Unique replacement

[captn-tin]

For those of you suggesting using Universal Clays, are you actually speaking of Universal Clays, or h-universal. Thanks

[1006]

I thought Clays Universal, and it is referred to as “universal”,”universal clays”, and “Hodgdon Universal”

Number 33 in the chart. https://www.google.com/search?q=burn...GPljQcAvvakHPM


https://sensiflexsupply.com/product/...iversal-clays/

[jdgabbard]

I'm interested in this thread myself. I have lots of Unique on hand, and I'm not worried about running out. But I'd like to build a list of good alternatives in the event I need them. Been thinking of trying True Blue for a while now. I like the idea of the ball powder metering (something I've never really been able to get Unique or Red Dot to do consistently). But as mentioned before, I probably should buy a different powder measure to do that - the Lee measures most definitely leak ball powder.

Off topic, but anyone have a suggestion for a particular measure when using ball powder? Ie, Something that doesn't leak?

[Carrier]

I'm interested in this thread myself. I have lots of Unique on hand, and I'm not worried about running out. But I'd like to build a list of good alternatives in the event I need them. Been thinking of trying True Blue for a while now. I like the idea of the ball powder metering (something I've never really been able to get Unique or Red Dot to do consistently). But as mentioned before, I probably should buy a different powder measure to do that - the Lee measures most definitely leak ball powder.

Off topic, but anyone have a suggestion for a particular measure when using ball powder? Ie, Something that doesn't leak?

Both of the Hornady LNL and the RCBS Uniflow measures I have don’t leak any powder.

[Messy bear]

It is good to see so much said about BE-86, I agree with this post, and reluctantly tried it in my 38-55, there is absolutely nothing in print about using this in any rifle cartridge, and the manufacturer recommends not using, however they also said that about Unique.

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How did BE 86 work in the 38/55?

[jgstrug]

How did BE 86 work in the 38/55?

Well I have loaded and shot the new cases 10 times, and of those, four times they worked well enough to win the match. The barrel gets a little hotter than it did with Unique. Accuracy seems very close to Unique and just as consistent. One odd thing I have noticed is that any case lube left on the case neck turns to a waxy glue like solid after firing. My sight settings are still the same, so I am assuming similar velocity, I have been using exactly 10gr. Thank you for asking, and this is as far out on the limb as I have ever gone.

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[30calflash]

In an older Lyman manual the powders available were less numerous than made today and a few are no made at this time.

I don't have the manual now but Herco was used in some handgun and many reduced cast loads for rifle. The closest in burn rate to Unique at that time.

There may be a direct replacement (almost) for Unique but a lot depends now on availability. It seems to be getting better but what is on the shelf in one area may not be elsewhere.

[35isit]

Local candy store got 20 1 pound cans in Wednesday. I purchased 2 as soon as they unpacked them. $49.99 a pound . But I haven't seen any in about 2 years for sale.

[Messy bear]

The only thing I don’t like about BE -86 is it’s cost and availability ��

[Hi-Speed]

I do most of my 38/357 reloading now with WW231 and BE-86. Had been using Bullseye and Unique for 50 yrs.

[ACC]

I’m getting low on Unique, and while I have always used and liked it, I’ll admit it’s a pain metering in smaller charges/cases. So Ive been thinking about getting something before I’m completely out and I wouldn’t mind something that meters better.

Of course is sold out everywhere around here, I was wondering what others have used as replacements.

While I know there is now “true” replacement for Unique, these are the ones I’m considering… I believe these are all in the “somewhat” same burn rate range.

I’ve never used any of these, so any input on these would be much appreciated.

- BR-5 (7lbs jug available)
- CFE Pistol (8lbs jugs available)
- Win 244 (8lbs jugs available)
- HS-6 (8lbs jugs available)
- True Blue (4lbs jugs available)
- BE-86 (1lbs available)
- No. 7 (1lbs available)

I never have used unique. But my second go to powder for all my pistol loads is CFEPistol. Burns clean and can do some magnum loads.

ACC

[ACC]

I’m getting low on Unique, and while I have always used and liked it, I’ll admit it’s a pain metering in smaller charges/cases. So Ive been thinking about getting something before I’m completely out and I wouldn’t mind something that meters better.

Of course is sold out everywhere around here, I was wondering what others have used as replacements.

While I know there is now “true” replacement for Unique, these are the ones I’m considering… I believe these are all in the “somewhat” same burn rate range.

I’ve never used any of these, so any input on these would be much appreciated.

- BR-5 (7lbs jug available)
- CFE Pistol (8lbs jugs available)
- Win 244 (8lbs jugs available)
- HS-6 (8lbs jugs available)
- True Blue (4lbs jugs available)
- BE-86 (1lbs available)
- No. 7 (1lbs available)

I have a backup powder for all my cartridges I reload.

My #1 powder for .357 is H110 my backup is CFE Pistol
For .38 special W231 my backup is CFE Pistol
For .40 S&W CFE Pistol my backup is AA#5
7.62X39 H322 and back up is CFE 223

I have worked up loads for both powders and reload with my primary one. I know that if I run out of one I can use the other.

ACC

[Kosh75287]

In the foreseable future, I intend to invest DEEPLY in Alliant powders, and buy into quantities that will last me long into my senility. I mean AFTER ALL, it worked with SCOTCH!!!

[Whole Bunches]

My standard 44 Special load is 7.5 gr Unique with 250gr cast swc. Bought 8lb jug of BE-86. Started at 7.4gr and worked up 0.1gr at a time testing accuracy with same 250gr cast bullets. At 7.6gr BE-86 shot the best, actually better than my standard load. I went up to 8.0gr BE-86 with no visible pressure signs or brass sticking or flattened primers.

Today I chronographed out of a 6 1/2” S&W Model 24-3. 7.5gr Unique = 907 fps at the muzzle. 7.6gr BE-86 = 950 fps. 7.6gr BE-86 is my new standard load.