unique vs universal in mid range 44 mag loads

[JO JO]

unique vs universal in mid range 44 mag loads ? I ask because a guy at the range was telling me
that he preferred universal over unique in mid range 44 mag he was saying that universal is much cleaner and meters well ?
I have not used universal what say you guy's ?

 

[Malamute]

I have no complaints against Unique when used in mid pressure level loads, but inherited some Universal. I called them and asked how much to duplicate my 9 grs Unique/240 gr cast load in magnum cases, they said 9 grs.

I also have no complaints against Unique regarding metering, at least in the RCBS uniflow or whatever they call their normal measure. Universal is a good powder, i dont see all that much difference either way. Id use whatever i had or could get.

 

[JO JO]

is there much difference in case fill between the 2 powders at the 9 grs ?

 

[Malamute]

I dont recall, I always liked Unique because it was somewhat bulky in the charges I used, it would be very difficult to double charge one and not notice. if i remember, I'll see if I can compare similar charges of them and let you know if somebody doesnt beat me to it.

 

[JO JO]

thank you

 

[Damon555]

Other than the color Unique and Universal are nearly identical in size and shape......and they meter the same too....It makes me wonder if he's ever even seen Unique......How do I know?......Because I loaded up some 44 special last night with both and the powder measure needed very little adjustment when swapping from one to the other.

Universal is quite clean on the lower end of the load spectrum whereas Unique burns on the dirty side when loaded at lower pressures.

 

[Malamute]

^^^ That has been my experience, Unique isnt as clean on the lower end, but not so bad in the medium pressure range. I used it for almost everything low to medium range just to keep it simple in keeping powder on hand. I was not in the habit of loading low end 38 wadcutters, its been pretty much standard factory velocity levels in most stuff Ive loaded, with the exception of the medium level 357s, (6 1/2 grs) 44 mags, (9 grs) 45 Colts (10 grs) and +P 38 spl. (5 1/2 grs).

 

[BBarn]

I've used both for light to mid-range in the 44 Mag. The Universal I used was the recent stuff from Canada that's a dull rose color. They offer similar performance with Universal being a little cleaner. Universal throws a little better thru my Uniflow. But I'm not really a fan of either powder.

 

[JO JO]

But I'm not really a fan of either powder.

may I ask what powder you use for mid range 44 mag ,

 

[BBarn]

I'm still searching Most of the guys I know shoot Unique, and shoot more 44 Mag than me. I just prefer powders like HS-6 and W231 that throw nice and consistent.

HS-6 is a little slow for 44 mid-range, and W231 is a little fast. And HS-6 can get dirty if loaded too light.

Are you shooting jacketed, cast, or swaged? And what weight?

 

[JO JO]

240gr swc coated cast ,

 

[BBarn]

W231 would be worth a try.

I've also used a few powders typically used for shotgun loads. They are best limited to lighter loads around 1000 fps or so with 240 gr cast. Those I tried and liked in that category were American Select and Competition.

Of course, Unique and Universal are preferred by many, just not me (which means little, except to me). And they will get you more in the "mid-range" category.

 

[JO JO]

That’s what am thinking with unique or universal , thanks

 

[Dudedog]

Can't speak for .44 but in 9mm, .357 mag
Universal is cleaner and meters well (rumored to be spiker than Unique at the MAX charge, I never pushed it) A little lighter color than Unique maybe a hair easier to see smaller charges in large cases.
Unique, has, hhmm well Unigue metering properties (note: I didn't say good) more velocity possible than Universal, a little more bulky than Universal but not much, not as clean IMO