unique loads

[ammopoor]

I'm trying unique on a few test loads and I'm finding huge variances. The bullet is 45acp 185 gr jacketed HP and start loads are from 4.6 to mid 8 gr.. This seems like a huge cushion. What is anybody else using or is this to slow of a powder for .45? Thanks guys and by the way the search engine doesn't seem to be working so sorry if a repetitive question.

 

[buenhec]

I settled on 5 grains unique on a 230rn or 200 lswc on my Sig 220 or my 1911. Works great, accurate and low recoil.

 

[sammy]

I have noticed this as well. I took 3 loads to the range last weekend. 5.5, 5.75 and 6.0 of Unique under a 230G FMJ and the 5.5 was just powerful enough to cycle the pistol, the 5.75 just right and the 6.0 was more powerful than any factory load I have tried. All in a 5" Kimber 1911. The Lyman manual says 6.6 of Unique is a max load with that bullet but I would not want to try it. Start low and work your way up. BTW these are my first loads so I am still learning.

 

[ammopoor]

I pulled up alliant's own data base and they suggest 8.2gr of unique for a 185JHP!!! This just seems huge but I'm use to w231 at 5.7 gr and this is a completly different powder. I got some test loads made up and will check at the range let you guys know what happened.

 

[joneb]

For Nosler 185gr JHP's I load 7.5grs of Unique with WLP or F150 primers the COAL is 1.2" this load works well in my Marlin camp and 1911 type pistols.
Sorry I forgot to mention this load was a bit hot for a stock Camp45, I use a Wolf 16lbs recoil spring and a Blackjack buffer.

 

[BAT1]

I use 5 gr for 230 and 6 gr for 185 and it's accurate for target use but for the real deal you can inch higher, for more umph.

 

[Steve C]

For 185gr Remington JHP's I load 7.7grs of Unique. This gives me a chrono'd velocity of around 1,060 fps from a Sig 220 and 1,090 fps from both my Commander and Government Model.

 

[GaryL]

I've found 6.2gr of Unique behind a 185JHP works very well.