I have tested quite a bit of Unique lately in a 2" Charter Arms, a 3" Rossi and three different 4" S&W's; a Model 10-5, a Model 10-7 and a Model 15. Velocities in the three S&W's were virtually identical.
The bullets used mostly were these three, all cast by yours truly-
View attachment 900463
The bullet on the left takes up more powder space so consistently gives higher velocities than the other two. CCI500 primers were used.
5.0 grs. of Unique; 154 gr. SWCHP-
2" Charter Arms- 860 fps (R-P brass)
3" Rossi- 840 fps (Fed. brass)
4" S&W's- 940 fps (RA-67 Mil brass)
5.2 grs. Unique; 154 gr. SWCHP- (+P)
2" Charter Arms- 880 fps (R-P brass)
3" Rossi- N/A
4" S&W's- 998 fps (S&W brass); 1025 fps (R-P brass); 1009 fps (Fed. brass); 1046 fps (W-W brass)
5.0 grs. of Unique; 148 gr. SWCHP-
2" Charter Arms- 791 fps (R-P brass)
3" Rossi- 855 fps (Fed. brass)
4" S&W's- 930 fps (RA-67 Mil brass)
5.5 grs. of Unique; 148 gr. SWCHP- (+P)(This load is from a couple of
Handloader magazines)
4" S&W's- 955 fps (RA-67 Mil brass)
For higher velocity +P loads, 2400 is hard to beat. I only tried it in the 4" revolvers, but velocities exceeded Unique velocities by 100 fps. CCI500 primers were used.
9.5 grs. AL2400; 148 gr. SWCHP-
4" S&W's- 962 fps (RA-67 Mil brass)
10.0 grs. AL2400; 148 gr. SWCHP- (+P)
4" S&W's- 1062 fps (RA-67 Mil brass)
With all these loads, start a little below and work up. Hope this helps.
35W