Problems with measuring Unique

[Peakbagger46]

Just started loading for my .45LC and I'm using Unique at 9.3 grains. Using my Lyman Little Dandy powder measure, I cannot get consistant charges (charges are running +-.2g at best). Anyone else have this problem with unique? The Lyman measure workes perfectly on Win 231.

 

[CSA 357]

I use a uniflow, works great, had a little dandy but never used it so i cant say,

 

[Shoney]

Unique is a flake powder and flake powders bridge and do not allow powder to flow freely. This problem can be stopped by double baffeling your measure.

For a template to make your own baffles, go to this thread
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=366367&highlight=baffle
go down to post #9. You can use pop can aluminum.

WW231 is a ball powder and flows like water, which can be a problem in some of the loose fitting measures.

 

[Walkalong]

I use a Redding 10X, and while I do not have problems with Unique bridging in the drop tube, it doesn't meter all that well. Despite that, it generally gives good consistent numbers in my limited use of it.

The double baffle sounds like an interesting way to help. My 10X has one baffle.

 

[Lloyd Smale]

i think youll find that .2 grains of differnce means nothing in your accuracy.

 

[Corner Pocket]

I use a Lyman "Ideal Powder Measure #55" and have had no problems with the charge weights that it dispenses...

CP

 

[loadedround]

I have never had trouble dispensing Unique in either my RCBS Uniflow or Dillon powder measures. I did use the Little Dandy powder measure many years ago, but did not like it for the same reason you did not like it, besides the rotors never dispensed the amount of powder that the chart called for.

 

[marcodo]

I have never had success in measuring Unique. Ended up measureing each charge by hand. Can't remember off hand what powder dispenser I use (I think its a Lee). Have the same problem with Clays

Titegroup...W231..W296...H335 never an issue

 

[NCsmitty]

What you're experiencing is typical of the small tube cavity measures with the flake powders.
The scoop measures often are more accurate, once you develop a consistent method and motion.

As noted by Corner Pocket, the Lyman #55 measure is not prone to these problems when properly adjusted.

There are powders that fit your needs that will accurately function though your Dandy measure, as mentioned by others.


NCsmitty

 

[joedapro]

never hav a problem with unique in the rcbs or the dillon measures.

 

[ranger335v]

Lyman's hand gun "Accumeasure" (the Lil' Dandy was RCBS), like any powder volume measurement tool, cannot possibly drop coarse materials as well as finer materials. Unique is a coarse flake powder, ball powders are fine enough to flow like water through about any measure.

Powder contains some small quanity of volitale solvents. A given volume of new powder will always be slightly heavier than the same powder after some time because of the loss of solvent. Therefore, not obtaining a consistant weight even for a precise volume is not a shortcoming of any measure, it's just a fact of life.

As RC correctly observes, the slight variation you are getting with your Unique charges is meaningless. Weighing handgun charges to a tenth is a slow exercise in futility. Drop 'em and shoot 'em.

 

[243winxb]

i think youll find that .2 grains of differnce means nothing in your accuracy, and is about as good as it gets.

 

[RedHawk357Mag]

With Unique I use Lee Dippers or the home made dippers. .2 grains mentioned is probably very accurate statement but it aggravates my OCD something fierce I ended up looking at different powders.

 

[Furncliff]

I started reloading .38 spl a year ago with a Dillon SD b and Unique. After many rounds and thinking it was me or the scale or ???

I liked Unique but I have switched to W 231 and Titegroup. Problem solved. I think I'll try the mod suggested above and try Unique again.