Info request on Unique powder w/.45 acp & 10 mm

[critter]

I'm interested in any general info on Unique powder. Is it a high/low volume powder? Does it like to run best at average/hot loads, etc? Is it clean/dirty? Does it meter well or not?

Also, I'd like some of your favorite recipes for both the .45 ACP and the 10mm using Unique.

Thanks.

 

[Corner Pocket]

I'm a new reloader that has been reloading only for a couple of months. I've loaded up several batches of .45 ACP tests to see how they perform in my Ruger P345. Thus far, my best results have been with 200 grain SWC bullets powered by 5.1 grains of Unique. This with an OAL of 1.25. For what it's worth, I think Unique is the dirtiest powder that I've used. But I always clean my guns when coming back from the range anyway, so it's not a big deal...

Corner Pocket

 

[USSR]

...I think Unique is the dirtiest powder that I've used.

+1.

Don

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

I use a similar recipe as above, but I do not have any issues with fouling. The main problem is lead (Unique and lead=cleaning FUN ). Unique can be clean, but with copper coated or jacketed, but also, LOW CHARGE WEIGHTS! You try using it for a strategic reserve load (what I call defensive that I keep in supply), you will get dirty stuff.

 

[dbarale]

Unique is a fairly large volume powder, pretty dirty. Unlike BattleChimp I find it to burn cleaner at higher presures (less unburnt flakes). It's really flaky and does not always meter well depending on your powder measure.
For .45ACP I use:
- 5.8 Grains with a 185LSWC, easy shooting load.
- 5.5gr with a plated .230RN, makes USPSA major.
- WARNING THIS IS OVERBOOK: 7.5gr with a 200 Speer JHP, this gives me 1075fps with fairly mild recoil. +P, USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
All fired from a 5" S&W 625.

 

[critter]

Good info. Thanks.

 

[lonewolf5347]

Unique shoot good but a lot harder to clean
I found with max: loads it burns clean but reduce loads take time to clean my 1911.
I favor winchester 231 for reduce loads 5.1 and a 200 grain SWC

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

Dbarale: Ive noticed this too! Not in .45 but in 9x19 or higher doses of .357.

Another weird one is Bluedot. People claim its filthy and high flash, but all of my 115 Gold Dot replication loads (+P without the P) were no flash (at dark dusk conditions) and very clean.

As for what I mean by low charge weights, I mean LOW! (low power recoil spring type of loads). I use maybe 3.5 to 4 in my 1911, but then again, I size the bullets, lower power recoil springs, mess the the MSH spring, etc...

 

[dbarale]

As for what I mean by low charge weights, I mean LOW! (low power recoil spring type of loads). I use maybe 3.5 to 4 in my 1911...

These loads are fun, you can watch the bullet all the way down to the target if the lighting is right.

I just wanted to add that Winchester primers (WLP) seem to help with a cleaner burn.

 

[BattleChimp Potemkin]

People actually ask me if Taurus is making an Airsoft variant of the PT1911! The only primers I use are the WLP (or SP, or SR or LR, etc...hehe). CCI primers arent bad, but I just like Winchester's price. Remington primers, yuck! They look nice, but Yuck, especially with Unique.