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sirgknight
02-13-2012, 06:35 PM
Yesterday I acquired 4 lbs of Universal Clays powder for FREE. I was amazed to find load data for some of favorite cast calibers....9MM, 38spcl, 45 acp and 45 colt. Have any of you used this powder for metallic reloading? I'm probably going to put it to the test this week and see what the chrony says.

Herb3
02-13-2012, 06:42 PM
Universal is the powder I use for all my 45 Colts cast loads and it works great. I have used it with good results in 38 Special 9mm and 45 ACP also

Forrest r
02-13-2012, 06:53 PM
I've had excellent results with the universal clays in 38's, 38P+ & 45's. That's how I buy it anymore in 4# jugs.

Nice getting 4# for free, you'll find a couple loads that will burn it up quicker than you expect.

Lefty SRH
02-13-2012, 06:57 PM
I've had great success with Universal in .38spl, .45ACP, .40 S&W, .44spl, and .45 colt even though I prefer HS-6 for .45 colt.

Lefty SRH
02-13-2012, 06:57 PM
They say it makes a great mid-range power powder for .44 magnum also.

ShooterAZ
02-13-2012, 07:02 PM
Universal Clays is has a burn rate very similar to Unique. It would fit most of the same applications as Unique. I use it for mid-range .44 Mag & .45 Colt loads.

JeffinNZ
02-13-2012, 07:23 PM
Ah yes. I still fondly remember the day I was given 5lb of 800X. 1996 it was. Mostly all gone now though.

sirgknight
02-13-2012, 07:41 PM
Well....seems I've been given a windfall for sure; I'll pay it forward and give some of it to a reloading friend of mine. Thanks for the very encouraging replies.

kenyerian
02-13-2012, 09:26 PM
works well in 38 specials and 20 gauge shotshells.

geargnasher
02-13-2012, 09:52 PM
Universal Clays is has a burn rate very similar to Unique. It would fit most of the same applications as Unique. I use it for mid-range .44 Mag & .45 Colt loads.

Yep, very similar to Unique but isn't quite as versatile with reduced rifle loads, although it will work. It's a great mid-range powder for most pistol stuff, burns clean and meters well.

Gear

beagle
02-13-2012, 10:14 PM
Got a big can from a driend and it all went in my .41 Mag and wish I had another big can./beagle

sirgknight
03-22-2012, 09:09 PM
I never realized the confusion that "clays" powder has created for us. It seems that it is still a subject of discussion in other arenas. It makes no sense for a powder company to have the "same" name for three different powders. Someone new to reloading could get very confused on load data and not know they are loading with the wrong powder. I learned a long time ago to "be certain" about what I am doing. I almost started loading by using the "Clays" data, but that sixth sense told me to go through my three reloading books. The powders are referred to as "Clays", "International" and "Universal". Certainly glad I did a "little" more research before dropping the powder. "Clays" would have probably ruined my day. In any event, I found out that Universal is indeed a great powder. I started out using it for my 40 cal. It meters extremely good, burns thoroughly and makes for a great target load. I also plan to try it for my .38, 9MM and 45ACP/Colt. If I like it as well for those calibers, I may have found a powder that will give unique a run for its money.

Catshooter
03-22-2012, 09:44 PM
It's my go to powder for all pistol and lots of rifle rounds.


Cat

runfiverun
03-22-2012, 11:18 PM
the clays line is equal to the dot line. kinda.
they are just hodgdons fast line of flake powders, to compete with red dot,700-x unique,and herco.
the international is a conglomeration of powders like promo is, and only suitable for a couple of things with any reliability.

Eddie2Gun
03-23-2012, 11:30 AM
I use Universal Clays in all of my handguns from .32H&R to 45acp. I found it to be very clean burning and accurate. Keep it simple and cheap.

ColColt
03-23-2012, 01:37 PM
My second best go to powder for 357, 38 and 45 ACP...good in the 44 Magnum as well. HS-6, being a ball powder, meters better for me in my old DU-O-Measure.

303Guy
03-24-2012, 01:17 AM
AS30N = Clays ⋍ Red Dot
AS50N = International ⋍ Green Dot (International Clays)
AP70N = Universal ⋍ Unique

Clays as in clay pigeon shotgun powder perhaps?

runfiverun
03-24-2012, 03:22 AM
yep.... it didn't even come with data for anything else when it first come out.
i switched from red dot to clays for some trap loads and others it would not perform the same.

excess650
03-24-2012, 07:25 AM
I have both Clays and Universal Clays on the shelf. Both are fine grained flake that meter well and burn cleanly. I will be buying more of both instead of Red Dot and Unique.