The abilities and shortcomings of Unique powder

While I'm working on getting my reloading bench put together I've been trying to do a bit of "book" loading so I know what to pick up when head over to the gun shop.

What I really need is two loads to start off with in my 454 (SRH). The first is for the indoor range I belong to and the other is the deer thumper.

The more I look at Unique the more I think it might do well as a double duty propellant. From my perusal of Lyman's 49th, it seems I could load a 250 gr. cast over about 10 grains or so for indoors (the power-factor limit is 275) and run the 250 gr. XTP over 15-ish grains for an approximate 1400 fps deer dropper.

...At least on paper.

So what's the catch? Because there has to be one.


Side note: I realize 1400 fps isn't all the Casull has to offer. Please humor me. Hopefully next year we'll get to having a little H110/296 driving some 300-plus grain hardcast.

Unique is a good powder to try in your loads,like you've observed you can go lighter or little heavier for hunting loads.You shouldn't use a mag primer with this powder.I've always liked H110 and W296 for my hunting loads/with these powders I can work up very accurate loads.The owner of my gunshop uses Unique for all his loads/mild and hunting.

I have used Unique for my 38 Special plinking loads.It isn't the cleanest burning powder out there. I prefer Win296 or H-110 for my accuracy loads.

I have used it in the 38/40 & 45 ACP it is not a very clean powder.

I like 2400 for loads that are in the max range.--

Should be fine for target loads and such-- would not be my hunting powder of choice

My experience with unique is the more you put in the case the worse it does in the accuracy department with the big stuff, I have had good luck with 38, 357, 45 colt and 44 mag, any reloader should have a couple of pounds kicken around, it comes in handy.

I was kinda guessing it would be a bit dirty with less than stellar accuracy. Thanks for confirming it for me guys.

It looks like I'll be working with two different powders for a bit then.

Odin,

Consider Trail Boss for your reduced loads. I've used it in the 50 AE with 325 gr CWFN for about 1,000 fps, and in my 460 S&W with 250 gr bullets at about 1,100-1,200 fps. The 460 load duplicates a 45 Colt load, using the 460 case - no powder, residue rings t deal with from the shorter case. I'm sure a load could be found for the 454 C. Check http://www.hodgdon.com for load data. It burns clean and is very bulky. Usually, you can fill the case for the max load. NOT Always; however!

Doc

I have not used Unique in my .454s, but its very accurate with 255 gr cast bullets in my .44 mag SBHs.

It's ok if you want to shoot a light load but like the others have said it burns kind of dirty.

I use Unique for a nice shooting target load for my 454. I use 2400, H110 and W296 for my hunting loads.