind of pressure level.

A little goes an awful long way fast when you reach peak pressure with it.

rcmodel

 

[easyrider604]

suppose I'd like to load 357 cases at 38+P levels? still the same advice or would Unique do the trick better? (I'd really only like to have one powder on hand)

Unique is your "one-powder" choice for .357

 

[res7s]

Unique is the most versatile powder on the market IMHO. I even load some rifle cartridges with it.

 

[dagger dog]

If you use the Bullseye you'll have a little more to clean, the double charge thing is a factor so make sure to eyeball each drop before you seat and crimp, it can happen with the Unique too with smaller charges for .38 Spcl.

I shoot the bullseye 3.0 gr 158gr lswc. good load for the older guns.
Unique is the way to go if your going to shoot .357 and 38 spcl.

 

[buck460XVR]

Unique is your "one-powder" choice for .357

not if you hunt with your .357 and use jacketed bullets. I've found very little if any load data anywhere for using Unique for hunting velocities and 158/180 gr. bullets. It is a nice alternative to H110 and 2400 when it comes to plinkin' tho.

 

[ohman11]

.223 Recipe

Sorry

 

[waverace]

I'll second TITE GROUP you need less of it , its clean burning and its not position sensitive , other than that Ive used unique a lot in a 9mm to good effect

 

[Shooter973]

There is a GOOD reason that Bullseye is named Bullseye! That's what its for more than anything! The small charge weights are very economical and produce very fine accuracy in the type of loads your looking for. I use the Unique for mid-range and a little higher loads, but Bullseye is the choice for target loads.

 

[tiger rag]

Go with unique very perdictable results.

 

[trickyasafox]

I've used both and I prefer unique- little fluffier but just seems to do better for me.

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

7.5 grains of Unique behind a 158 grain jacketed bullet, gives me 1100 fps on the chrono, 4" barrel. This is 88% of the velocity of full house 296 loads, with 16.6 grains, a lot less flash and recoil with Unique too. Unique gives solid performance in 357 mag, works great in 38 spl too, hell, it works great in just about every pistol caliber.

I get 1050 fps with 5.5 grains of Unique in 38 spl, 125 grain jacketed. This is the max +p load listed in my Alliant manual.

 

[res7s]

Quote:
Unique is your "one-powder" choice for .357

not if you hunt with your .357 and use jacketed bullets. I've found very little if any load data anywhere for using Unique for hunting velocities and 158/180 gr. bullets. It is a nice alternative to H110 and 2400 when it comes to plinkin' tho.
__________________
Guns are like Harleys and women.....you can never have too many

I agree unique isnt for 357 hunting loads. If you were going to load 38 and 357, and you were going to hunt with the 357 I would look at Bluedot. I have Bluedot loads for 38 spec., 357 mag and 30-30 win.

 

[Bearhands]

Folks, thanks very much for all the great info and opinions! It sounds like Unique is the way to go for now as I will use 90% cast bullets. It's always a pleasure getting insightful responses from the Highroad.

 

[trickyasafox]

H110 is a good go to if you wanna push em hard.

 

[LeonCarr]

I say Unique IS for .357 hunting loads.

A 158 Lazer-Cast SWC with 6.8 of Unique gives me 1250 fps from a 6" GP-100 and will go through both shoulders of a 300 pound hog. The load is accurate(1 inch 6 shot groups at 25 yards), cheap to shoot, and performs great. It will do anything a .357 needs to do. If I need more power I go to a bigger diameter bullet (.44 Magnum) instead of hot rodding the .357.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr