Unique powder ?

[MGRAY]

I have a couple pounds of Unique left over from years back when I used it to load 20g shells. I would like to use this in my 38 spl with 158 rnfp lead. The load data from Alliant is for 4.7 with this bullet. But I will be shooting this in my Marlin 1897 357 rifle. Will this be a safe load in the rifle? Thanks...Marty

 

[rcmodel]

Yes.

Perfectly fine.

You could go to 5.2 for +P if you want too.

rc

 

[USSR]

5.0gr of Unique with a 158 - 170gr lead bullet is a long time favorite load.

Don

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Another 5.0 - 5.2 user here.

 

[Starter52]

Unique is a time-tested powder. My favorite range load is 4.5 grains with a 158 grain LSWC.

 

[zxcvbob]

You can also use Unique in .357 Magnums. Max load is 6.8 grains (look it up for yourself to be sure)

 

[MGRAY]

Thanks for all the advise. How does the pressure compare from the rifle to a 6" revolver with the same ammo? Does the pressure increase with the rifle? Thanks

 

[zxcvbob]

Are you sure it's a 1897? I thought those were all .22's

 

[MGRAY]

It is a 1894 ,,, sorry for the error. Marty

 

[Armored farmer]

6.4 gr Unique for all my .357's.

 

[Steve C]

How does the pressure compare from the rifle to a 6" revolver with the same ammo?

Barrel length doesn't change the pressure any but it does change the muzzle velocity quite a bit with higher velocity from the longer rifle barrel. This is only a concern regarding lead bullets and if you get bad leading from pushing the bullet too fast. Should not be a problem with .38 spl loads. On loads I chrono'd a 16" carbine will push a 158gr .38 spl load using 4.5gr of W231 out the muzzle at about 200 fps faster than a 4" revolver. Unique is probably similar.

 

[Sport45]

Keep in mind the .357 loads suggested above should only be used with .357mag brass. This is true even if you are firing in a .357mag chamber.

You only mentioned .38 spl so I thought that worth mentioning.