HP-38 and Universal

[Skinnedknuckles]

I've developed several loads using HP-38 and been very happy with how it meters and shoots (just shooting paper) in .38 and 9mm. With the shortage, and with the great things I'd read, I picked up a pound of Unique and have developed some .38 Special +P level loads for my Rossi Model 92 carbine. Compared to similar level HP-38 loads, they may be slightly less accurate (or it may be my eyes). I had thought that if I could find some Universal, based on reports, I would like it better than Unique.

Some burn rate charts list Unique and Universal side by side and significantly slower than HP-38, but the latest Hodgdon chart has them almost side by side. Also, looking a loads for .38, 9mm, and .45acp, the results are almost identical.

Now I'm arguing with myself whether to try Universal (if some ever appears) or just stock up on HP-38/Win231 (again, if I ever see any again) and simplify my reloading life. Has anyone switched either way?

 

[GooseGestapo]

I prefer Unique, but have also shot a LOT of both Universal and HP38/Win231.

For accuracy, I prefer the HP38/Win231 for low velocity loads.
For higher power/hunting loads I gravitate to Unique, but will alternatively use Universal.
It really depends on what is on the shelf when I go to load the ammo...
Except for .38 wadcutters/semi-wadcutters for revolver match shooting. Then its HP38/Win231 or Bullseye...
They simply measure more consistently at the 2.5-2.9gr level. (smaller grain size in small cavities) and burn cleaner. Unique at low loadings (under 3.5gr in .38spl) can leave substantial powder fouling.

 

[PO2Hammer]

You probably won't see Universal until next year.

 

[USSR]

Some burn rate charts list Unique and Universal side by side and significantly slower than HP-38, but the latest Hodgdon chart has them almost side by side.

The thing with burn rate charts is, they don't tell you the degree of difference. You can have two powders right next to each other on the slow end of a chart, and you can have a powder 2 or 3 away on the fast end of a chart that is actually closer in burn rate to the powder being compared.

Don

 

[david bachelder]

"You probably won't see Universal until next year."

How do you know that?

 

[Potatohead]

I believe they're the guys that had the fire in the facility are they not?
Also, I heard from someone, who heard from someone who read on the internet that Chris Hodgdon said it will resurface in 2015.

 

[oneounceload]

Universal was promised in April of this year and then in September. There was a fire in Australia and production has been nil for about two years. Sometimes next year will be hopeful

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I guess I better squander my last 2 pounds of it. I really like Universal in 3 of the calibers I load for.

dang.

 

[Dudedog]

I prefer Universal over Unique, meters better for me and seems cleaner, just none around. :banghead:
I keep wanting to try HP38/231 but cn't fin any of that. Hopefully I will be able to try some in the future.