357 mag loads for unique

[jballs918]

well as the title says i need some info on this bullet. im using a 158 grainer for it. the lyman 48 does not list any info for this in unique at all. so if i could get the ax and the min for this that would be great thansk guys.

[mtngunr]

Assuming you mean a cast and not jacketed bullet, old '73 Lyman data for the 358156 listed 5.5grs/1075fps/17,100cup start, and 8gr/1405fps/35,500cup max....Unique is about 10% faster today, and pressures are down in load manuals....Alliant listed in '96 and '04 a 158gr LSWC 6.8grs/1295fps/33,900psi, and I'd trust this later data from the manufacturer more so than from a reloading supply place....personally, I think Unique is too fast a powder to be using in that large a case, as you will get very high pressures and perhaps still not get the velocity you want.....

[sundog]

Take a looksee at the 38 Spl loads. That will give you an idea for a starting place. Pressure and speed will be lower, because the case is bigger. Top end load in a .38 should be no problem in the .357. sundog

[9.3X62AL]

I use Sundog's method with the 357 and 44 Magnums for start loads in those calibers, and top-end 38 Special + 10% usually gets me about 950-1000 FPS with 150-165 grainers in 357 Magnum. Top-end cast 357 loads do better with 2400.

[JudgeBAC]

This poses an interesting question. What cartridges and loads are best suited for unique?

[mtngunr]

This poses an interesting question. What cartridges and loads are best suited for unique?

I'd say a one word answer...."non-magnum"....

[Treeman]

Unique is not the right powder for top end loads in the .357-Pressures climb faster than velocity and you simply can't get to top speeds safely. HOWEVER, I find Unique to be a very useful powder in .357. It is just right for generating performance between .38 spl and .357 top loads. My normal loading is 6.4 grains behind a 160 grain cast SWC. I've chronographed that loading at 1075 fps in warm temps and 1004fps at near freezing from a 4" barrel Ruger SS. That load is well under max but pressure and performance is above a .38. Several manuals frm a couple decades ago show 7.5 grains as max. That seemed a little warm to me and I dropped back tothe 6.3-6.4 grain loading where accuracy was good and pressures mild.

[txpete]

while for target loads and just fun plinking unique is fine in 38/357 loads.if I really want to turn the heat up AA#9 and 2400 are what I use.both meter excellent.
pete

[versifier]

Start around 6.5grs, 8grs is about the max of Unique with gas checked 158gr boolits in .357mag cases. Use a good firm crimp. Best accuracy around 7gr, good for plinking and small game. I use 2400 for faster hunting loads in revolvers, Blue Dot for the Contender.

[DanWalker]

This poses an interesting question. What cartridges and loads are best suited for unique?
I've used it with great success for mid range loads in my 45LC's
9 grains under a 255swc is a classic load.
I used it in my Dan Wesson 357 revolver when I shot Field pistol IHMSA.
My load for the steel critters was 4.5 grains, under a 125 rn cast boolit in a 38spl case.
I've fiddled with it a bit as a powder for cast loads in my rifles, but haven't had as good of luck with it as I have with other powders like 2400 and Red Dot.
One load I dug out of my reloading notes from a few years ago is a favorite of my nephew's. We bought him one of the great Savage 340's in 30/30 for his first hunting rifle. I had him loading(with my supervision) a 160 grain gaschecked boolit over 2 5cc scoops of Unique. Velocity was around 1200 fps and accuracy from his gun and my win 94 was great. It is just a good plinking load for 100 yard target work and fun shooting.

[jballs918]

ok guys, im going to gun a load of 6.0 for this thanks for all the info