Unique powder volume

2hand · 07-30-2012, 15:44

Loaded up some test rounds with Unique and I was surprised how full the case was @ 6.8 gr. for a .40 s&w (max was 8 gr).

Are compressed loads more likely with such a high volume powder?

155gr Berrys over 6.8-7.4 gr. Unique. OAL 1.12"

country85 · 07-30-2012, 17:14

I've never loaded for 40, but as long as you follow your manual you should be good. what manual are you using? I load unique in my 44 mag and I use 8.2. I don't see how and the hell you could fit 8 grains in a 40 case. Just follow the golden rule, start light and work your way up. It's better to have to use a wooden dowel to beat a squib bullet out of your barrel then blowing your gun or your self up. I'll see if I have any 40 data in my lyman book

country85 · 07-30-2012, 17:18

From what I've seen in my books you should be good, Like I said I have never loaded 40 before but I saw some loads above what you mentioned you loaded. Just make sure your scale's are calibrated and have fun. Unique is a fairly forgiving powder So you shouldn't have to worry as long as you stay just shy of the max loads

F106 Fan · 07-30-2012, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2hand

Loaded up some test rounds with Unique and I was surprised how full the case was @ 6.8 gr. for a .40 s&w (max was 8 gr).

Max is 8.0 gr for a jacketed bullet. In the case of a plated bullet (Berry's, et al), max is reduced to mid-range for a jacketed bullet. Unfortunately, the Alliant site is useless in this regard, they only provide a max and the statement that the starting charge should be 10% less.

Speer #14 shows 7.2 gr to 8.0 gr of Unique for a 155 gr GDHP or TMJ FN. So, somewhere around 7.6 gr (mid range) would be the max if you are following along with Berry's recommendations.

Other manuals may have different data.

The fact that you are loading between 6.8 and 7.4 grains seems about right. Just be certain you know that your weigh scale is accurate (I use RCBS check weights) and load some up! I probably wouldn't go over 7.4 unless there was some compelling reason.

Richard

2hand · 07-30-2012, 17:40

Thnx Country, appreciated.

2hand · 07-30-2012, 17:46

The data was out of the Speer manual and the Alliant site.

Thanks Richard, that's the mentality I was going on. Just seeing 6.8 in the case was cause for concern. We'll see.

2hand · 07-30-2012, 18:07

The data was out of the Speer manual and the Alliant site.

Thanks Richard, that's the mentality I was going on. Just seeing 6.8 in the case was cause for concern. We'll see.

Zombie Steve · 07-30-2012, 18:20

Its bulkiness is part of the reason it gets recommended for newbies... easier to spot a double charge.

Try loading it in 9mm. You'll be brimmin' over.

country85 · 07-30-2012, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie Steve

Try loading it in 9mm. You'll be brimmin' over.

Literally !!!!! Got to be careful in 44 mag though cause you can probably fit a triple charge in there!

Zombie Steve · 07-30-2012, 20:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by country85

Literally !!!!! Got to be careful in 44 mag though cause you can probably fit a triple charge in there!

It will just get lost in a .45 Colt case if you ain't careful...

country85 · 07-30-2012, 20:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zombie Steve

It will just get lost in a .45 Colt case if you ain't careful...

Ever tried to load 45-70 with unique? I had to send in a search and rescue team!!!

fredj338 · 07-30-2012, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by country85

Ever tried to load 45-70 with unique? I had to send in a search and rescue team!!!

Yep, used to shoot CAS w/ my 45-70 back in the day when it was allowed. I would load 45-70 w/ 9gr under a 300gr LFP. I had to put a tuft of Kapok into the case as an over powder wad.
Unique is bulky, one reason I like it. It stands some compression well, in most 9mm loads, it's going to be compressed.