Throwing charges of Unique

[cfullgraf]

One thing I don't think we have mentioned yet is running 10 to 15 charges through the measure before weighing to see what it is throwing or charging cases.

Definitely!

If you watch the powder column while throwing these first few throws, it will settle alot more at first than on the later throws. It is an indication that the density of the powder column has not settled down for consistent throws.

 

[skselby]

Just finished reloading a batch of 9mm with Unique. Used the Lee Perfect Powder Measure -- worked fine. I check every 10 - 20 and adjust if needed; usually no adjustment needed.

 

[GLOOB]

I don't want to badmouth Unique at all. I still use it sometimes. Sometimes I just don't care if my powder measure throws a bit more or less than the target weight. But I have to wonder why all the angst about trying to get Unique to meter through our measures better? There are OTHER POWDERS out there that meter much better if that's important to you and they will propel your bullet just as well as Unique does. No big deal either way really. You can find a target weight for Unique so that a variation of +- 0.2 gr isn't a big deal. Or, you can use Universal and it will do the same thing and meter much better. Or True Blue. Or VV 330. Or AA5. Or... a few more. Lots of easy solutions if this one is giving you problems.

Why? Well, for one thing, it's a very popular powder that's been around for ages. And despite all the issues people seem to have with metering it, and the wide variety of calibers and loadings that it's oft used in, I have never read of a kB involving Unique!

I have read of unpredictable pressure spikes and/or kB's with certain loads using Universal and AA5 in .40 SW.